TEXTE Environmental Impacts of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems for Reduction of SOx on Ships — Analysis of status quo 
Report compiled within the framework of the project ImpEx 
7 Research studies on EGCS discharge water 
Due to the environmental concerns regarding EGCS discharge water and the call from the IMO to 
provide data about its contents and effects, several research studies have been conducted 
focusing on a specific issue or multiple aspects of the EGCS discharge water. Table A-3 
summarizes the research activities identified during the literature review and indicates which 
relevant aspects on the discussions were covered. 
The following chapters (7.1, 7.2 and 7.3) describe in detail the approach and results of some of 
the research studies listed in Table A-3. The review is focused on recent studies that cover 
sampling campaign, chemical composition, ecotoxicological effects or environmental risk 
assessment of EGCS discharge water, which are planned activities in project ImpEx. It serves as a 
basis and assists in considering the further processing and evaluation of the field campaigns, 
laboratory analyses and obtained data according to the current research and, where 
appropriate, to create synergies. 
Chapter 7.5 presents research studies currently being carried out. Additionally, the reports by 
Stips et al. (2016), Heywood and Kasseris (2019), Linders et al. (2019) and Kasseris et al. (2020) 
summarized an extensive compilation of previous studies. Special attention must be given to the 
report of the GESAMP Task Team on EGCS (Linders et al., 2019), submitted to PPR 7 as 
document PPR 7/INF.23, which serves as basis for the planning and the methodological 
approach of the ImpEx project. The conclusions and recommendations of the work of the 
GESAMP Task Team include: 
A preliminary risk assessment based on the available information is currently not 
possible (uncertainties and data gaps). 
A clear procedure for conducting a risk assessment of pollutants, using the Marine 
Antifoulant Model to Predict Environmental Concentrations as amended for Ballast 
Water discharges (MAMPEC-BW) as a tool for environmental exposure assessment, 
was recommended, 
A database with data on physical-chemical properties, (eco)toxicological effects, fate 
and behaviour of relevant components needs to be developed. 
Data collection on chemical substances should focus on PAHegpa16 (possibly alkyl- 
PAHSs), trace metals (arsenic, chromium, copper, nickel, and vanadium) and 
suspended solids. 
In available studies, uncertainties were identified in the methodology as well as in 
the organisation and performance of the measurements. 
Harmonised sampling and analysis procedures are necessary for comparability of 
data. 
The following aspects must be taken into account for the risk assessment: 
—  ecotoxicological risks to marine pelagic and sediment dwelling organisms, 
direct (skin contact) and indirect (seafood consumption) routes of exposure for 
humans and, 
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