I:\MEPC\61\2-1.doc 

E

MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION 

COMMITTEE 

61st session 

Agenda item 2 

MEPC 61/2/1

18 March 2010

 Original: ENGLISH

HARMFUL AQUATIC ORGANISMS IN BALLAST WATER

Application for Basic Approval of AquaStar Ballast Water Management System 

Submitted by the Republic of Korea 

SUMMARY 

Executive summary: This document contains the non-confidential information related to 

the application for Basic Approval of the AquaStar Ballast Water 

Management System developed by AQUA Eng. Co., Ltd. in 

accordance with the "Procedure for approval of ballast water 

management systems that make use of Active Substances (G9)" 

adopted by resolution MEPC.169(57). The AquaStar BWMS 

consists of Smart Pipe, electrolysis and neutralization units to treat 

ballast water. 

Strategic direction: 7.1 

High-level action: 7.1.2 

Planned output: 7.1.2.4 

Action to be taken: Paragraph 6 

Related documents: BWM/CONF/36; MEPC 57/21; MEPC 58/2/4 and BWM.2/Circ.24 

Introduction

1 Regulation D-3.2 of the International Convention for the Control and Management 

of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments stipulates that ballast water management systems 

which make use of Active Substances to comply with the Convention shall be approved by 

the Organization, based on a procedure developed by the Organization. 

2 The "Procedure for approval of ballast water management systems that make use 

of Active Substances (G9)", adopted by resolution MEPC.169(57), defines the principal 

aspects to be documented by data or testing (MEPC 57/21, annex 1, paragraph 4.2.1) and 

some basic principles for risk evaluation (MEPC 57/21, annex 1, paragraph 5.3). According 

to section 6 of Procedure (G9), the Organization should evaluate the information provided in 

the application. 
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3 According to BWM.2/Circ.24, proposals for approval of ballast water management 

systems that make use of Active Substances are to be submitted to the Marine Environment 

Division of the Organization to be reviewed by the GESAMP-Ballast Water Working Group. 

In the meantime, a document on the proposal for approval containing all the non-confidential 

data related to the respective ballast water management systems that make use of Active 

Substances needs to be submitted to MEPC 61. 

4 The competent authority in the Republic of Korea has verified the application dossier 

prepared by AQUA Eng. Co., Ltd. and believes it to satisfy the data requirements 

of Procedure (G9) adopted by resolution MEPC.169(57). 

5 Therefore, the Republic of Korea submits the non-confidential part of the applicant's 

dossier in the annex of this document to the Organization for evaluation according 

to Procedure (G9). The complete dossier will be made available to the experts of 

the GESAMP-BWWG with the understanding of confidential treatment. 

Action requested of the Committee

6 The Committee is invited to consider the proposal for Basic Approval and decide as 

appropriate. 

***
MEPC 61/2/1 

Annex, page 1 

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ANNEX 

NON-CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION ON 

AquaStar BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 

Contents

1 INTRODUCTION 

2 DESCRIPTION OF THE AquaStar SYSTEM 

2.1 General description of the AquaStar system 

2.2 The components of the AquaStar system 

2.3 Preliminary test facility 

2.4 Laboratory-scale test facility for Basic Approval 

3 PRINCIPLE OF THE AquaStar SYSTEM 

3.1 Disinfection principles of hypochlorite and sodium hypochlorite 

3.2 Principle of electrolysis of seawater 

3.3 Principle of neutralization 

4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 

4.1 Identification of the Active Substances, Relevant Chemicals and Other 

Chemicals 

4.2 Data-set for Active Substances and preparations 

4.3 Assessment report 

5 RISK CHARACTERIZATION 

5.1 Screening for Persistency, Bioaccumulation and Toxicity (PBT) 

5.2 Toxicity testing 

5.3 Risk characterization and analysis 

6 EVALUATION CRITERIA 

6.1 Ship and personnel safety 

7 REGULATION OF THE USE OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCES AND PREPARATION 

7.1 Handling of Active Substances and Preparations 

7.2 Hazard documentation and labelling (Safe procedure and use for hazard 

incidents) 

8 REFERENCES 

9 APPENDICES 
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List of Abbreviations

Abbreviation Description 

°C Degrees Celsius 

AS Active Substance 

BWM Ballast Water Management 

BWMS Ballast Water Management System 

cm Centimetre 

CRO Combined Residual Oxidant 

d Day 

DOC Dissolved Organic Carbon 

DOT U.S. Department of Transportation 

EC50 Effect Concentration, 50% (median effective concentration) 

EPA (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency 

FRO Free Residual Oxidant 

g Gram 

g/h Gram per hour 

hr Hour 

ISO International Standard Organization 

Koc Partition coefficient 

L Litre 

LC50 Median lethal dose 

LOAEL Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level 

μg Microgram 

μm Micrometre 

m3/hr Cubic metres per hour 

MAMPEC Marine Antifouling Model to Predict Environment Concentration 

mg Milligram 

MOS Margin Of Safety 

mV Millivolt 

N/A Not Applicable 

ND Not Detected 

NOAEL No Observable Adverse Effect Level 

NOEC No-Effect Concentration 

NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Unit 

OECD Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 

ORP Oxidation and Reduction Potential 

PEC Predicted Environmental Concentration 

pH Measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution 

PNEC Predicted No-effect Concentration 

PLC Programmable Logic Control 

POC Particulate Organic Carbon 

Pow Octanol-water Partition Coefficient 

RC Relevant Chemical 

SMILES Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry Specification 

TEST WATER Raw seawater including viable organisms, heterotrophic bacteria, 

starch, glucose to correspond with Guidelines (G8) 
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THM Trihalomethanes 

TOC Total Organic Carbon 

TRO Total Residual Oxidant 

TSS Total Suspended Solids 

WHO World Health Organization 

This report is structured in accordance with the headlines in the "Procedure for approval of 

ballast water management systems that make use of Active Substances (G9)". 

1 INTRODUCTION

The transportation of ballast water on the oceans amounts to 10 billion tonnes per year, and 

aquatic organisms more than 3,000 individuals are unavoidably transported. Non-indigenous 

aquatic species of animals, plants, and bacteria have been introduced into new environments 

through discharge of ballast water with severe impact on native ecosystems (Hayes 

and Sliwa, 2003). In 2004, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted 

the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship's Ballast Water and 

Sediments and prepared a quality standard for discharge of ballast water. From next 2011, 

the International Convention will be applicable in sequence. As of 2011, the Convention will 

be implemented for new ships holding less than 5,000 m3

 of ballast water capacity. 

2 DESCRIPTION OF THE AquaStar SYSTEM 

2.1 General description of the AquaStar system 

The AquaStar Ballast Water Management System being developed by AQUA Eng. Co., Ltd. 

is an electrolytic system. The Active Substances (AS) are produced from electrolysis of 

natural seawater. The AS include chlorine (Cl2), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), hypochlorous 

acid (HOCl), hypochlorite (OCl-

), hypobromous acid (HOBr), and hypobromite (OBr-). These 

disinfectants are used to remove aquatic organisms in seawater or brackish water 

(Jeong et al., 2002; Yoon et al., 2005). The system design is simple with the ballasting water 

passing directly through the electrolyzer unit. 

During ballasting, AquaStar is possible to produce and control the maximum 30 mg/L of TRO 

(AS) in seawater or brackish water through electrolysis, also has the efficient range to 

remove aquatic organisms. After AquaStar is installed on ship, AquaStar is feasible to 

generate the suitable TRO (AS) concentration during ballasting. 

The AQUA Eng. Co., Ltd. has developed the AquaStar Ballast Water Management System 

(BWMS) as an eco-friendly and efficient treatment of the ballast water based on principles of 

electrolysis. The AquaStar system is simple with the ballasting water passing directly through 

the electrolyzer, and aims at a compact design to be installed easily also in smaller ships. 

In other words, AquaStar that is directly set up at ballast line of a ship is working efficiently 

and economically than the general disinfection equipment. The aim of AquaStar is that 

harmful aquatic organisms in the ballast water are simply treated. 

2.2 The components of the AquaStar system 

The AquaStar system is composed of a Smart Pipe unit, an electrolyzer unit, a neutralization 

unit and a system control unit (Figure1). When ballasting, the seawater passes through the 

Smart Pipe unit which has a number of filtration compartments with mesh sizes 

of 30 μm ~ 50 μm. Aquatic organisms larger than 50 μm are here removed or damaged and 

thereby increasing their sensitivity to the AS when introduced into the electrolyzer unit. 
MEPC 61/2/1 

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Thus the construction of the Smart Pipe unit increases the efficiency of the electrolyzer unit 

and reduces the amount of AS needed for disinfection. Organisms smaller than 50 μm are 

disinfected by the AS in the electrolyzer unit. Active Substances, Relevant Chemicals 

(see section 4.1), and possibly impact of electrical currents produced by the electrolyzer unit 

may all contribute to the disinfection of aquatic organisms. The treated water satisfies the 

requirements of regulation D-2 of the International Convention for the Control and 

Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004. When de-ballasting, the treated 

water passes through the neutralization unit. The TRO concentration of the neutralized 

de-ballasting water is similar to that of natural seawater. The operation of the AquaStar 

system is automatically monitored and controlled by the system control unit. 

Figure 1: Diagram of AquaStar system

2.2.1 Smart Pipe unit 

The Smart Pipe unit is constructed with a number of filtration compartments with filtration 

units varying between 30 μm - 50 μm in mesh size. A detailed description of the construction 

of the pipe is given in appendix 1 of the application dossier. When ballasting water flows 

through the Smart Pipe unit, most aquatic organisms > 50 μm are removed or cell structures 

(such as membranes, appendages, etc.) are possibly damaged; and damaged cells are 

assumed to be more vulnerable and sensitive to the treatment in the electrolyzer unit.

The efficacy of the Smart Pipe unit at different flow rates is shown in appendix 1 of the 

application dossier.

AQUA Eng. Co. Ltd. will conduct Computational Flow Dynamic (CFD) to determine the flow 

conditions of the ballast water and to estimate effects of removal aquatic organism for 

pilot-scale land-based and shipboard tests in the future. 

2.2.2 Electrolyzer unit 

The electrolyzer unit of the AquaStar system is installed directly in the main of ballast pipe. 

The TRO concentration of the treated water is monitored automatically by the control unit 
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with a feed-back system for control of the power supply in order to regulate the production of 

chlorine (Cl2), and in turn the TRO concentration. During voyage, the disinfectants inhibit 

re-growth of harmful aquatic organisms and protect the ballast water from possible pollutants. 

A ventilation system, also monitored by the control unit, continuously removes hydrogen gas (H2) 

and chlorine gas (Cl2) developed during the electrolysis process. 

A detailed description of electrolyzer unit is given in appendix 1 of the application dossier. 

2.2.3 Neutralization unit 

During de-ballasting, the neutralization unit of AquaStar removes or reduces TRO of the 

treated water to concentration levels similar to those of natural seawater. The TRO 

concentration is continuously monitored during de-ballasting, and a feed-back system 

controls the injection of the neutralizing agent, sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3). 

The concentration of TRO in the de-ballasting water is kept below 0.2 mg/L as Cl2. 

A detailed description of neutralization unit is given in appendix 1 of the application dossier. 

2.2.4 System control unit 

The system control unit automatically monitors and controls the operation of the AquaStar 

system during ballasting and de-ballasting. TRO sensors are installed at two points 

(Figure 4); the first TRO sensor is installed immediately after the electrolyzer with feed-back 

control of the electric current of the power supply in order to regulate the TRO of the treated 

water, and control the gas ventilation system; the second TRO sensor is installed in the 

de-ballasting pipe for control of the neutralization process.

A detailed description of system control unit is given in appendix 1 of the application dossier. 

2.3 Preliminary test facility 

In the early development stage of the AquaStar system, AQUA Eng. Co., Ltd. conducted 

preliminary experiments with a small-scale electrolyzer during six months. The aim of these 

experiments was to test the efficiency of improvements to the anode and the cathode of the 

electrolyzer unit as well as the control of the unit. 

2.3.1 Small-scale test facility 

Figure 2: Small-scale test equipment 
MEPC 61/2/1 

Annex, page 6 

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The small-scale test unit is composed of a small-scale electrolyzer with power supply, test 

water tank, test water pump and flowmeter (Figure 2). TRO and pH are also analysed. 

2.3.2 Operating conditions 

Test water flow rate 0.2 ± 0.2 m3

/hr 

Test water volume about 0.2 m3

Salinity 34 psu (NaCl solution) 

2.4 Laboratory-scale test facility for Basic Approval 

2.4.1 Overview of laboratory-scale test facility

The laboratory-scale test facility of AquaStar is located at Dalsan-ri, Jeonggwan-myeon, 

Gijang-gun, Busan, Republic of Korea (Figure 3). The maximum capacity of the facility 

is 7.0 m3

/hr, but only 5.0 m3/hr were treated for the performance test, chemical analysis and 

toxicity tests. The capacity of the test water tank, the control water tank, and the treated 

water tank is 10 m3

, 2 m3 and 4 m3, respectively. The material of all tanks is resistant to 

seawater (PE and FRP). Pumps are placed on the bottom of the test water tank, the control 

tank, and the treated water tank to ensure homogeneity of the water samples. 

 

 

Figure 3: Laboratory-scale test facility of AquaStar at AQUA Eng. Co., Ltd., 

Busan, the Republic of Korea 
MEPC 61/2/1 

Annex, page 7 

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2.4.2 Operating condition 

Test water flow rate 5.0 ± 0.2 m3

/hr

Treated water flow rate 5.0 ± 0.2 m3/hr

Treated water volume about 4.0 m3

Salinity 34 psu (Seawater), 20 psu (Brackish water)

2.4.3 Laboratory-scale test facility 

The AquaStar laboratory-scale test system is shown schematically in Figure 4. Tests were 

performed with seawater and brackish water in accordance with Guidelines (G8). Efficacy 

tests, chemical analysis and acute toxicity tests were conducted by KOMERI, KTR and MEI, 

respectively. 

Figure 4: Schematic flow diagram of the laboratory-scale test of AquaStar

2.4.3.1 Sampling and measurement 

All activities related to the AquaStar project were carried out according to the quality 

assurance project plan (QAPP), which was prepared by AQUA Eng. Co., Ltd., KOMERI 

and KTR (appendices 2 and 3 of the application dossier). The QAPP is prepared in 

accordance with Guidelines (G8). 

In the AquaStar laboratory-scale test system, there are six sampling sites, S1-S6 (Figure 4). 

S1 is placed in the raw seawater tank to which has been added viable organisms, 

heterotrophic bacteria, starch and glucose in accordance with (G8). S2 is placed in the 

control water tank and S3 is placed in the tank with treated water for sampling on day 0 after 
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ballasting, day 1 for chemical analysis, and day 5 before neutralization. S4 is placed in the 

Smart Pipe system, but this sampling site was not used for laboratory-scale test. S5 is placed 

in the discharge pipe for sampling of treated water after 5 days and after neutralization. S6 is 

placed in the ventilation system located after the electrolyzer for sampling of gases which 

may develop during ballasting. 

The control water tank, the treated water tank, and the test water tank have vertical sampling 

ports, and samples are taken to confirm water homogeneity (Figure 5). Results are shown in 

appendix 7 of appendix 2 of the application dossier. 

Figure 5: Vertical sampling port of tank

Tables 1 and 2 show the sampling protocol. 

Table 1: Sampling tag and sampling sites of AquaStar 

 Test water Control water Treated water 

Treated 

water before 

neutralization 

Gas 

sampling 

Sample tag AE-S33S1D0* AE-S33S2D0 

/AE-S33S2D5 

AE-S33S3D0 

/AE-S33S5D5 AE-S33S3D5 AE-S33S6D0

Sampling 

site S1 S2 S3/S5 S3 S6 

*AE, Aqua Eng; S33, Salinity >33 psu; S1, Sampling port 1; D0, 0 Day. 
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Table 2: Sample information for efficacy testing of AquaStar

Location of sampling ports 

Treated 

Sample for Test water 

water 

Control 

water 

Smart 

Pipe 

Gas 

sampling Before 

N 

After 

N 

On-site 

Measurements 

Off-site 

Measurements 

Day 0 S1 S2 - S6 S3 - 

Day 1 - S2 - - S3 - 

Chemical 

Analysis 

(By KTRa

) 

Day 5 - S2 - - S3 S5 

- DO 

- ORP 

- pH 

- Salinity 

- TRO 

- Turbidity 

- Temp. 

DOC 

POC 

Chemicals 

Efficacy Day 0 S1 S2 S4 - S3 - 

Analysis 

(By 

KOMERIb

) 

Day 5 - S2 - - - S5 

- DO 

- ORP 

- pH 

- Salinity 

- Turbidity 

- Temp. 

Organisms 

≥ 50 um 

≥ 10-50 um 

- Bacteria 

- TSS 

Toxicity 

(By MEIc

) Day 5 - S2 - - - S5 - Acute toxicity 

* a KTR: Korea Testing & Research Institute. 

 b KOERI: Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute.

 c MEI: Marine Eco-Technology Institute.

2.4.3.2 Basic parameters of test water and results of efficacy test of AquaStar 

Table 3 shows the test water conditions. Organisms, heterotrophic bacteria, starch and 

glucose have been added to the test water in accordance with requirements of 

Guidelines (G8) (appendix 2 – identifies the quantities of added materials in appendix 7 of 

appendix 2 of the application dossier). 

Table 3: Basic parameters of test water for 34 psu and 20 psu 

Salinity 

(psu) 

Temp. 

(°C) pH DO 

(mg/L) 

ORP 

(mV) 

Turbidity 

(NTU) 

34 psu 33.88 23.53 8.17 6.84 597 3.54 

20 psu 20.87 19.84 8.04 7.96 527 15.2 
MEPC 61/2/1 

Annex, page 10 

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Table 4: Concentrations of organisms, dissolved and particulate matter in test water 

 Viable organisms 

Salinity ≥ 50 μm 

(inds./m3

) 

≥ 10-50 μm 

(inds./mL) 

Heterotrophic 

bacteria 

(cells/mL) 

DOC 

(mg/L) 

POC* 

(mg/L) 

TSS 

(mg/L) 

34 psu 1,191,000 

(6 div. 11 spp.) 

4,562 

(4 phy. 10 spp.) > 12,045 2.73 0.75 78.7 

20 psu 1,165,000 

(5 div. 11 spp.) 

1,358 

(4 phy. 5 spp.) 22,045 6.33 13.5 55.7 

*

 POC is estimated from TOC (total organic carbon). 

The concentration of viable organisms and heterotrophic bacteria satisfied the requirements 

of Guidelines (G8) (Table 4). 

All results of the efficacy test satisfied the regulation D-2 (Table 5). 

Table 5: Data summary for the laboratory-scale test result of AquaStar 

Salinity 34 psu 20 psu 

Elapsed time Day 0 Day 5 Day 0 Day 5 

Test item Test 

water 

Control 

water 

Treated 

water 

Control 

water 

Treated 

water* 

Test 

water 

Control 

water 

Treated 

water 

Control 

water 

Treated 

water* 

DOC (mg/L) 2.73 2.90 3.03 1.79 3.53 6.33 5.99 6.17 1.89 6.59 

POC (mg/L) 0.75 0.88 1.30 0.04 0.25 13.5 15.0 6.85 1.89 1.45 

TSS (mg/L) 78.7 73.6 67.5 58.7 55.7 55.7 50.5 41.7 11.7 10 

FRO 

(mg/L as Cl2) 0 0 6.50 0 0.05 0 0 12.5 0 0 

TRO 

(mg/L TRO) 0 0 7.23 0 0.10 0 0 13.5 0 0 

Viable 

organism 

(≥50 μm) 

(inds./m3

) 

1,191,000 1,355,000 420 2,400 0 1,165,000 785,000 102,130 637,500 10 

Viable 

organism 

(≥ 10 – 50 

μm) 

(inds./mL) 

2,562 2,657 1 285 0 1,358 1,398 1 184 0 

Heterotrophic 

bacteria 

(cells/mL) 

>12,045 >14,955 0 1,820 42 22,045 32,364 3 22,409 1,520 

Escherichia 

coli 

(cfu/100 mL) 

8 14 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 

Intestinal 

Enterococci 

(cfu/100 mL)

192 209 0 0 0 18 23 0 0 0 

Vibrio 

cholerae 

(cfu/100 mL) 

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

* The treated water was neutralized by a sodium thiosulfate solution at discharge stage after 5 days. 
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3 PRINCIPLE OF THE AquaStar SYSTEM 

3.1 Disinfection principles by hypochlorite and sodium hypochloride 

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as the main disinfectant is generated by reaction to chlorine 

(Cl2) produced from anode and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) produced from cathode during 

electrolysis process. Besides sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), the disinfectants are 

hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as water-solution from chlorine (Cl2) gas, hypochlorite ion (OCl-

) 

ionized from sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) or hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hydroxide ion 

(OH-

) dissolved from the cathode in water. These disinfectants are also strongly oxidative. 

The disinfection mechanism of chlorine and chlorine-compounds is to destroy enzymes in 

cell or the cell membrane of aquatic organisms. Finally, aquatic organisms are killed. 

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) exists in a pH-dependent equilibrium with hypochlorite ion 

(OCl-

) (Figure 6). The disinfection effect of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is 

approximately 80~100 times that of hypochlorite ion (OCl-

). Because the cell membrane of 

organisms is a negative charge, the affinity of the hypochlorite ion (OCl-

) is lower than that of 

hypochlorous acid (HOCl). 

Figure 6: The equilibrium of free chlorine with pH. 

If the pH in water is low, the concentration of ratio of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is high, and 

the disinfection effect is increased. Therefore, the pH in the water is an important factor of 

electrolysis process, and appropriate conditions should be controlled. Ballast water 

management system using electrolysis method is also suitable to disinfection effect of 

chlorine. 

3.2 Principle of electrolysis in seawater 

During electrolysis of seawater, chlorine (Cl2) is produced at the anode, see reactions below. 

Cl2 reacts immediately with water to produce hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hypochlorite 

(OCl-

), (reactions 2 and 3 below). Also ozone (O3) and oxygen (O2) may be generated at the 

anode.
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At the cathode, hydrogen (H2) is generated, see cathode reaction below: 

 Anode reaction: 2Cl- → Cl2 + 2e-

 Cathode reaction: 2H2O + 2Na+

 + 2e- → 2NaOH + H2

The overall reaction of the electrolysis is shown in the reaction 1. 

 (reaction 1) 2NaCl (2Na+

 + 2Cl-) + 2H2O → 2NaOH (2Na+ + 2OH-)+ Cl2 + H2

During the electrolysis process, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) 

is generated (reaction 2). 

 (reaction 2) Cl2 + HOH → HOCl + HCl 

 Cl2 + NaOH → NaOCl + HCl 

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) exists in a pH-dependent, reversible equilibrium with hypochlorite 

(OCl-

) (reaction 3). 

 (reaction 3) HOCl ↔ OCl- + H+

Natural seawater contains approximately 65 mg/L~70 mg/L of bromine (Br), which exists as 

bromide (Br-

) (Lee and Yang, 1998). Under alkaline conditions, bromide (Br-) also is oxidized 

by hypochlorous acid (HOCl) to hypobromous acid (HOBr) (reaction 4).

 (reaction 4) HOCl + Br- → HOBr + ClHypobromous acid (HOBr) dissociates in water in reactions similar to those of hypochlorous 

acid (HOCl) (reaction 5). 

 (reaction 5) HOBr ↔ OBr-

 + H+

3.3 Principle of neutralization 

During de-ballasting the treated water is neutralized to contain TRO concentrations as found 

in natural seawater. The neutralizing agent is sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3). 

The neutralizing reactions of sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) 

are shown in reactions 6 and 7. 

 (reaction 6) Na2S2O3 + 3NaOCl → 3NaCl + Na2S2O6 

 (reaction 7) Na2S2O3 + 4NaOCl + 2NaOH → 4NaCl + 2Na2SO4 +H2O 

4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 

4.1 Identification of the Active Substances (AS), Relevant Chemicals (RCs) and 

Other Chemicals

Active Substances (AS) act to disinfect viable organisms in the ballast water. In AquaStar, AS 

are produced in situ by electrolysis of natural seawater. This electrolytic process produces 

chlorine, Cl2, at the anode, and Cl2 reacts immediately with water to produce HOCl and OCl- 
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which exist in equilibrium in the seawater (see also section 3.2). Similar processes takes 

place for bromine. These compounds are free residual oxidants (FRO). Chloramines and 

bromines are also produced by the electrolytic process and are here referred to as combined 

residual oxidants (CRO). The FRO and CRO together are referred to as total residual 

oxidants (TRO). All TRO compounds may have disinfectant effects; hence, they are here 

regarded as Active Substances (AS). 

AQUA Eng. Co., Ltd. controls and measures the TRO concentration using on-line type 

equipment adopted DPD-method. 

In addition to the AS, the electrolytic process produces certain by-products here regarded as 

Relevant Chemicals (RCs). The RCs include bromated, halogenated organic compounds, 

halogenated acetonitriles (HANs) and halogenated acetic acids (HAAs). 

Sodium thiosulfate for neutralizing agent and gases such as hydrogen gas (H2), ozone gas 

(O3) and chlorine gas (Cl2) are classified as "Other Chemicals". 

Table 6 summarizes the AS, RCs and Other Chemicals produced by the AquaStar system. 

The AS, RC and Other Chemicals were analysed by the Korea Testing and Research 

Institute (KTR). 

Table 6: Active Substances (AS), Relevant Chemicals (RCs) and Other Chemicals 

in the AquaStar

Substance SMILES CAS NO. Detect 

Limit Unit 

Active Substances 

TRO N/A N/A 0.03 mg/L 

FRO N/A N/A 

Chlorine ClCl 7782-50-5 

Bromine BrBr 7726-95-6 

Hypochlorous acid(HOCl) ClO 7790-92-3 

Hypobromous acid(HOBr) BrO 13517-118 

Sodium hypochlorite 

(NaOCl) NaClO 7681-52-9 

Sodium hypobromite 

(NaOBr) NaBrO 13824-96-9 

Ozone (O3) O=O=O 10028-15-6 

CRO N/A N/A 

Chloramine CN(H)(Cl)(CCCl)CCCl 55-86-7 

Bromamine N/A N/A 

Relevant Chemicals 

Bromate Br 15541-45-4 0.52 μg/L 

Halogenated organic compounds 

1,1-dichloroethane C(Cl)(Cl)C 75-34-3 0.02 

Trichloromethane C(Cl)(Cl)Cl 67-66-3 0.01 

1,2-dichloroethane ClCCCl 107-06-2 0.02 

Dibromomethane BrCBr 74-95-3 0.05 

μg/L 
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Dichlorobromomethane BrC(Cl)Cl 75-27-4 0.02 

Dibromochloromethane BrC(Br)Cl 124-48-1 0.02 

Tribromomethane BrC(Br)Br 75-25-2 0.03 

Halogenated acetonitriles (HANs) 

Dichloroacetonitrile ClC(Cl)C(#N) 3018-12-0 0.001 

Chloropicrin N(=O)(=O)C(Cl)(Cl)Cl 76-06-2 0.001 

Dibromoacetonitrile C(#N)C(Br)Br 3252-43-5 0.001 

μg/L 

Halogenated acetic acids (HAAs) 

Monochloroacetic acid O=C(O)CCl 79-11-8 0.16 

Monobromoacetic acid O=C(O)CBr 79-08-3 0.10 

Dalapon O=C(O)C(Cl)(Cl)C 75-99-0 0.17 

Trichloroacetic acid O=C(O)C(Cl)(Cl)Cl 76-03-9 0.04 

Bromochloroacetic acid O=C(C(Cl)Br)O 5589-96-8 0.09 

Dibromoacetic acid O=C(O)C(Br)Br 631-64-1 0.05 

Tribromoacetic acid O=C(O)C(Br)(Br)Br 75-96-7 0.33 

μg/L 

Other Chemicals 

Sodium thiosulfate 

(neutralizing agent) S(=S)(=O)(O[Na]O[Na]) 7772-98-7 0.04 mg/L 

Hydrogen gas HH 1333-74-0 0.05 % 

Gas Ozone gas O=O=O 10028-15-6 0.05 

Chlorine gas ClCl 7782-50-5 0.10 μL/L 

4.1.1 Active Substances (AS) 

The electrolyzer produces Cl2 and this reacts immediately with water to produce 

hypochlorous acid (HOCl) in equilibrium with hypochlorite (OCl-

) and hypobromous acid 

(HOBr) in equilibrium with hypobromite (OBr-) (see also section 3.2). In the analysis of the 

test water, the concentrations of AS (TRO) are given as Cl2 (Table 7). 

Table 7: Active Substances of AquaStar

Concentration (mg/L TRO) 

34 psu 

Day 0 Day 1 Day 5 a Treated water Substance 

Test 

water 

Control 

water 

Treated 

water 

Control 

water 

Treated 

water 

Control 

water Before 

N After N 

b TRO 0 0 7.23 0 4.07 0 2.54 0.10 

Concentration (mg/L TRO) 

20 psu 

Day 0 Day 1 Day 5 a Treated water Substance 

Test 

water 

Control 

water 

Treated 

water 

Control 

water 

Treated 

water 

Control 

water Before 

N After N 

b TRO 0 0 13.5 0 11.2 0 8.78 0 

a Treated water is divided into two types, before neutralization and after neutralization. 

b The analyses were performed according to Drinking Water Quality Standard and 

 Test ES 05310, Korea (2007, OT-method) and/or US EPA 330.3 (1978).
MEPC 61/2/1 

Annex, page 15 

I:\MEPC\61\2-1.doc 

4.1.2 Relevant Chemicals (RCs) 

The production of TRO and FRO by the electrolysis process from chloride in natural water 

leads to the formation of Relevant Chemicals, such as halogenated organic compounds, 

chlorinated phenols, brominated phenols, halogenated acetic acid (HAA) and halogenated 

acetonitrile (HAN). The applicant has tested the formation of by-products in the 

laboratory-scale test facility in accordance with Guidelines (G8) and Procedure (G9) 

for 34 psu and 20 psu water. Results are reported for test water; control water and treated 

water on day 0 (ballasting); control water and treated water on day 1; control water, treated 

water before neutralization, and treated water after neutralization on day 5 (de-ballasting) 

(34 psu: Table 8; 20 psu: Table 9). 

Table 8: Relevant Chemicals of AquaStar in 34 psu 

Concentration (μg/L) 

Day 0 Day 5 

Treated waterb Substance DLa 

(μg/L) Test water Control water Before 

Neutralization 

After 

Neutralization 

Bromatec 0.39 ND ND ND ND 

Halogenated organic compoundsd

Absorbable organic 

halogens (AOX) 10 0.36 0.36 0.96 1.02 

1,1-Dichloroethene 0.03 ND ND ND ND 

Dichloromethane 0.03 7.62 ND ND ND 

trans-1,2-

Dichloroethene 0.04 ND ND ND ND 

1,1-Dichloroethane 0.02 ND ND ND ND 

cis-1,2-

Dichloroethene 0.02 ND ND ND ND 

Bromochloromethan

e 

0.03 ND ND ND ND 

Trichloromethane 0.01 0.14 ND ND ND 

1,2-Dichloroethane 0.02 ND ND ND ND 

1,1,1-

Trichloroethane 0.02 ND ND ND ND 

Tetrachloromethane 0.01 ND ND ND ND 

Dibromomethane 0.05 ND ND 4.13 3.17 

1,2-Dichloropropane 0.02 0.05 ND 0.04 ND 

Dichlorobromometh

ane 

0.02 ND ND 0.34 0.27 

1,1,2-

Trichloroethane 0.02 ND ND ND ND 

Dibromochlorometh

ane 

0.02 ND ND 13.5 12.9 

Tetrachloroethene 0.01 ND ND ND ND 

1,1,1,2-

Tetrachloroethane 0.01 ND ND ND ND 

1,2,3-

Trichloropropane 0.05 ND ND ND ND 

Chlorobenzene 0.01 ND ND ND ND 

Tribromomethane 0.03 0.85 ND 592 585 
MEPC 61/2/1 

Annex, page 16 

I:\MEPC\61\2-1.doc 

1,1,2,2-

Tetrachloroethane 0.02 ND ND ND ND 

Bromobenzene 0.01 ND ND ND ND 

2-Chlorotoluene 0.02 ND ND ND ND 

4-Chlorotoluene 0.02 ND ND ND ND 

1,2-Dibromo-3-

chloropropane 0.03 ND ND ND ND 

1,2,4-

Trichlorobenzene 0.04 ND ND ND ND 

1,2,3-

Trichlorobenzene 0.04 ND ND ND ND 

1,3,5-

Tribromobenzene 0.02 ND ND ND ND 

1,2,4-

Tribromobenzene 0.02 ND ND ND ND 

Haloacetonitrilese

Trichloroacetonitrile 0.004 ND ND ND ND 

Dichloroacetonitrile 0.001 ND ND ND ND 

Chloral hydrate 0.002 ND ND ND ND 

Chloropicrin 0.001 ND ND 0.49 0.40 

Bromochloroacetoni

trile 0.002 ND ND ND ND 

Dibromoacetonitrile 0.001 ND ND 16.8 16.5 

Haloacetic acidf

Monochloroacetic 

acid 0.16 4.63 3.23 513 430 

Monobromoacetic 

acid 0.10 ND ND 18.6 16.2 

Dichloroacetic acid 0.13 ND ND ND ND 

Dalapon 0.17 ND ND 9.51 4.20 

Trichloroacetic acid 0.04 6.04 4.86 8.36 2.61 

Bromochloroacetic 

acid 0.09 16.0 12.5 409 390 

Dibromoacetic acid 0.05 ND ND 160 45.8 

Bromodichloroaceti

c acid 0.08 ND ND ND ND 

Tribromoacetic acid 0.33 21.4 ND 166 140 

Chlorinated phenolsg

2-Chlorophenol 0.5 ND ND ND ND 

3-Chlorophenol 0.5 ND ND ND ND 

4-Chlorophenol 0.5 ND ND ND ND 

2,6-Dichlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

2,5-Dichlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

2,4-Dichlorophenol 0.5 ND ND ND ND 

3,5-Dichlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

2,3-Dichlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

3,4-Dichlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

2,4,6-Trichlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

2,3,6-Trichlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

2,4,5-Trichlorophenol 0.6 ND ND ND ND 

2,3,5-Trichlorophenol 0.6 ND ND ND ND 

2,3,4-Trichlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 
MEPC 61/2/1 

Annex, page 17 

I:\MEPC\61\2-1.doc 

3,4,5-

Trichlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

2,3,5,6-

Tetrachlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

2,3,4,6-

Tetrachlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

2,3,4,5-

Tetrachlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

Pentachlorophenol 0.5 ND ND ND ND 

Bromonated Phenolg

2,6-Dibromophenol 0.6 ND ND ND ND 

2,4-Dibromophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

2,4,6-Tribromphenol 0.8 ND ND ND ND 

a DL, detection limit. 

b Treated water is divided into two types, before neutralization and after neutralization. c The analyses were performed according to ISO 15061 (2001, HPLC/Agilent/USA) and 

 US EPA 300.1 (1997, IC/DX-500/Dionex/USA). 

d The analyses were performed according to ISO 9562 (2004, Cl 10/Behr 

 Labor-Technik/Germany) and US EPA 524.2 (1995, Purge-trap GC-MS/Agilent/USA). 

e The analyses were performed according to US EPA 551.1 

 (1995, microECD-GCMS/Agilent/USA). 

f

The analyses were performed according to US EPA 552.2 

 (1995, microECD-GCMS/Agilent/USA). 

g The analyses were performed according to US EPA 8041A 

 (2007, microECD-GCMS/Agilent/USA). 

Table 9: Relevant Chemicals of AquaStar in 20 psu 

Concentration (μg/L) 

Day 0 Day 5 

Treated waterb Substance DLa 

(μg/L) Test water Control water Before 

Neutralization 

After 

Neutralization 

Bromatec 0.39 ND ND ND ND 

Halogenated organic compoundsd

Absorbable organic 

halogens (AOX) 10 0.39 0.42 0.78 0.82 

1,1-Dichloroethene 0.03 ND ND ND ND 

Dichloromethane 0.03 ND ND ND ND 

trans-1,2-

Dichloroethene 0.04 ND ND ND ND 

1,1-Dichloroethane 0.02 ND ND 0.13 ND 

cis-1,2-

Dichloroethene 0.02 ND ND ND ND 

Bromochloromethane 0.03 ND ND ND ND 

Trichloromethane 0.01 5.48 3.17 6.64 5.71 

1,2-Dichloroethane 0.02 0.38 0.23 0.40 0.39 

1,1,1-

Trichloroethane 0.02 ND ND ND ND 

Tetrachloromethane 0.01 ND ND ND ND 

Dibromomethane 0.05 ND ND ND ND 
MEPC 61/2/1 

Annex, page 18 

I:\MEPC\61\2-1.doc 

1,2-Dichloropropane 0.02 0.08 ND ND ND 

Dichlorobromometh

ane 

0.02 4.71 3.50 6.34 5.92 

1,1,2-

Trichloroethane 0.02 ND ND ND ND 

Dibromochlorometh

ane 

0.02 5.52 2.55 15.2 14.4 

Tetrachloroethene 0.01 ND ND ND ND 

1,1,1,2-

Tetrachloroethane 0.01 ND ND ND ND 

1,2,3-

Trichloropropane 0.05 ND ND ND ND 

Chlorobenzene 0.01 ND ND ND ND 

Tribromomethane 0.03 3.75 1.96 290 280 

1,1,2,2-

Tetrachloroethane 0.02 ND ND ND ND 

Bromobenzene 0.01 ND ND ND ND 

2-Chlorotoluene 0.02 ND ND ND ND 

4-Chlorotoluene 0.02 ND ND ND ND 

1,2-Dibromo-3-

chloropropane 0.03 ND ND ND ND 

1,2,4-

Trichlorobenzene 0.04 ND ND ND ND 

1,2,3-

Trichlorobenzene 0.04 ND ND ND ND 

1,3,5-

Tribromobenzene 0.02 ND ND ND ND 

1,2,4-

Tribromobenzene 0.02 ND ND ND ND 

Haloacetonitrilese

Trichloroacetonitrile 0.004 ND ND ND ND 

Dichloroacetonitrile 0.001 1.45 0.62 3.98 1.04 

Chloral hydrate 0.002 ND ND ND ND 

Chloropicrin 0.001 0.45 0.10 1.94 1.74 

Bromochloroacetonit

rile 0.002 ND ND ND ND 

Dibromoacetonitrile 0.001 0.41 ND 19.5 17.4 

Haloacetic acidf

Monochloroacetic 

acid 0.16 54.6 46.8 292 289 

Monobromoacetic 

acid 0.10 ND ND ND ND 

Dichloroacetic acid 0.13 ND ND ND ND 

Dalapon 0.17 2.06 ND 22.4 18.2 

Trichloroacetic acid 0.04 2.15 ND 3.41 1.85 

Bromochloroacetic 

acid 0.09 ND ND 205 184 

Dibromoacetic acid 0.05 ND ND 2.63 2.11 

Bromodichloroacetic 

acid 0.08 ND ND ND ND 

Tribromoacetic acid 0.33 ND ND 192 174 
MEPC 61/2/1 

Annex, page 19 

I:\MEPC\61\2-1.doc 

Chlorinated phenolsg

2-Chlorophenol 0.5 ND ND ND ND 

3-Chlorophenol 0.5 ND ND ND ND 

4-Chlorophenol 0.5 ND ND ND ND 

2,6-Dichlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

2,5-Dichlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

2,4-Dichlorophenol 0.5 ND ND ND ND 

3,5-Dichlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

2,3-Dichlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

3,4-Dichlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

2,4,6-

Trichlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

2,3,6-

Trichlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

2,4,5-

Trichlorophenol 0.6 ND ND ND ND 

2,3,5-

Trichlorophenol 0.6 ND ND ND ND 

2,3,4-

Trichlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

3,4,5-

Trichlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

2,3,5,6-

Tetrachlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

2,3,4,6-

Tetrachlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

2,3,4,5-

Tetrachlorophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

Pentachlorophenol 0.5 ND ND ND ND 

Bromonated Phenolsg

2,6-Dibromophenol 0.6 ND ND ND ND 

2,4-Dibromophenol 0.4 ND ND ND ND 

2,4,6-Tribromphenol 0.8 ND ND ND ND 

a DL, detection limit. 

b Treated water is divided into two types, before neutralization and after neutralization. c The analyses were performed according to ISO 15061 (2001, HPLC/Agilent/USA) and 

 US EPA 300.1 (1997, IC/DX-500/Dionex/USA). 

d The analyses were performed according to ISO 9562 (2004, Cl 10/Behr 

 Labor-Technik/Germany) and US EPA 524.2 (1995, Purge-trap GC-MS/Agilent/USA). 

e The analyses were performed according to US EPA 551.1 

 (1995, microECD-GCMS/Agilent/USA). 

f

The analyses were performed according to US EPA 552.2 

 (1995, microECD-GCMS/Agilent/USA). 

g The analyses were performed according to US EPA 8041A 

 (2007, microECD-GCMS/Agilent/USA). 
MEPC 61/2/1 

Annex, page 20 

I:\MEPC\61\2-1.doc 

4.1.3 Other Chemicals 

Sodium thiosulfate is injected into the ballast water before discharge in order to neutralize 

any residual oxidants that may be present. This is not an AS and the sodium thiosulfate is not 

produced by the AquaStar. Therefore, it is considered as "Other Chemicals". 

Tables 10 and 11 show "Other Chemicals" including gases of AquaStar in 34 psu and 20 psu 

seawater, respectively. 

Sulfide was analysed according to Standard Method 4500-S-2-D (2005, Iodometric method). 

Gases (H2, O3, Cl2) were analysed according to GC-TCD for H2, and Detector tube for O3

and Cl2. These gases were analysed immediately after electrolysis on day 0. 

Table 10: Other Chemicals of AquaStar in 34 psu 

Concentration 

Day 0 Day 5 

Treated water Substance DL b a

Test water Control 

water 

Treated 

water 

Control 

water Before N After N 

Sulfide 

(S2-) (mg/L) 0.04 ND ND ND ND ND ND 

Hydrogen 

(gas) (%) 0.05 -c

 - 78.4 - - - 

Ozone 

(gas) (μL/L) 0.05 - - ND - - - 

Cl2 

(gas) (μL/L) 0.10 - - ND - - - 

a DL, detection limit. 

b

 Treated water is divided into two types, before neutralization and after neutralization. c -, not required.

Table 11: Other Chemicals of AquaStar in 20 psu 

Concentration 

Day 0 Day 5 

Treated water Substance DL b a

Test water Control 

water 

Treated 

water 

Control 

water Before N After N 

Sulfide 

(S2-) (mg/L) 0.04 ND ND ND ND ND ND 

Hydrogen 

(gas) (%) 0.05 -c

 - 74.6 - - - 

Ozone 

(gas) (μL/L) 0.05 - - ND - - - 

Cl2 

(gas) (μL/L) 0.10 - - ND - - - 

a DL, detection limit. 

b Treated water is divided into two types, before neutralization and after neutralization. c -, not required. 
MEPC 61/2/1 

Annex, page 21 

I:\MEPC\61\2-1.doc 

4.2 Data-set for Active Substances and Preparations 

4.2.1 Data on effects on aquatic plant, invertebrate and fish including sensitive and 

representative organisms 

4.2.1.1 Acute aquatic toxicity 

The most sensitive organism for ballast water treated by AquaStar was the algae, 

Skeletonema costatum, that gave the EC50 value of 94.29% for the 20 psu water from 

aquatic toxicity test results. The other test organisms showed no significant acute toxicity 

(see report in appendix 4 of the application dossier, section 3.1). The results are summarized 

in Tables 12 and 13. 

Algae: For the study to assess the effects of discharged ballast water on the diatom, 

Skeletonema costatum, during 72 hours, NOEC and LOEC values from Hypothesis Test 

and EC50 values based on the cell densities at the end of the test were calculated for 

both 34 psu and 20 psu. 

Invertebrate (Crustacean): For the study to assess the effects of discharged ballast water 

on the copepod, Tigriopus japonicus, during 48 hours, EC50 and LC50 values based on 

mobility and survival data at the end of the test were calculated for both 34 psu and 20 psu. 

Fish: For the study to assess the effects of discharged ballast water on the olive flounder, 

Paralichthys olivaceus, during 96 hours, LC50 values based on survival data at the end of the 

test were calculated for both 34 psu and 20 psu. 

Table 12: Acute aquatic toxicity of AquaStar in 34 psu 

EC50 and/or LC50

 Species 

End point Conc. (%) 

Reference/Comments/ 

justification for 

missing data 

Algae Skeletonema 

costatum EC50 72 h > 100 OECD 201 

Invertebrate 

(Crustacean) Tigriopus japonicus EC50 48 h LC50 48 h 

> 100 

> 100 OECD 202 

Fish Paralichthys 

olivaceus LC50 96 h > 100 OECD 203 

Table 13: Acute aquatic toxicity of AquaStar in 20 psu 

EC50 and/or LC50

 Species 

End point Conc. (%) 

Reference/Comments/ 

justification for 

missing data 

Algae Skeletonema 

costatum EC50 72 h 94.29 OECD 201 

Invertebrate 

(Crustacean) Tigriopus japonicus EC50 48 h LC50 48 h 

> 100 

> 100 OECD 202 

Fish Palalichthys 

olivaceus LC50 96 h >100 OECD 203 
MEPC 61/2/1 

Annex, page 22 

I:\MEPC\61\2-1.doc 

4.2.1.2 Chronic aquatic organism toxicity, endocrine disruption and sediment toxicity 

Chronic toxicity tests were not carried out for Basic Approval. Instead, endocrine disruption 

and sediment toxicity is described based on related material, see Material Safety Data Sheet 

(MSDS), appendix 5 of the application dossier. Tests of chronic toxicity will be undertaken in 

the full-scale land-based test facility for Final Approval. 

4.2.1.3 Bioavailability/Biomagnification/Bioconcentration 

Tests were not carried out. However, the bio-concentration is described using the EPI Suite 

(regressed log KOW based BCF model in BCFWINTM, 2009) (Table 14). 

Table 14: Bio-concentration of chemicals 

Substance log Kowa

Bioconcentration b

(R/A)c

(L/Kg wet-weight) 

Bromate -7.18 3.162/1.13 

Trichloromethane 1.52 9.264/8.706 

Dibromomethane 1.52 6.147/5.046 

Dichlorobromomethane 1.61 9.696/10.01 

Dibromochloromethane 1.70 12.36/12.78 

Tribromomethane 1.79 17.8/19.49 

Chloropicrin 1.32 11.12/11.95 

Dibromoacetonitrile 0.47 3.162/1.085 

Monochloroacetic acid 0.34 3.162/1.038 

Monobromoaceti acid 0.43 3.162/1.102 

Dalapon 1.68 3.162/5.624 

Bromochloroacetic acid 0.61 3.162/1.244 

Dibromoacetic acid 0.70 3.162/1.286 

Tribromoacetic acid 1.71 3.162/5.185 

Sodium thiosulfate -4.53 3.162/0.8931 

a log Kow is obtained by KOWWIN v.1.67 of EPI Suite (2009). 

b Bio-concentration is obtained by BCFBAF v.3.00 of EPI Suite (2009). 

c R-value by regression-based estimate; A-value by Arnot-Gobas method. 

4.2.1.4 Food web/population effects 

Information about these was not found anywhere. 

4.2.2 Data on mammalian toxicity 

Tests were not carried out. However, related material is described in MSDS; see appendix 5 

of the application dossier. 
MEPC 61/2/1 

Annex, page 23 

I:\MEPC\61\2-1.doc 

4.2.3 Data on environmental fate and effects under aerobic and anaerobic conditions 

4.2.3.1 Mode of degradation, bioaccumulation, partition coefficient and octanol/water 

coefficient 

Tests were not carried out. However, related material is described in MSDS; see appendix 5 

of the application dossier. 

4.2.3.2 Persistence and identification of the main metabolites in the relevant media 

(ballast water, marine and fresh water, reaction with organic matter, potential 

physical effects on wildlife and benthic habitats, potential residues in seafood 

and any known interactive effects 

Information about these was not found anywhere. 

4.2.4 Physical and chemical properties for the Active Substances and Preparations 

and the treated ballast water 

Oxidation and Reduction Potential (ORP) of test water, control water and treated water is 

shown in Table 15, see also appendix 2 of the application dossier. 

Table 15: Oxidation and Reduction Potential (ORP) changes of AquaStar

ORP (mV) Time Test sample 34 psu 20 psu 

Test water 597 527 

Day 0 Control water 597 593 

Treated water 944 980 

Control water 626 -a

Day 1 Treated water 931 -a

Control water 625 469 

Before neutralization 919 -b Day 5 Treated water After neutralization 712 677 

a Because of a lack of equipment, ORP was not analysed. 

b ORP was not analysed.

4.3 Assessment report 

All analyses were carried out according to standard methods. Quality control processes were 

followed strictly at all times (see appendices 2 and 3 of the application dossier). 

All of the chemicals discharged from the AquaStar were evaluated with regard to effects on 

aquatic organisms, mammalian toxicity and environmental effect and were non-PBT 

according to Procedure (G9) criteria (see Table 16, section 5). 

- It is concluded that the chemical compounds, discharged from AquaStar, 

do not accumulate in the tissue of marine organisms. 
MEPC 61/2/1 

Annex, page 24 

I:\MEPC\61\2-1.doc 

- The test results indicate that there are no harmful effects on aquatic 

organisms, the algae Skeletonema costatum, the invertebrate Tigriopus 

japonicus, and the fish Palalichthys olivaceus caused by the chemical 

compounds (Active Substances, Relevant Chemicals) produced by 

AquaStar in the de-ballasting water. Therefore, no adverse health effects 

would be expected to derive from direct or indirect exposure to de-ballasted 

water, see appendix 4 of the application dossier. 

The evaluation of mammalian toxicity using several databases (ECOTOX, EPA, EPI Suite, 

HSDB, OECD SIDS, PBT Profiler and WHO database by way of accredited laboratories and 

commercial institutions) involves assessing the AS and RC for various endpoints, including 

acute and chronic toxicity, carcinogenicity, developmental and reproductive effects. There 

are a wide range of effects including acute and chronic toxicity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, 

and reproductive toxicity caused by AS and RCs as follows: 

- Most of newly generated AS and RCs have potential effects on mammals, 

but it is expected that the concentrations presented in the neutralized 

de-ballasting water by AquaStar are not influential. 

- Evaluation criteria (section 6.1.1) show that chloropicrin will probably affect 

the environment including health of humans. However chloropicrin is readily 

formed from nitromethane during chlorination and its formation is increased 

in the presence of nitrates. Also, concentrations of chloropicrin in drinking 

water are usually less than 5 μg/L from the limited data in the United States 

and concentrations of chloropicrin in wells 35 m and 65 m from site where 

chloropicrin was buried were 2.1 ppm and 0.001 ppm, respectively 

(Spectrum Laboratories Inc. 2003, WHO 2010). Therefore, a concentration 

of 1.74 μg/L (= 0.00174 ppm) of chloropicrin detected in the treated water 

after neutralization (Table 19) is not considered harmful to human health 

(see also section 6.1.2). 

5 RISK CHARACTERIZATIONS 

5.1 Screening for Persistency, Bioaccumulation and Toxicity (PBT) 

De-ballasting water after neutralization was screened for Persistency, Bioaccumulation and 

Toxicity (PBT), see Table 16. 

Data for persistence and bioaccumulation (log Pow) are obtained from the EPI Suite (2009), 

and toxicity data are obtained from MSDS (Material safety data sheet), appendix 5 of the 

application dossier. All compounds have low persistency, bioaccumulation and toxicity as 

shown in Table 16. 
MEPC 61/2/1 

Annex, page 25 

I:\MEPC\61\2-1.doc 

Table 16: PBT evaluation of de-ballasting water

Criterion 

Substance Evaluation Persistencea 

(V/T) b

Bioaccumulativec 

(B/P)d Toxice

Bromate No 2.9143/15 d 1.13/0.63 

176 mg/L/24 hr 

(Acute LC50, 

crustacea) 

Trichloromethane No 2.4158/38 d 8.706/1.52 

3.4 mg/L/7-10 d 

(NOEC, 

crustacea) 

Dibromomethane No 2.8729/15 d 5.046/1.52 N/A 

Dichlorobromomethane No 2.5197/38 d 10.01/1.61 

1.424 mg/L/9 

mon 

(LC50, fish) 

Dibromochloromethane No 2.6386/38 d 12.78/1.70 34 mg/L/3-50 d 

(LC50, fish) 

Tribromomethane No 2.7275/38 d 19.49/1.79 4.8 mg/L/28 dphf

(NOEC, fish) 

Chloropicrin No 2.1043/60 d 11.95/1.32 0.0165 mg/L/4 d 

(Acute LC50, fish) 

Dibromoacetonitrile No 2.7353/38 d 1.085/0.47 0.55 mg/L/4 d 

(Acute LC50, fish) 

Monochloroacetic acid No 3.1818/15 d 1.038/0.34 

32 mg/L/21 d 

(NOEC, 

crustacea) 

Monobromoacetic acid No 3.2857/8.67 d 1.102/0.43 1.6 mg/L/21 d 

(LC50, crustacea) 

Dalapon No 2.6894/38 d 5.624/1.68 

6 mg/L/1.083 d 

(Acute LC50, 

crustacea) 

Bromochloroacetic acid No 3.0364/15 d 1.244/0.61 N/A 

Dibromoacetic acid No 3.1403/15 d 1.286/0.70 69 mg/L/4 d 

(Acute LC50, fish) 

Tribromoacetic acid No 2.7827/15 d 5.185/1.71 N/A 

Sodium thiosulfate No 2.9469/15 d 0.8931/-4.53 

50 mg/L/0.003 d 

(Acute NOEC, 

algae) 

a Persistence Half life: > 60 days in marine water or > 40 days in fresh water or > 180 days 

 in marine sediment or > 120 days in fresh water sediment. 

b V, numerical value from ultimate biodegradation timeframe model; T, total degradation time. c Bioaccumulation: BCF > 2,000 or log Pow ≥ 3. 

d B, BCF from Arnot-Gobas Method; P, log Pow. e Toxicity: Chronic NOEC < 0.01 mg/L. 

f Days post-hatch.
MEPC 61/2/1 

Annex, page 26 

I:\MEPC\61\2-1.doc 

5.2 Toxicity testing 

For Basic Approval, tests on acute aquatic toxicity have been performed only in discharged 

neutralized 34 psu and 20 psu ballast water. Test species (algae, invertebrate and fish) 

showed slightly low toxicity for the microalga, Skeletonema costatum (EC50 value is 94.29% 

in 20 psu); but the invertebrate, Tigriopus japonicus and the fish, Palalichthys olivaceus

showed no acute toxicity to the discharged neutralized ballast water (see section 4.2.1). 

5.3 Risk characterization and analysis 

The predicted environmental concentrations (PEC) of chemicals are estimated using the 

Marine Anti-foulant Model to Predict Environmental Concentrations (MAMPEC version 2.0). 

The model was developed to estimate leaking of anti-fouling from the surface of ships and 

worst case scenario applied. For the calculation of the PEC in this dossier, the highest 

concentrations of chemicals were used from the neutralized de-ballasting water of 

either 34 psu or 20 psu; and in an amount of 396,922 tonnes/day corresponding to the load 

of discharged ballast water in the OECD commercial harbour of Rotterdam. The results are 

shown in Table 17. All input data and results of the MAMPEC calculations are presented in 

appendix 6 of the application dossier. 

Table 17: PEC in the OECD-EU commercial harbour from AquaStar 

Total concentration in water 

Substance (μg/L) 

Highest 

concentrationa 

(μg/L) 

kb 

Max. Average Min. 

Bromatec 0.52 0.046 7.43E-03 2.94E-03 2.16E-04 

Trichloromethane 5.71 0.018 9.78E-02 3.76E-02 2.41E-03 

Dibromomethane 3.17 0.046 5.45E-02 2.09E-02 1.34E-03 

Dichlorobromomethane 5.92 0.018 1.12E-01 4.23E-02 2.53E-03 

Dibromochloromethane 14.4 0.018 3.06E-01 1.14E-01 6.21E-03 

Tribromomethane 585 0.018 1.34E+01 4.92E+00 2.54E-01 

Chloropicrin 1.74 0.012 6.01E-02 2.11E-02 7.75E-04 

Dibromoacetonitrile 17.4 0.018 5.90E-01 2.07E-01 7.74E-03 

Monochloroacetic acid 430 0.046 1.32E+01 4.70E+00 1.90E-01 

Monobromoacetic acid 16.2 0.077 4.52E-01 1.62E-01 7.12E-03 

Dalapon 18.2 0.018 6.18E-01 2.17E-01 8.10E-03 

Bromochloroacetic acid 390 0.046 1.20E+01 4.26E+00 1.73E-01 

Dibromoacetic acid 45.8 0.046 1.41E+00 5.00E-01 2.03E-02 

Tribromoacetic acid 174 0.046 5.36E+00 1.90E+00 7.70E-02 

Sodium thiosulfatec 40 0.046 1.23E+00 4.37E-01 1.77E-02 

a The worst case applied. The values in the gray fields are taken from the 20 psu water 

 as these values were higher than the values from the 34 psu water. 

 Load amount estimated from the OECD-EU commercial harbour (Rotterdam), 

 396,922 m3

 per day of discharge. 

b k is obtained the followed evaluation; k = ln(2)/half-life. And these values input 

 for degradation rate. 

c These chemicals were not detected. Therefore, the detection limit is used as 

 maximum concentration. 
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Annex, page 27 

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Based on MAMPEC results of AquaStar, Table 18 shows PEC/PNEC ratio. 

Table 18: PEC/PNEC ratios from MAMPEC modelling results

Substance Toxicity (mg/L) PNECa

(μg/L) 

PECb

(μg/L) 

PEC/PNEC 

(μg/L) 

Bromate 176 176 7.43E-03 4.22E-05 

Trichloromethane 3.4 3.4 9.78E-02 2.88E-02 

Dibromomethane N/A N/A 5.45E-02 N/A 

Dichlorobromomethane 1.424 1.424 1.12E-01 7.87E-02 

Dibromochloromethane 34 34 3.06E-01 9.00E-03 

Tribromomethane 4.8 4.8 1.34E+01 2.79E+00 

Chloropicrin 0.0165 0.0165 6.01E-02 3.64E+00 

Dibromoacetonitrile 0.55 0.55 5.90E-01 1.07E+00 

Monochloroacetic acid 32 32 1.32E+01 4.13E-01 

Monobromoacetic acid 1.6 1.6 4.52E-01 2.83E-01 

Dalapon 6 6 6.18E-01 1.03E-01 

Bromochloroacetic acid N/A N/A 1.20E+01 N/A 

Dibromoacetic acid 69 69 1.41E+00 2.04E-02 

Tribromoacetic acid N/A N/A 5.36E+00 N/A 

Sodium thiosulfate 50 50 1.23E+00 2.46E-02 

a PNEC = (Toxicity value/Assessment factor) x 1000, 1000 of Assessment factor is applied. 

b PEC values were used maximum values of total concentration in water. 

The PEC/PNEC ratios are >1 for tribromomethane, chloropicrin and dibromoacetonitrile. 

However, PEC values of tribromomethane and dibromoactonitrile are not in excess of the 

WHO's drinking water standards of 100 μg/L. In addition, these are non-PBT substances and 

no effect on human health through MOS approach is anticipated. 

Chloropicrin is no guideline on drinking water standards and is able to influence human 

health through MOS approach even though it is a non-PBT substance. 

Therefore, it is concluded that tribromomethane and dibromoacetonitrile maybe have 

no effect but chloropicrin in the de-ballasting water after neutralization are unlikely to affect 

the environment including health of humans. Chloropicrin must be treated carefully in 

accordance with regulation (see section 6.1.2). 

6 EVALUATION CRITERIA 

6.1 Ship and personnel safety 

6.1.1 Human Exposure Scenario 

In this section, estimates of levels of exposure and risk assessments will be conducted for 

various exposure scenarios. Concentrations, which used MOS approach, are the highest 

value of all water (test water, control water, treated water before neutralization and treated 

after neutralization). Consequently, the highest concentrations are in the treated ballast water 

both before neutralization and after neutralization. These concentrations can be expected to 
MEPC 61/2/1 

Annex, page 28 

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be further diluted when discharged into the natural environment. Margin of safety (MOS) has 

been estimated in accordance with a worst-case scenario, in which no dilution occurs 

(MEPC 56/2/2, GESAMP-BWWG 3/9, annex 9). Table 19 shows the theoretical exposure to 

the various compounds of a person weighing 60 kg and drinking 2 L of water per day. 

Since these MOS values, except for chloropicrin (MOS of chloropicrin is 12), are substantially 

higher than the MOSref (100), it is concluded that chemical compounds except for 

chloropicrin in the treated water after neutralization are unlikely to affect the environment 

including health of humans. Chloropicrin must be treated carefully in accordance with 

regulation (see section 6.1.1.1). 

Table 19: Results of the Margin of Safety (MOS) Approach 

Substancea

Highest 

concentration 

(mg/L) 

Exposureb

(mg/kg/day) 

NOAEL or 

LOAEL valuec

(mg/kg) 

MOSd

Bromate 0.00052 1.73E-05 7.7 444,231 

Trichloromethane 0.00664 1.90E-04 145 655,120 

Dibromomethane 0.00413 1.06E-04 N/A N/A 

Dichlorobromomethane 0.00634 1.97E-04 13.4 63,407 

Dibromochloromethane 0.0152 4.80E-04 18.3 36,118 

Tribromomethane 0.592 1.95E-02 56.4 2,858 

Chloropicrin 0.00503 5.80E-05 0.002 12 

Dibromoacetonitrile 0.0195 5.80E-04 8.2 12,615 

Monochloroacetic acid 0.513 1.43E-02 193 11,287 

Monobromoacetic acid 0.0186 5.40E-04 50 80,645 

Dalapon 0.0224 6.07E-04 15 20,089 

Bromochloroacetic acid 0.409 1.30E-02 41 3,007 

Dibromoacetic acid 0.16 1.53E-03 25 4,688 

Tribromoacetic acid 0.192 5.80E-03 N/A N/A 

Sodium thiosulfate 0.04 1.33E-03 N/A N/A 

a The values in the gray fields are taken from the 20 psu water as these values were 

 higher than the values from the 34 psu water. 

b Exposure = {(Highest concentration) x 2 L/day}/60 kg. c NOAEL, no observable adverse effect level; LOAEL, low observable adverse effect level. 

d MOS = (NOAEL or LOAEL value)/Exposure value. 

6.1.1.1 Crew and general public exposure/human exposure via environment 

In normal condition, AquaStar should pose no unacceptable risk to crew and general 

population. Also, through the MOS values of AquaStar, there will be no unacceptable risk to 

the general population and the crew, in case of accident (spill or leak of ballast water tank). 

However, MOS value of chloropicrin is 12. This value is lower than the MOSref (100). 

Therefore, chloropicrin must be treated carefully in accordance with regulation. 
MEPC 61/2/1 

Annex, page 29 

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Chloropicrin is hazardous and colourless liquid with an intensely irritating tear gas odour. 

It may cause severe eye irritation with corneal injury, which may result in permanent 

impairment of vision, or even blindness. Chloropicrin causes painful irritation of the eyes at 

concentration of 1 ppm or less, and a concentration of 15 ppm or more for longer than 

one minute is intolerable to humans. Chloropicrin may cause severe skin burns and this is 

classified as corrosive according to DOT guidelines. Chloropicrin is also toxic to fish and 

other aquatic organisms. 

In case of accidental spill or leak of treated ballast water, the affected area should be 

evacuated immediately. Appropriate personal protective equipment such as a NIOSH/MSHA 

approved self-contained breathing apparatus should be used by personnel entering the 

affected area for repairing the system. Work upwind if possible. Persons without protective 

equipment should not be permitted to enter the spill or clean-up area. 

Personnel who might get in contact with the treated ballast water during, e.g., maintenance 

or sampling should wear protective clothing including breathing apparatus, and should avoid 

eye, skin, and clothing contact as well as inhaling of aerosols by breathing. Containers 

should be opened only in well-ventilated areas. 

6.1.2 Ship 

AquaStar designed by AQUA Eng. Co., Ltd. is directly installed in the main ballast pipeline 

and is operated to the electrolysis method. By-products of electrolysis are chloro- or 

bromo-compounds such as sodium hypochlorite, sodium hypobromite, trichloromethane, etc.

Because these substances are the strong oxidant, by-products could corrode the ballast 

pipeline and tank. Therefore, the long-term (> 6 months) corrosion test will be performed by 

using treated water containing these substances. During land-based test, the comprehensive 

long-term corrosion test will be performed at the AquaStar system according to 

IMO Performance Standard for Protective Coating (PSPC) guideline. All tests related to 

corrosion test will base on document MEPC 59/2/16. The results of corrosion test will be 

presented to the Final Approval application. Generally, hydrochloric acid (HCl) is used as the 

washing substance of electrode attachments of electrolyzer unit, and is a hazard chemical. 

But the washing of electrode attachments of AquaStar electrolyzer unit does not use 

hydrochloric acid (HCl), and electrode attachments are easily removed as the high-pressure 

washing method used fresh water or seawater. AquaStar electrolyzer unit is also designed to 

simply separate electrodes. 

7 REGULATION OF THE USE OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCES AND PREPARATIONS 

7.1 Handling of Active Substances and Preparations 

The electrolyzer unit of the AquaStar system developed by AQUA Eng. Co. Ltd. is installed in 

ballast pipeline pumping water directly from the sea. When ballasting, the water flows directly 

through the AquaStar system and into the ballast tanks. This means that the ships crew will 

not get in contact with AS or other chemicals. This also applies to ballasting during voyage. 

The presented results indicate that the neutralized de-ballasting water is unlikely to cause 

any hazards to the marine ecosystem.
MEPC 61/2/1 

Annex, page 30 

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7.2 Hazard documentation and labelling (Safe procedure and use for hazard 

incidents) 

If all operators and crew follow the manuals of AquaStar, there is no hazard to human health 

and marine ecosystems. Accidental leaking should be treated as described in section 6.1.2. 

For the safe operation of the AquaStar system, the pressure gauges and TRO sensors are 

installed and continuously monitoring and controlling the system during operation. If the 

problems occur, the warning system of the control unit will automatically indicate the type of 

problem encountered and appropriate action can be taken. In case of severe failure or 

malfunction, the control unit will shot down the system. A detailed description of the manuals 

of AquaStar is given in appendix 1 of the application dossier. 

During de-ballasting, sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3) is used to neutralize the treated ballast 

water. This chemical is stored in a tank, and it is regarded as non-hazardous. The detailed 

description of the MSDS of sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3) is given in appendix of the 

application dossier. 

8 REFERENCES 

Hayes K. R. and Sliwa C., Identifying potential marine pests-a deductive approach applied to 

Australia, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 46, 91-98, 2003. 

Jeong H. J., Kim H. R., Kim K. I., Kim K. Y., Park K. H., Kim S. T., Yoo Y. D., Song J. Y., Kim 

J. S., Seong K. A., Yih W. H., Pae S. J., Lee C. H., Huh M. D. and Lee S. H., NaOCl 

produced by electrolysis of natural seawater as a potential method to control marine red tide 

dinoflagellates, Phycologia, 41, 643-656, 2002. 

Lee K. W. and Yang H. S., Chemical Oceanography, pp 35, 1998. 

Yoon B. S. Rho J. H. Kim K. I. Park K. S. and Kim H. R., Development of ballast water 

treatment technology (Feasibility study of NaOCl produced by electrolysis), Journal of the 

Korean Society, Vol 8, No 4, 174-178, 2005. 

9 APPENDICES 

The following appendices referred to in this document are contained in the application 

dossier: 

Appendix 1 System description of AquaStar BWMS 

Appendix 2 QAPP and Efficacy test report 

Appendix 3 QAPP, COC records and test results for chemicals 

Appendix 4 COC records and test results for aquatic toxicity 

Appendix 5 Material safety data sheet 

Appendix 6 MAMPEC result 

Appendix 7 MSDS reference articles 

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