Sample processing and analysis
4.1 Samples taken during testing of BWMS are likely to contain a wide taxonomic
diversity of organisms, varying greatly in size and susceptibilities to damage from
sampling and analysis.
4.2 When available, widely accepted standard methods for the collection, handling
(including concentration), storage, and analysis of samples should be used. These
methods should be clearly cited and described in test plans and reports. This
includes methods for detecting, enumerating, and determining minimum dimension of
and identifying organisms and for determining viability (as defined in these
Guidelines).
4.3 When standard methods are not available for particular organisms or taxonomic
groups, methods that are developed for use should be described in detail in test
plans and reports. The descriptive documentation should include any experiments
needed to validate the use of the methods.
4.4 Given the complexity in samples of natural and treated water, the required rarity
of organisms in treated samples under regulation D-2, and the expense and time
requirements of current standard methods, it is likely that several new approaches
will be developed for the analyses of the composition, concentration, and viability
of organisms in samples of ballast water. Administrations/Parties are encouraged to
share information concerning methods for the analysis of ballast water samples,
using existing scientific venues, and papers distributed through the
Organization.
Sample analysis for determining efficacy in meeting the discharge
standard
4.5 Sample analysis is meant to determine the species composition and the number of
viable organisms in the sample. Different samples may be taken for determination of
viability and for species composition.
4.6 The viability of organisms should be determined using a method that has been
accepted by the Organization as appropriate to the ballast water treatment
technology being tested. Acceptable methods should provide assurance that organisms
not removed from ballast water have been killed or rendered harmless to the
environment, human health, property and resources. Viability may be established by
assessing the presence of one or more essential characteristics of life, such as
structural integrity, metabolism, reproduction, motility, or response to stimuli.
4.7 A treatment test cycle should be deemed successful if:
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.1 it is valid in accordance with paragraph 2.3.3.6 (shipboard) or
2.4.20, 2.4.21, 2.4.24 and 2.4.36 (land-based testing) as appropriate;
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.2 the density of organisms greater than or equal to 50 micrometres in
minimum diameter in the replicate samples is less than 10 viable
organisms per cubic metre;
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.3 the density of organisms less than 50 micrometres and greater than or
equal to 10 micrometres in minimum diameter in the replicate samples is
less than 10 viable organisms per millilitre;
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.4 the density of Vibrio cholerae (serotypes O1 and O139) is less
than 1 cfu per 100 millilitres, or less than 1 cfu per 1 gramme (wet
weight) zooplankton samples;
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.5 the density of E. coli in the replicate samples is less than
250 cfu per 100 millilitres;
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.6 the density of intestinal Enterococci in the replicate samples is less
than 100 cfu per 100 millilitres; and
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.7 no averaging of test runs, or the discounting of failed test runs has
occurred.
4.8 It is recommended that a non-exhaustive list of standard methods and
innovative research techniques be consideredfootnote.
Sample analysis for
determining eco-toxicological acceptability of discharge
4.9 Toxicity tests of the treated water discharge should be conducted in
accordance with paragraphs 5.2.3 to 5.2.7 of the Procedure for approval of
ballast water management systems that make use of Active Substances (G9) as
revised.