Determination of tributyltin oxide in coastal marine sediments and mussels by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry |
| |
Authors: | N Cardellicchio S Geraci C Marra P Paterno |
| |
Abstract: | We have devised a new method for bis(tributyltin)oxide (TBTO) determination in marine sediments and mussels. This technique involves an n-hexane/methylene chloride mixture extraction and extract purification with a sodium hydroxide wash in order to eliminate interfering compounds. TBTO is then extracted again by nitric acid and converted into an inorganic tin species; the analysis has been effected using Zeeman graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The method detection limit for the matrices examined is 0.004 μg TBTO g?1 (wet weight) and is sufficient for the analysis in real samples. The percentage recovery of TBTO from sediments and mussels samples is higher than 85% and 95% respectively. This method has been applied to TBTO level determination in sediments and mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) sampled in the harbour area in Taranto, where mussel culture activities are much developed; the TBTO levels obtained in sediments and mussels were in the range 15-47 ng g?1 (wet weight) and 11-30 ng g?1 (wet weight) respectively. Such values are comparable with those found in other harbour areas in the Mediterranean Sea. |
| |
Keywords: | Butyltin analysis graphite furnace atomic absorption sediments mussels |
|