Ballast Water

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that ballast water brings along plants, animals, bacteria, and pathogens that have the potential to become aquatic nuisance species (ANS). The author points out that the Clean Water Act (CWA) of the U.S. protects the waters from chemical dumping, but does not regulate ballast waters. The paper relates that only 20 percent of the people residing in the U.S. are aware of the serious threats that ballast water poses to the marine ecosystem.

Table of Contents
Inherency
Economic and Environmental Damage Occur
The Clean Water Act Does Not Fully Cover
U.S. Citizens Aren't Aware of the Many Threats
Harms
Ballast Water and its Dangers
Bio Invasion through Ballast Water
Zebra Mussels Have Caused Damaged of over $5 Billion in the Great Lakes
Vast Majority of U.S. Marine Life Are in Danger
Various Creatures Can Survive in Ballast Tanks
Solvency

From the Paper:

"One predatory fish species could seriously harm the local ecosystem. The introduction of the Zebra mussels into the Great Lakes in USA has infested over 40% of internal waterways. It has already cost the United States of America $ 5 billion, a phenomenal amount. Moreover, even after spending this amount there is no solution in sight as to how they can be eradicated or even contained."

More papers on Ballast Water:

• Essay # 50082 : "Ballast Water"
• Research Paper # 24424 : "The Problem of Nonindigenous Aquatic Species"
• Research Paper # 120068 : "Water Supply Alternatives for Southwest Florida"

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