GILLIS, Nancy*; WALTERS, Linda; YEARGAIN, Michele; REINHART, Debra; Univ. of Central Florida; Univ. of Central Florida; Univ. of Central Florida; Univ. of Central Florida: Effectiveness of Ferrate (FeO₄^-2) as a Ballast Water Disinfectant

Over 21 billion gallons of ballast water are released into United States waters each year. In marine systems, especially ports, estuaries, and coastal waterways, discharged ballast water from transoceanic ships is a major cause of invasive species introductions. In the United States alone, over 300 invasive species have been established in coastal ecosystems by ballast water discharge. Efforts are currently underway worldwide to find the most cost-effective method of complete ballast water disinfection that causes no harm to the environment. Ferrate (FeO₄^-2) has the potential to be both cost-effective and environmentally sound. We tested the ability of ferrate to kill a wide diversity of common ballast water species (phytoplankton; macroalgae; invertebrate eggs, larvae and adults). A range of dosages and exposure times were tested to find the minimal treatment for 100% mortality. Ferrate effectiveness was also tested at a range of salinities (15, 25, 35 ppt) to mimic exchanging ballast water in both estuarine and oceanic ports. Solutions that facilitate the safe transfer of ballast water and prevent the movement of non-native species among ports are desperately needed on our increasingly global economy.