Presence, Dynamics, and Fate of Pathogenic Microorganisms in Ballast Water and Ballast Water MicrocosmsWhile the movement of aquatic species between one ecosystem and another occurs naturally, it also occurs because of human actions, particularly in ballast water discharges by ocean-going vessels. Over the last several years, a number of techniques have been proposed for minimizing the impacts of such discharges, among them, ballast water exchange, filtration and heat treatments. However, these techniques may have little effect on populations of microorganisms that are also released with larger species, for example, bacteria, viruses and dinoflagellates, some of which have been responsible for harmful algal blooms. Though microorganisms are natural constituents of all aquatic systems, non-native species could have greater survivability in their new waters – the effects of such introductions could also ripple through the food chain and perhaps affect human health. Until recently, there has been limited research on these potential threats, and virtually no data exist on the survival and colonization of microorganisms released in ballast water. Building on current Sea Grant support, the researchers will undertake a comprehensive study of pathogenic microorganisms in ballast water and assess their fate and potential impact to the Bay ecosystem. Based on findings from this project and related studies, management strategies to prevent invasions of larger organisms may have to be reconsidered if pathogenic microorganisms in ballast discharges are shown to have the potential for surviving in Chesapeake Bay. |
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Gregory M. Ruiz
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Anwar Huq Microbiology Department University of Maryland Gerardo Vasta Center of Marine Biotechnology University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute Fred C. Dobbs Old Dominion University |
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