Evaluation of the Microbial Quality in Ballast Water from Foreign Ships in Forcados Port, Southern Nigeria

Ballast water discharges pose a threat to ecosystems through the introduction of non-native species and pathogens. The lag in proper ballasting techniques before discharge necessitates greater monitoring of foreign ship operators in the Nigerian maritime environment through robust research. This study was initiated to assess the microbial content of ballast water from foreign ships in Forcados port, southern Nigeria. Twenty foreign ships were purposefully selected for analysis based on their shipment routes and countries of origin. Microbes and hydrocarbons were assessed using a multistage sampling technique. The results showed significant variability in microbiological quality across the sampled ships, with some samples identified as major environmental threats due to elevated levels of petroleum and bacterial contamination. The findings, including increased turbidity and trace hydrocarbons, align with global observational data. This points out the value of regular monitoring, strict adherence to IMO standards, and urgent enhancements to Ballast Water Treatment Systems for non-compliant ships.