What are the ballast water treatment requirements for ships?

To understand the ballast water treatment requirements for ships, it's important to recognize the standards that are set for the discharge of ballast water, particularly in relation to the control of invasive species and the protection of marine ecosystems. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has established specific standards under the Ballast Water Management Convention, which require ships to treat their ballast water before discharge.

The correct figures represent the maximum allowable concentrations of certain organisms in treated ballast water. The standards specify that ships must treat ballast water to ensure that no more than 10 viable organisms per cubic meter of a size greater than 50 micrometers are present, and no more than 100 viable organisms per cubic meter for organisms less than 50 micrometers and larger than 10 micrometers.

This ensures that the ballast water being discharged into the environment does not contribute to the spread of invasive aquatic organisms, which can have devastating ecological and economic impacts. Understanding these treatment standards is crucial for compliance with regulations and for the protection of marine biodiversity.

The other options do not align with the established international standards for ballast water treatment and therefore would not be seen as valid or acceptable requirements under the current regulations.