Continuous microwave heating of ballast water to prevent introduction of invasive species during the de-ballasting operations

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-2007

Abstract

A continuous microwave system to treat ballast water inoculated with different invasive species was designed and installed at the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. The effectiveness of the system to deliver the required heating loads to inactivate the organisms present was studied. The targeted organisms were microalgae (Nannochloropsis oculata), zooplankton at two different growth stages (newly hatched brine shrimp-Artemia nauplii and adult Artemia), and oyster larvae (Crassosstrea virginica). The system was tested at two different flow rates (1 and 2 lpm) and two different power levels (2.5 and 4.5 kW). The treated ballast water was sampled at different residence times and the results were compared with the control treatment (in a hot water bath). The experimental results show that the microwave system could deliver uniform heating of the ballast water. Overall, the test results indicate that the microwave treatment of ballast water is an efficient method and compares well to controls in eliminating the invasive species present.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Proceedings Book - 11th International Conference on Microwave and High Frequency Heating, AMPERE 2007

First Page

278

Last Page

281

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