A review of ultraviolet disinfection for ballast water treatment

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection uses ultraviolet light to achieve inactivation of various microorganisms including bacteria, phytoplankton, protozoa, viruses etc. It is extensively used in air treatment, water and wastewater treatment. Several factors affect the efficacy of Ultraviolet disinfection.

The report briefly touches upon the kinetics of ultraviolet disinfection in current water practices and the applications of UV disinfection in daily lives.

Recently, UV disinfection is being used for ballast water treatment. The International Maritime Organization has made it mandatory for all ships to treat ballast water before release for the safety of marine organisms.

The report focuses on UV disinfection in ballast water treatment to achieve an efficient and optimal system for the same. The author has studied various disinfection components for a UV treatment system and researched on the current practices being employed by companies in the field of ballast water treatment using ultraviolet disinfection.

Finally, an UV disinfection system has been proposed after gaining enough information from all the data studied.