Accumulation and toxic effect of organometallic compounds on algae

This paper reports toxic effects and bioaccumulation factors of organometallic compounds, mainly organotin species, on algae. We selected two species of microalgae as test algae: one was Scenedesmus obliquus as a representative of fresh-water algae, the other Dunaliella salina and Dunaliella viridis, to represent commonly mixed algae which exist abundantly in Tianjin Harbor, People's Republic of China. For comparison, Chlorella vulgaris was also used in this study. The toxic effect of ten organometallic compounds on the freshwater alga, S. obliquus, was investigated. The ten compounds were (as chlorides) tributyltin (TBT); triphenyltin (TPT); trimethyltin (TMT); dibutyltin (DBT); diphenyltin (DPT); dimethyltin (DMT); trimethyl-lead acetate (TML); dimethyl-arsine (DMA) and two new mixed-alkyltin pesticides, dicyclohexylmethylitin acetate (Cy₂MTA) and dicyclohexylmethyltin isobutyrate (Cy₂MTB). The order of toxicity of these compounds in fresh-water algae, S. obliquus, was TBT>TPT>DBT> Cy₂MTA=TML> Cy₂MTB>DPT>TMT>DMA>DMT, according to 96 h EC₅₀ values attained. The ten toxicants were divided into three groups according to the sequence of their toxicities; (a) TBT, TPT; (b) DBT, Cy₂MTA, TML, Cy₂MTB; (c) DPT, TMT, DMA, DMT. In each group the EC₅₀ values of each compound were quite similar. The difference of EC₅₀ values between two vicinal groups was approximately one order of magnitude. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) of TBT and TPT compared with water in the freshwater alga S. obliquus was >3.32 × 10⁵ and 1.14 × 10⁵, respectively. The BCF of the marine mixed algae was >3.48 × 10⁵. The marine microalga, Chlorella vulgaris, was adaptable to TBT at lower concentration. TBT at high concentration only inhibited the growth of S. obliquus, but it could cause chlorosis anddisintegration of D. salina and D. viridis. Resistance to toxicity of algae against TBT appears in order as follows: C. vulgaris>S. obliquus>D. salina and D. viridis. TBT was metabolized by algae to a less toxic product, DBT. The existence of algal cells accelerated the concentration reduction of TBT. The toxic mechanism of TBT was also studied.     

Modulation of the F1FO‐ATPase function by butyltin compounds

Among butyltin compounds, tributyltin (TBT), widely exploited in the past in antifouling paints for its biocidal properties, is long known as one of the most harmful sea contaminants. Among the ascertained and universal toxicity mechanisms, TBT targeting F₁F_O‐ATPase and thus impairing cell bioenergetics, is here reviewed. While TBT effects on F₁F_O‐ATPase have been investigated for decades, the possible impact of the derivatives dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT), produced by abiotic and/or biotic dealkylation of TBT and usually considered far less toxic, have been poorly explored up until now. Butyltin effects on F₁F_O‐ATPase and their underlying action mechanism seem to be tightly structure dependent. Butyltins are membrane‐active toxicants. Owing to its more pronounced lipophilicity TBT targets the transmembrane F_O sector, blocks ionic translocation and causes a dose‐dependent loss of sensitivity to F_O inhibitors such as oligomycin and N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. DBT strongly inhibits F₁F_O‐ATPase activity by competing with the Mg⁺² cofactor in the F₁ catalytic site but is ineffective on the enzyme sensitivity to F_O inhibitors. MBT is apparently ineffective. The possible contribution of DBT to the overall butyltin toxicity on membrane systems may not be neglectable since usually TBT coexists with its derivatives in organotin‐exposed animal tissues. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Life‐cycle toxicity of dibutyltin to the sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) and implications of the ubiquitous tributyltin impurity in test material

Dibutyltin (DBT) is used in the plastics polymerization process as a catalyst in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products and is the primary degradation product of tributyltin (TBT), an antifoulant in marine paint. DBT and other organotin compounds make their way into the environment through antifoulants, PVC processing plants, and PVC products maintained in water and water‐handling systems. A flow‐through saltwater life‐cycle toxicity test was conducted to determine the chronic effect of DBT to the sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus Lacepede), an estuarine species. Embryos were monitored through hatch, maturation, growth, and reproduction in DBT concentrations of 158, 286, 453, 887, and 1510 µg l^?1. Progeny were monitored for survival as embryos and fry/juveniles, and growth for 30 days post‐isolation. Mean length of parental generation fish was significantly reduced on day 30 at DBT concentrations ≥887 µg l^?1, setting the lowest observable effect concentration (LOEC) at 887 µg l^?1 and the no observable effect concentration (NOEC) at 453 µg l^?1. Fecundity, as egg viability, was significantly reduced at the LOEC. Survival of parental and progeny generation embryos and mean length, wet weight and dry weight of progeny generation juveniles were not significantly affected at concentrations ≤LOEC. TBT, a toxic impurity in DBT reversibly produced in DBT by the process of comproportionation, was also monitored throughout this study. Comparing measured levels of TBT in this study with levels exerting toxic effects in an earlier TBT life‐cycle study with C. variegatus suggests biological responses in this study were likely due to the TBT impurity and not to DBT alone. Results indicate that TBT impurity as low as 0.1% may have a significant influence on the perceived toxicity of DBT and that spontaneous production of TBT in DBT may be the major source of biological toxicity of DBT. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Butyltins biomagnification from macroalgae to green sea urchin: a field assessment

Biomagnification of butyltins (BTs) was examined in a simple food web including seawater, macroalgae (Alaria esculenta, Laminaria longicruris, Ulvaria obscura) and green urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis). The study was conducted in shallow waters of the St Lawrence Estuary (Canada) adjacent to two areas potentially contaminated by BTs. Levels of tri‐ (TBT), di‐ (DBT) and mono‐BT (MBT) were determined in seawater, green urchin (including faecal matter after sampling) and macroalgae surrounding the urchins at each sampling site. The concentrations of TBT in seawater from all stations were relatively low (3–7 ngSn l^?1), and both the TBT and the total BTs (∑BT = MBT + DBT + TBT) concentrations decreased with increase in distance from the BT sources. The concentrations of TBT in algae were 0.35 ngSn g^?1 dry weight (DW) in A. esculenta, 0.40 ngSn g^?1 DW in L. longicruris and 3.58 ngSn g^?1 DW in U. obscura. Following their location, green urchins feeding mainly on these algae accumulated BTs at levels ranging from 4 to 85 ngSn g^?1 DW in gonads and from 35 to 334 ngSn g^?1 DW in gut. The mean bioconcentration factor (BCF) calculated from seawater to algae ranged from 17 in A. esculenta to 151 in U. obscura, whereas the biomagnification factor (BMF) from algae to urchins ranged from 2 to 17 in gonads and from 10 to 67 in gut. The overall bioaccumulation factor of TBT between seawater and internal organs of urchins reached an average value of 1.2 × 10³. These results are the first to illustrate high BT BCFs and BMFs in human‐edible macroalgae and urchins sampled from northern coastal areas with a low TBT contamination level. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Comparison of the acute toxicity of tributyltin and copper to veliger larvae of Nassarius reticulatus (L.)

The ban on the use of tributyltin (TBT) is promoting an increasing use of copper as an active biocide in antifouling paints, with consequent rising levels of this metal in the environment. This study assesses the acute toxicity of copper and tributyltin to the larvae of the mollusc gastropod Nassarius reticulatus. Recently hatched veligers were exposed to nominal TBT‐Sn concentrations of 0.9, 1.4, 1.9, 2.8, 3.8, 4.7 and 5.6 µg l^?1 and nominal copper concentrations of 9.4, 23.4, 46.9, 70.3, 93.8, 117.2, 140.6 and 164.1 µg l^?1 for up to 96 h, under static conditions (17 ± 1 °C and 33 ± 1 psu). The percentage of larval mortality was determined for each organometal/metal concentration and exposure time (1, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h). Both TBT and copper had a highly significant effect on larvae survival (p < 0.001) for all times of exposure, except for the first hour in the particular case of TBT. The lowest observed effect concentration for TBT‐Sn decreased over time from 3.8 µg l^?1 at 24 h to 1.9 µg l^?1 at 96 h, whereas for copper it remained constant over time (46.9 µg l^?1). The median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) for TBT‐Sn decreased from 4.87 µg l^?1 at 24 h to 1.78 µg l^?1 at 96 h, and the LC₅₀ for copper decreased from 83.08 µg l^?1 at 24 h to 58.84 µg l^?1 at 96 h. TBT is far more toxic to N. reticulatus larvae than copper. However, owing to the higher copper environmental concentrations, the risk factors of the two biocides may approach each other. This stresses the need to find adequate substitutes for organotin biocides in future antifouling paints. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hepatic butyltin concentrations in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from the St Lawrence Estuary and northern Quebec,Canada

Butyltin (tributyltin TBT; dibutyltin DBT and monobutyltin MBT) speciation was measured in the liver of beluga whales from the St Lawrence Estuary and Hudson Strait (northern Quebec). Using GC–MS, liver samples were analysed from 21 beluga whales found dead, stranded along the shores of the St Lawrence during the period 1995–1998. In all cases, including a neonate specimen, the liver was contaminated with butyltin compounds with concentrations in the range 0.04–2.1 mg Sn kg⁻¹ on a dry weight basis. Liver samples of five beluga whales from Hudson Strait obtained in the summer of 1998 were also analysed. For these animals, hepatic butyltin concentrations were consistently below the detection limit (<0.5 ng Sn g⁻¹ for MBT and <0.2 ng Sn g⁻¹ for DBT and TBT). Compared with published data on the contamination by TBT of the marine mammals of the St Lawrence in 1988, these contemporary results clearly indicate that the level of contamination of the beluga whales in this coastal marine ecosystem has not decreased ten years after regulating the use of TBT‐based antifoulants on small craft. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Tributyltin levels in French Mediterranean coastal waters

Tributyltin (TBT) and its degradation products were measured in seawater samples in 1988 and 1989 at different locations of the French Mediterranean coast, including harbours, marinas and mariculture areas. Higher levels of TBT contamination were found in harbour (2–833 ng dm^?3) and marina waters (18–736 ng dm^?3) compared with mariculture areas (<2–111 ng dm^?3). Geographical distribution of TBT degradation products showed that a TBT hot spot finally results in a diffuse contamination of dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT), even far distant from input areas.     

Electrochemical speciation of organotin compounds in water and sediments. Application to sea water after ion-exchange separation

For the quantitative speciation of tributyltin, Bu₃Sn⁺ (TBT), in the presence of dibutyltin, Bu₂Sn²⁺ (DBT), monobutyltin, BuSn³⁺ (MBT), triphenyltin, Ph₃Sn⁺ (TPT), and inorganic tin in water samples and sediments, an accurate, reproducible, simple and rapid electrochemical method was developed. After extraction of the organotin compounds with dichloromethane, TBT could be selectively determined as species by alternating current polarography directly in the organic phase without any derivatisation. The successful application of this technique could be proved by the results obtained by intercomparison exercises on TBT in water samples and sediments, organized by the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR). For the application of this technique to sea water samples a preliminary ion exchange separation of TBT from the major components of sea water was performed, achieving a detection limit for TBT in the ppt range.     

Optimization of butyltin measurements for seawater,tissue, and marine sediment samples

Optimized techniques for measuring butyltins at the sub-part-per-trillion (ppb; 1:10¹²) level in seawater and at the part-per-billion (ppb; 1:10⁹) level in tissues and sediments are presented. Purge and trap/hydride derivatization followed by atomic absorption (AA) detection was optimized to give better sensitivity than was previously attained for seawater, yielding environmental detection limits of 0.08–0.2 ng dm^?3. Improvement in precision and reproducibility in measurement of butyltins in tissues and sediments was attained by adjustment of the concentration in an organic extract to minimize matrix effects and by use of internal standards. The tissues and sediments were homogenized and extracted with methylene chloride (CH₂Cl₂) after acidification. The butyltins in the organic layer were derivatized with hexylmagnesium bromide and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) with a flame photometric detector (FPD). The absolute detection limits in tissues and sedimets were 0.1 ng for tributyltin (TBT), 0.12 ng for dibutyltin (DBT) and 0.29 ng for monobutyltin (MBT).     

Degradation of dibutyltin in sea water by pyoverdins isolated from Pseudomonas chlororaphis

The yellow compounds pyoverdins were isolated from Pseudomonas chlororaphis, which was isolated from mud in Japan. Degradation of tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT), and monobutyltin (MBT) by pyoverdin (20 mg) was carried in sea water (30 ml) containing a 6 µg l^?1 concentration of TBT, DBT, and MBT at 24 °C for 24 h in aerobic conditions. TBT, DBT, and MBT in sea water were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in selected ion monitoring mode. DBT in sea water was degraded to MBT by pyoverdins isolated from P. chlororaphis. However, TBT and MBT in sea water was not degraded by pyoverdins. The optimum degradation of DBT in sea water was at pH 4.8–8.2, at a temperature 25–30 °C. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A study of the partitioning and sorptive behaviour of butyltins in the aquatic environment

This study was designed to investigate the partitioning and sorptive behaviour of tributyltin(TBT), and its degradation products dibutylitin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT), in the aquatic environment. Factorial experiments were undertaken to determine the importance of pH and particulate matter concentration in the sorption of butyltin compounds to solid phases. Results indicate that in freshwaters MBT, and to a lesser extent TBT, will be partitioned towards the particulate phase, whereas DBT exhibits a 50:50 partitioning between particulate and solution phases. In estuarine waters, whilst MBT will almost exclusively sorb on to particulates, TBT will be predominantly in the solid-phase fractions but 10–30% may remain in solution. DBT, in contrast, is solubilized in estuarine waters. A more detailed investigation of TBT sorption and particulate matter concentration was undertaken using adsorption isotherms on different sediment types. The results from batch isotherm tests plotted according to the Freundlich adsorption model revealed that TBT adsorption varied with sediment type, increasing in the order sandy-silt < silty-sand < silty-clay. TBT sorption was found to be reversible, indicating that contaminated sediments may release TBT to overlying waters following sediment distrubance. Interstitial water partitioning studies indicate that TBT predominates in the particulate phase with partition coefficients for TBT higher than for DBT and MBT. The TBT partition coefficient in interstitial waters appears to be related to total organic carbon loadings.     

Imposex and organotin contamination in Nassarius reticulatus (L.) along the Portuguese coast

Nassarius reticulatus (whelk) imposex levels and organotin body burden (b.b.) were surveyed along the Portuguese coast, from Vila Praia de Âncora (northern limit) to Lagos (southern limit), between May and August 2003. The percentage of females affected with imposex (%I), the relative penis length index (RPLI), the vas deferens sequence index (VDSI) and the degree of female oviduct convolution index (AOS) were used to assess the level of imposex at each site. These imposex indices were determined for 23 sampling stations throughout the coast and were in the range 0.0–100%, 0.0–90%, 0.0–5.0 and 0.0–1.3 respectively. Sterile females (i.e. females carrying aborted egg capsules inside the capsule gland) were found inside the harbours of Viana do Castelo (8.5%) and Aveiro (3.7%). Organotin compounds were assessed at 10 sampling sites spread along the coast. Tributyltin (TBT) b.b. in females varied between 39 and 1679 ng g^?1 (as tin) dry weight, and dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT) varied in the ranges 23–1084 ng g^?1 (as tin) d and 18–939 ng g^?1 dry wt respectively. Among the butyltins, the major fraction corresponded to TBT (47.4%), followed by DBT (27.6%) and MBT (25.0%), which indicates recent TBT inputs. Triphenyltin (TPT) levels ranged from <5 to 21 ng g^?1 (as tin), and, when quantifiable, represented on average 10% of that of TBT. TPT was the dominant phenyltin and was detected in 60% of the sampling stations. The imposex was significantly correlated to ln (TBT) (Spearman r = 0.918, p < 0.001 for RPLI; r = 0.864, p < 0.001 for VDSI; r = 0.828, p < 0.01 for AOS). The higher levels of imposex and TBT contamination occurred inside or close to harbours, which we identified as ‘hotspots’ of pollution along the coast. Comparing the results obtained in the current work with those reported in a similar survey in 2000, imposex and TBT b.b. varied locally but did not reveal any global trend in the variation of TBT pollution along the Portuguese coast over the 3 year period. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Occurrence of butyltin compounds in marine sediments and bivalves from three harbour areas (Saigon,Da Nang and Hai Phong) in Vietnam

A survey of organotin compounds comprising tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT) in sediment and clam (Meretrix meretrix) was undertaken in Vietnam in 2003. Samples were collected from dry docks and cargo harbours in Ho Chi Minh (south), Da Nang (centre) and Hai Phong (north) cities. Measurable amounts of TBT, DBT and MBT were found in all samples. The total concentration of the butyltin compounds (ΣBTs) in sediment from shipyards and vessel repair yards (Nam Trieu, Song Cam, Lach Tray and Ba Son) were always higher than those measured in cargo ports (Hai Phong, Da Nang, and Sai Gon). The highest ΣBTs concentration (as tin: 122 ng g^?1 dry wt) was found in the sediment from Song Cam station, where seven shipyards are located. The lowest concentrations of ΣBTs occurred in sediments from the Da Nang and Hai Phong cargo ports (as tin: 21–22 ng g^?1 dry wt). This implies that the major source of BTs in the marine environment in Vietnam is from the shipbuilding activities. The ratio of TBT to Σ(MBT + DBT) in sediment was 0.67 ± 0.03 for all the sampling sites, indicating the recent use of TBT in Vietnam. For the clam (M. meretrix), the concentration of ΣBTs (as tin) varied in the range 11.2–60.1 ng g^?1 wet wt. There was a good correlation (R² = 0.85) between total organic matter‐normalized ΣBTs in sediment and hexane‐extractable organic matter‐normalized ΣBTs in clam soft tissue. The mean biota–sediment accumulation factors (organic carbon/lipid) for MBT, DBT and TBT in clam's soft tissue were found to be 1.83 ± 0.66, 1.44 ± 0.23 and 1.16 ± 0.47 respectively, indicating that sediment‐bound BTs might be an important source of contamination for the clam. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Optimization of GC-ICPMS system parameters for the determination of butyltin compounds in Hungarian freshwater origin sediment and mussel samples

The optimization and application of gas chromatograph coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (GC-ICPMS) (equipped with a commercially available interface) for the speciation of butyltin compounds in freshwater origin sediment and mussel samples is described. Optimization focused on the system parameters that have the greatest effect on signal intensity such as plasma power, ion lenses and make up gas flow (in the interface). Xenon (Xe) containing argon gas (Ar) was applied as tuning gas providing continuous Xe signal for the optimization of system parameters. It was found that plasma power and make up gas are interrelated variables and provide a set of paired optimum values at each power settings. The absolute optimum values obtained at 800 W plasma power and 1.2 L min⁻¹ make up gas flow rate when 7 mm sample depth was adjusted. The optimum settings obtained were then checked by means of a test solution (tetraethyltin dissolved in hexane). Same optimum conditions were found when tin (Sn) transient signals were monitored. Detection limits were calculated for the three species using the optimized system parameters. Detection limits are the following: for monobutyltin (MBT) 5.6 ng Sn kg⁻¹, for dibutyltin (DBT) 6.6 ng Sn kg⁻¹ and for tributyltin (TBT) 3.4 ng Sn kg⁻¹ obtained. Determination of the butyltin compounds were carried out by means of species-specific isotope dilution analysis. The spike solution contained all species investigated but with altered isotopic composition. Each species were enriched in their ¹¹⁹Sn isotope. Concentrations found in Hungarian freshwater origin mussel and sediment samples ranged between 19 and 39 ng g⁻¹for MBT, between 1.2 and 6.3 ng g⁻¹ for DBT and between 1.2 and 3.2 ng g⁻¹ for TBT indicated as Sn in dry weight. Validation of the method was done by means of certified reference materials (BCR CRM 646 and 477). Good agreement was found between certified and experimental values. Normalized deviation (E_n) was also computed in order to validate the method used. E_n values obtained ranged between 0.07 and 0.11 for mussel samples and between 0.26 and 0.72 for sediment samples. These values show that isotope dilution-GC-ICPMS methodology is valid for the determination of MBT, DBT and TBT from both types of matrices.     

Toxic effects of imidacloprid and sulfoxaflor on Rana nigromaculata tadpoles: Growth,antioxidant indices and thyroid hormone-related endocrine system

Imidacloprid and sulfoxaflor have potential damage to nontarget aquatic organisms. However, limited information has been provided on their underlying toxicity effects on Rana nigromaculata tadpoles. Thus, the acute toxicity and chronic effects of imidacloprid and sulfoxaflor on R. nigromaculata tadpoles were studied. Acute toxicity indicted that 96 h for LC₅₀ values of  imidacloprid and sulfoxaflor were 173.55 and 427.37 mg/L, respectively. In this research, we explored antioxidant enzymes, some biological indexes, hormone levels and expression of relative tadpole genes involved in thyroid hormone-dependent metaplastic development after exposure for 28 days under 1/10 and 1/100 LC₅₀. Results showed an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the tadpoles, and a low bioconcentration level with a bioconcentration factor (BCFs) < 1. The impact on the development of tadpoles was induced by the breakdown of hormonal levels engaged in metamorphosis. According to the real-time PCR results, imidacloprid and sulfoxaflor delayed amphibian metamorphosis by modifying mRNA expression, indicating that imidacloprid and sulfoxaflor may have an endocrine-disrupting effect on R. nigromaculata tadpoles. These findings were indicative of the toxicity of imidacloprid and sulfoxaflor to R. nigromaculata tadpoles.     

Solid-phase extraction-liquid chromatography-fluorimetry for organotin speciation in natural waters

Summary A method is reported for the determination of dibutyltin (DBT), diphenyltin (DPhT), tributyltin (TBT), and triphenyltin (TPhT) species at the nanogram per litre concentration level in natural water samples. Analytes were isolated from samples by solid-phase extraction and analysed both off-line and on-line by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with post-column derivatization and fluorimetric detection. Several SPE cartridges and eluents were evaluated; C₁₈ enrichment and elution with a mixture of methanol, acetic acid, and water was found most suitable. Preconcentration factors up to 250 can be achieved when a 500-mL sample is processed. Detection limits, recovery rates, and the precision of the whole process have been determined. The method has been applied to the determination of organotin species in spiked natural water samples collected on the NW Mediterranean coast. Recovery rates range from 75 to 110% and detection limits are at the low ng L⁻¹ level (1–3 ng Sn L⁻¹ for DPhT, DBT, and PhT and 40 ng Sn L⁻¹ for TBT when 250 mL spiked sea water is processed.)     

Butyltin compounds in severn sound,lake huron,canada

Severn Sound is a heavily used recreational and beating area in the southeast corner of Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, Canada. Because of the concern over the possible release of tributyltin species (TBT) from antifouling paints on boat hulls and marinas, surveys were carried out in 1989 and 1992 to determine the presence of this species and its degradation products dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT) in this area. Many fish (pike and young–of–the–year spottail shiners) and sediment samples collected in 1989 contained detectable levels of TBT. A maximum concentration of TBT was recorded in northern pike in the spring to be 240 ng Sn g^?1. Maximum levels occurred in marinas during the beginning of the boating season and significantly reduced during the summer and early autumn, although the maximum value of TBT in sediment (392 ng Sn g^?1) was observed in the summer of 1989. The seasonal variation of TBT levels was further substantiated in the subsequent 1992 study, in which sediments from three areas in a marina were sampled at monthly intervals from May to October. TBT levels were much higher in May and then generally decreased with time. Mussels (Elliptio complanta) caged in the marina for three months also contained TBT. DBT was frequently detected in the sediments but less frequently in fish and mussels. MBT was generally below detection limits. Plants (macrophytes and cladophora) contained very small amounts of butyltin compounds.     

Contamination of outdoor settled dust by butyltins in Malta

The presence of compounds of tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT) was determined in outdoor settled dust collected from several sites on the island of Malta, mainly from flat rooftops of school buildings. The dust was separated into three size fractions with diameters (µm) > 250, 125–250 and < 125, and the two finer fractions were analysed for butyltins using extraction with glacial acetic acid followed by derivatization/solvent extraction with sodium tetraethylborate in the presence of iso‐octane and quantitation by gas chromatography with flame photometric detection. The presence of TBT, DBT and MBT was established in most of the samples and TBT concentrations varied from non‐detectable (<5 ng Sn g^?1) to highs of 15.5 and 18.7 µg Sn g^?1 in Senglea and Marsaxlokk. TBT was generally found at concentrations significantly higher than reported hitherto in house dust collected from European homes. The geographical distribution of total organotins in both dust fractions suggests that TBT originates mainly from antifouling marine paint residues which contaminate the urban environment when ships' hulls are sand‐ or hydro‐blasted during maintenance and repair at the drydocks facility in Grand Harbour. Other significant sources of TBT are located at Marsaxlokk fishing port and Wied i?‐?urrieq creek, both hosting sizeable communities of fishermen and leisure boating. The data also suggest that the municipal solid waste landfill at Maghtab is an inland source of butyltins. We suggest that dust containing harmful butyltins could possibly be ingested to expose humans to a risk which is probably of concern especially for young children living close to the hotspots of contamination. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Short-term bioconcentration and distribution of methylmercury,tributyltin and corresponding inorganic species in the starfish leptasterias polaris

Starfish, Leptasterias polaris, were exposed between 30 min and 48 h to seawater containing 0.25 nmol dm^?3 of radiolabelled methylmercury (Me²⁰³HgCI), tributyltin [(C₄H₉)₃¹¹³SnCI], and inorganic ²⁰³HgCI₂ and ¹¹³SnCI⁴, with the objectives of comparing the uptake and distribution kinetics of these metal species in organs and tissues of treated organisms. Some starfish exposed to metals for 48 h were allowed to depurate for 24 h in clean seawater. Whole-body autoradiography was used to locate radiotracers very precisely within starfish tissues. The total amount of methylmercury (MeHg) accumulated in the whole animal after 48 h reached 0.53 nmol compared with 0.09 nmol for inorganic mercury, while tributyltin (TBT) reached 0.72 nmol compared with 0.017 nmol for inorganic tin. No significant reduction of body burdens occurred during the depuration period. The first-order rate constant characterizing the uptake of metals by whole animals, k₁, ranged from 0.102 h^?1 for MeHg to 3.6 × 10^?3h^?1 for inorganic mercury(II) and to 8.4 × 10^?4 h^?1 for inorganic tin(IV). The first-order rate constant characterizing the translocation of metals from seawater-exposed tissues toward internal organs, k₃, was available for inorganic Hg and Sn and had values similar to k₁. Concentration ratios between external tissues and internal organs after a 48 h exposure were 11.5 and 25.4 for MeHg and TBT, respectively, and 2.1 and 6.1 for inorganic mercury and tin. Furthermore, autoradiograms showed that MeHg and TBT were accumulated only on the external surface of the body wall and podia. This finding indicates a much slower translocation process for organometallic species than inorganic species, a process which seems to be related to the binding mode of MeHg and TBT to the organic matrix of external tissues of starfish.     

Voltammetric speciation of butyltin compounds

A sensitive and selective procedure for the determination of tributyltin chloride (TBT), dibutyltin dichloride (DBT) and monobutyltin trichloride (MBT) based on solid phase extraction (SPE) with ENVI-Carb non-porous carbon as column material followed by adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (AdSV) in the presence of tropolone is reported. The determination limits achieved using a 500 mL water sample were 210 ng L^–1 (as Sn) for TBT, 30 ng L^–1 (as Sn) for DBT and 40 ng L^–1 (as Sn) for MBT. The method was used to determine the levels of butyltin species in surface water from the yacht harbour at Zewen on the Mosel River and in the tap water supply in Trier.Dedicated to Professor Dr. K. Doerffel and Professor Dr. H. Kriegsmann on the occasion of their 70th birthdays