Sampling strategy, quantification, characterization and hazard potential assessment of greywater from ships in the Baltic Sea
Journal article, 2024

Ship-generated greywater contains a variety of pollutants which, through various pathways, usually are discharged into the sea. To understand the seasonal variation in greywater volumes, the contaminant concentrations in, and the potential hazard of, ship-generated greywater streams, a four-phase strategy for sampling, characterization and hazard assessment of greywater was developed and implemented. Eight greywater streams, sampled from five ships, were characterized for selected pollutants. The metals Zn, Cu, Mn and the metalloid, As, collectively contributed 98 % to the Hazard Index. Laundry greywater had the highest average concentration of phosphorus (42 mg/l) while galley greywater had the highest average concentration of nitrogen (30 mg/l). The geometric means of COD-Cr, BOD5, TSS and P exceeded the IMO resolution MEPC 227(64) guideline values for sewage effluent from Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plants. The results establish the basis for and contribute to discussions on, the optimization of ship-generated greywater management and the establishment of potential regulatory strategies in the Baltic Region.

Contaminants

Analysis

Sample

Environment

Vessels

Baltic

Author

Jenette Mujingni

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Maritime Studies

Erik Ytreberg

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Maritime Studies

Ida-Maja Hassellöv

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Maritime Studies

G. B.M. Rathnamali

University of Gothenburg

Martin Hassellöv

University of Gothenburg

Kent Salo

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Maritime Studies

Marine Pollution Bulletin

0025-326X (ISSN) 1879-3363 (eISSN)

Vol. 208 116993

Subject Categories

Water Engineering

Environmental Sciences

DOI

10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116993

More information

Latest update

10/7/2024