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Using Microwaves To Cook Ballast Stowaways

Posted by kdawson on from the avast-and-adios dept.

Smivs writes "US researchers say they have developed an effective way to kill unwanted plants and animals that hitch a ride in the ballast waters of cargo vessels. Tests showed that a continuous microwave system was able to remove all marine life within the water tanks. The UN lists 'invasive species' dispersed by ballast water discharges as one of the four main threats to the world's marine ecosystems. For example European zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) have infested more than 40% of the US's inland waterways. Between 1989 and 2000, up to $1B is estimated to have been spent on controlling the spread of the alien invader."

4 of 186 comments (clear)

  1. I think not.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Microwaves confuse the molecules and these molecules of nutrition then misbehave and cause disorders such as cancer, diabetes and hair loss. This would be detrimental to anything that ate the food that was microwaved.

    A better solution, I propose, is to simply put some spent nuclear fuel into the ballast tank to kill off any invasive species before dumping the ballast water.

    Posing as AC b/c I work for an environmental consulting firm...and my boss would fire me if he knew I was this "green".

  2. Why it's important to RTFA by StudMuffin · · Score: 5, Funny

    I thought this was a method to take care of STOWAWAYS. you know, like people trying to sneak into the country.

    My first thought was, "Wow, that sounds effective."

    My second was, "But that is kinda harsh."

    My thirs, "Cooooooool."

    --
    Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It's what separates us from the animals... except the weasel. -
    1. Re:Why it's important to RTFA by JonTurner · · Score: 5, Funny

      Same thought, here! I was picturing this system being adapted to zap those poor schmucks that hold onto the landing gear of jet aircraft. At least they wouldn't have to worry any more about freezing to death at high altitude.

      "Excuse me, stewardess? Is something burning in the kitchen? Smells like bologna..."

  3. Re:Too little too late by Dahamma · · Score: 5, Funny

    Skinner: Well, I was wrong; the lizards are a godsend.
    Lisa: But isn't that a bit short-sighted? What happens when we're overrun by lizards?
    Skinner: No problem. We simply release wave after wave of Chinese needle snakes. They'll wipe out the lizards.

    Lisa: But aren't the snakes even worse?
    Skinner: Yes, but we're prepared for that. We've lined up a fabulous type of gorilla that thrives on snake meat.
    Lisa: But then we're stuck with gorillas!
    Skinner: No, that's the beautiful part. When wintertime rolls around, the gorillas simply freeze to death.