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Shipping is a large industry responsible for atmospheric emissions of hazardous substances including SOX, NOX, and particulate matter. Many ships have installed exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) to remove primarily SOX from the exhaust, but the hazardous substances are instead transferred to the water used in the scrubbing process. Ships with closed-loop scrubbers recirculate the water but can still discharge around 126-150 m3 directly to the surrounding marine environment every day. The discharged water contains metals and organic substances, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, that are known to be toxic to marine zooplankton. Here we show that closed-loop scrubber washwater is toxic to communities of marine mesozooplankton at our lowest tested dilution, 1.5% (v/v), and affects survival, reproduction, diversity, and ability to predate on microzooplankton. The cumulative toxic unit of the undiluted closed-loop scrubber washwater was estimated to 17, which indicates that the water could be toxic at levels below what was tested in this study. Among all detected substances, vanadium, copper, benzo[ghi]perylene, nickel, and zinc were identified as toxicity-driving substances in the order listed. Closed-loop scrubber washwater has been shown to affect development and survival in single species of copepods, but here we find evidence of toxicity at the community level, irrespective of seasonal community structure, and that the exposure has potential to disrupt the interactions between trophic levels in the pelagic food web. We show that the closed-loop scrubber washwater cause both lethal and sublethal effects in marine zooplankton, due to contaminants, some of which are persistent in the marine environment.

Climate change poses a global challenge related to the reduction of pollutant atmospheric emissions and the maritime transportation sector is directly involved, due to its significant impact on the production of Greenhouse Gases and other substances. While established technologies have effectively targeted emissions like Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) and Sulfur Oxides (SOX), the persistence of Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions represents an ongoing and significant concern. Novel technologies targeting CO2 reduction have been lately studied and proposed for inland applications, and are now being developed for maritime applications. With this regard, the present study explores the potential of Carbon Capture Systems (CCS) to mitigate CO2 emissions produced by cargo ships. While the implementation of CCS faces challenges, including space limitations and logistical complexities, its possible integration onboard marks a significant step in the fight against climate change. The authors propose an innovative approach using a Calcium Hydroxide Ca(OH)2 based CCS, offering the dual benefit of CO2 reduction and the potential resolution of ocean acidification through Calcium carbonate (CaCO3), the final product resulting from the CO2 capture process. Additionally, the study examines the feasibility of the generated product for reuse in industry, promoting a circular economy and addressing environmental issues. This innovative solution underscores the urgent need for transformative measures to reduce maritime emissions, in line with efforts to safeguarding the marine environment and combat climate change.

Cruise Ships Emits More Pollution Into Europe.