Using Microwaves To Cook Ballast Stowaways 186
Smivs writes "US researchers say they have developed an effective way to kill unwanted plants and animals that hitch a ride in the ballast waters of cargo vessels. Tests showed that a continuous microwave system was able to remove all marine life within the water tanks. The UN lists 'invasive species' dispersed by ballast water discharges as one of the four main threats to the world's marine ecosystems. For example European zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) have infested more than 40% of the US's inland waterways. Between 1989 and 2000, up to $1B is estimated to have been spent on controlling the spread of the alien invader."
I think not.... (Score:5, Funny)
A better solution, I propose, is to simply put some spent nuclear fuel into the ballast tank to kill off any invasive species before dumping the ballast water.
Posing as AC b/c I work for an environmental consulting firm...and my boss would fire me if he knew I was this "green".
Why it's important to RTFA (Score:5, Funny)
My first thought was, "Wow, that sounds effective."
My second was, "But that is kinda harsh."
My thirs, "Cooooooool."
Re:Invasive species? (Score:1, Funny)
Re:Why it's important to RTFA (Score:5, Funny)
"Excuse me, stewardess? Is something burning in the kitchen? Smells like bologna..."
What about the railroads? (Score:5, Funny)
I'm just asking.
Re:Why it's important to RTFA (Score:3, Funny)
My second was, "But that is kinda harsh."
My thirs, "Cooooooool."
Wait... are you counting your thoughts, or your Alabama Slammers?
Re:Too little too late (Score:5, Funny)
Lisa: But isn't that a bit short-sighted? What happens when we're overrun by lizards?
Skinner: No problem. We simply release wave after wave of Chinese needle snakes. They'll wipe out the lizards.
Lisa: But aren't the snakes even worse?
Skinner: Yes, but we're prepared for that. We've lined up a fabulous type of gorilla that thrives on snake meat.
Lisa: But then we're stuck with gorillas!
Skinner: No, that's the beautiful part. When wintertime rolls around, the gorillas simply freeze to death.
What could possibly go wrong? (Score:2, Funny)
US researchers say they have developed an effective way to kill unwanted plants and animals that hitch a ride in the ballast waters of cargo tankers.
Tests showed that a continuous microwave system was able to remove all marine life within the water tanks.
Mmmmmmmm..... Microwaves! (Score:3, Funny)
Somebody call Mike Rowe...
Re:Too little too late (Score:3, Funny)
But without muscles, zebras would be all floppy and squishy. Plus, zoo revenue would go down. Who wants to watch a flat patch of stripes laying on the field?
-1 Lame
Re:Too little too late (Score:5, Funny)
Have you considered removing them from your flat? That might make a difference on how you look at wildlife.
Re:Great! But... (Score:5, Funny)
And in answer to the followup question - delicious!
Other uses... (Score:5, Funny)
[For you youngsters: s/ballast/mother/g;]
Re:Too little too late (Score:4, Funny)
Re:I think not.... (Score:3, Funny)
Nice but (Score:3, Funny)
Re:What about the railroads? (Score:2, Funny)
Therefore, it is necessary to microwave on HIGH for a few additional minutes. Marinating helps too.
Re:Too little too late (Score:4, Funny)
Flats are for cute & cuddly native animals called possums, often refered to as "roof rabbits" or "dim sims".
"That might make a difference on how you look at wildlife."
Please don't presume you know how I "look at wildlife".