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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."

3 of 186 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Too little too late by Hojima · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Some environmentalist has to tell me why we don't just import its natural predator. And don't give me crap about 'well it could be an invasive species too.' If it's high up the food chain, it will be forced to live in equilibrium with its prey. Has it ever even been tried?

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  2. Re:Too little too late by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    In Australia the Cane Toad was introduced as a natural predator for the imported ("i forget") species. It turned out to be much worse than the original problem.

  3. Re:Too little too late by tomhudson · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The great lakes were dying from pollution before the zebra mussels.

    At least the water that goes downstream is cleaner than it would be otherwise.

    Hey, when life hands you a lemon ...