BILGE WATER Meaning and
Definition
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Bilge water refers to the liquid that collects at the bottommost part of a ship's hull, known as the "bilge." It is a mixture of various substances and liquids that have accumulated in the vessel, including water from rain, seawater, and leakage from various sources onboard.
In terms of composition, bilge water often contains oil, fuel, grease, sludge, sewage, chemicals, and other contaminants. These substances enter the bilge from different areas of the ship, such as machinery spaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and cargo holds. Due to the nature of its origin, bilge water can be highly polluted and potentially harmful to the environment.
The accumulation of bilge water poses several challenges for ship operators. It can contribute to the growth of bacteria and microorganisms, resulting in foul odors and potential health hazards. Moreover, the presence of oil and other hazardous substances can cause pollution if discharged into the sea without proper treatment.
To mitigate the environmental impact, regulations have been established to control the discharge of bilge water. Ships are required to have equipment such as bilge separators or oily water separators to treat the bilge water before it is discharged overboard. These separators remove the oil and other pollutants, allowing the remaining water to be safely released back into the environment.
Overall, bilge water is the mixture of liquids and contaminants that accumulate in the bilge of a ship, necessitating proper treatment and management to prevent pollution and maintain environmental sustainability.
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Water lying on a ship's bottom or bilge.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for BILGE WATER
- vilge water
- nilge water
- hilge water
- gilge water
- bulge water
- bjlge water
- bklge water
- bolge water
- b9lge water
- b8lge water
- bikge water
- bipge water
- bioge water
- bilfe water
- bilve water
- bilbe water
- bilhe water
- bilye water
- bilte water
Etymology of BILGE WATER
The word "bilge water" comes from the combination of two separate words: "bilge" and "water".
The term "bilge" originally referred to the lowest compartment of a ship's hull, where water, dirt, and other waste substances collect. It derives from the Middle English word "bilge" or "bildge", which came from the Old French "boulge" or "bouge", meaning "leather bag". Over time, the meaning of "bilge" expanded to include the area where stagnant water and waste accumulate in ships.
The word "water", on the other hand, derives from the Old English word "wæter", which has Germanic origins. It is a basic term used to refer to the liquid substance.
Similar spelling words for BILGE WATER
