Elevated tri(n-butyl)tin concentrations in shellfish and sediments from Suva Harbour,Fiji

Tri(n-butyl)tin (TBT) concentrations were determined in sediments and selected shellfish from Suva Harbour, Fiji. Sediments in the immediate vicinity of foreshore slipways and boatyards were exceedingly contaminated, with a maximum observed level of 38μ g^?1 TBT-Sn. Concentrations were much lower in surficial sediments from commercial docks and yacht mooring areas, namely 16–83 ng g^?1 TBT-Sn. Mangrove oysters (Crassostrea mordax), gastropods (Thais mancinella), and bivalves (Anadara scapha) were found to have accumulated TBT. Concentrations as high as 3180 ng g^?1 TBT-Sn were found in mangrove oysters. With respect to the mangrove oyster, its widespread distribution, abundance and proclivity to accumulate TBT suggest that it is likely to be the best bioindicator species of TBT contamination in Fijian coastal waters.