Ballast water transport is considered a pollutant because it can carry which?

• A. Marine life including small invertebrates, bacteria, other microbes and the eggs, cysts and larvae of many species
• B. Freshwater organisms
• C. Petroleum residues
• D. Plastics

Answer: (A)

The pollution risk from ballast water comes from its ability to move living organisms to new regions. When ships take on ballast water to balance themselves and then discharge it elsewhere, it can release a wide range of life—mar ine life including tiny invertebrates, bacteria, and the eggs, cysts, and larvae of many species. These organisms can establish populations in the new environment, disrupt native ecosystems, outcompete local species, and cause economic damage to fisheries and tourism. Freshwater organisms, petroleum residues, or plastics are not the defining risk here; the key pollutant aspect of ballast water is the potential for transporting living organisms that can become invasive.