What Are the Toxicological Effects of Ballast Water Contaminants?
Contaminants in ballast water can have multiple toxicological impacts. For instance, heavy metals such as mercury and lead can bioaccumulate in marine organisms, leading to toxic effects that can travel up the food chain. Pesticides can cause endocrine disruption in aquatic species, affecting their growth and reproduction. Similarly, hydrocarbons can lead to harmful effects on the liver and other organs of marine organisms.
