Abstract:In order to understand the variation of physical and chemical factors in ballast water, the simulation ballasting experiment was designed and conducted at land-based test facility. Sample data were collected immediately after pumping finished (0 d) and then on days 1, 5, 10, 15 and 30 respectively. The parameters to be analyzed include water temperature, salinity, pH, DO, turbidity, TSS, NO2-N, NH4-N, NH3-N, PO4-P, TN and TP. Salinity and temperature fluctuated in a small range, and there was no significant change during holding. Natural light was strong, especially in summer, so that was the main reason why natural sea water temperature has declined after being pumped into the dark environment. It might have a certain impact on the temperature of the ballast tank in case of strong cooling weather in winter. The depletion of oxygen of the plankton in the tank did not show significant changes to the DO. The stability of DO and pH could be maintained throughout the ballasting process. Turbidity and TSS decreased significantly within holding time. There was a large fluctuation of TN, NO2-N and NH4-N in summer, and of NH3-N in winter. The initial concentration of phosphorus in winter was higher than that in summer, but it rapidly decreased. It declined notably in its initial stage during winter time.