Bioaccumulation and Lethal Body Burden of Four Triorganotin Compounds

Abstract

Several triorganotins are used as biocides. Tributyltin (TBT) is used in antifouling paints, triphenyltin (TPT) is used as fungicide, and tri-c-hexyltin (TcHT) as miticide. To our knowledge, tri-n-hexyltin (TnHT) is not applied, but its biocidal properties are being investigated. Considerable amounts of tributyltin are introduced into the environment by its use in antifouling paints. In shallow and poorly flushed marina's, shortly after the introduction of tributyltin containing paints, effects on mussel and oyster cultures have been ascertained (WHO 1990). The environmental effects of the use of tributyltin has been extensively studied, whereas only a few studies have been carried out considering effects of triphenyltin and tri-c-hexyltin in the environment. Monitoring data of organotins in the environment mainly report tributyltin, although in some studies also triphenyltin has been determined. Levels of tributyltin in seawater are determined to reach 6.3 µg/L (Seligman et al. 1989; Tolosa et al. 1992; Stebbing 1990; Waldock et al. 1986; Hall et al. 1988). In marine sediments TBT levels of 9.2 ng/g were found (Tolosa et al. 1992). TPT levels of 0.07 µg/L in seawater and of 4.1 µg/g in marine sediment have been determined (Tolosa et al). In organisms such as mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and oysters (Crassostrea gigas) 12 µg/g TBT and 1.O µg/g TPT has been determined (Tolosa et al. 1992; Ebdon et al. 1989). Also in freshwater systems TBT and TPT have been detected. TBT levels of 0.4 µg/L in water, 4.7 µg/g in sediment and 8.7 µg/g in the bivalve (Dreissena polymorpha) as well as TPT levels of 0.9 µg/g in sediment and 3.3 µg/g in the bivalve were determined (Becker et al. 1992). These values show that elevated levels of organotin are present in the environment.The present study is a part of a research program studying properties and effects of triorganotins in the aquatic environment. Triphenyltin, tri-c-hexyltin and tri-n-hexyltin were studied since they contain the same number of carbon atoms, whereas the groups attached to tin have a different chemical structure. This might affect physical-chemical properties of the organotins, which possibly is reflected by differences in toxicity, and uptake and elimination rate constants. TBT is included to study the influence of a shorter chain length compared to TnHT, and because of the considerable amount of data available in the literature.

Development and characterization of silicone/phosphorus modified epoxy materials and their application as anticorrosion and antifouling coatings

“…The use of toxic antifouling paints has been the method of choice in many instances [3]. The use of toxic tributyl tin oxide in paints has however been banned in many countries [9][10][11][12][13][14] and it is for this reason that non-toxic alternatives are investigated in this work. Coating materials based on epoxy resins have gained considerable importance in many areas of technology and daily life.…”

Association of organotin compounds with aquatic and terrestrial humic substances

“…The widespread use of organotin (OT) compounds as stabilizers in the manufacture of polyvinylchloride, as catalysts in the production of synthetic organic polymers, and as biocidal agents in wood preservation, crop protection, and anti‐fouling systems has provided several points of entry for these compounds into aquatic and terrestrial environments. The OT compounds have been routinely found in both lacustrine and marine waters, sediments, and biota [1]. The release of OTs into terrestrial and aquatic environments has decreased recently, but inputs still occur and previously contaminated sites continue to act as sources [2,3].…”