Impact of Ballast Water on Environmental Health

Marine transportation discharges waste water in the form of ballast water. Ballast water is usually used in marine vehicle to make it in balance condition. The water origin of ballast water is unknown. However, it probably consists of many types of pollutant and pathogenic bacteria, which potentially cause contamination in the marine environment, adversely affect marine's biota and habitat, as well as human health and economic value. This study was a preliminary research which was intended to analyze the content and the amount of bacteria in the ballast water. This study used an observational analytical method with a cross sectional approach. The results indicated that ballast water contained Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli, and Intestinal Enterococci. These bacteria are potential to cause impacts on environmental health and, therefore, the water ballast discharged by marine vehicles must be managed properly.