Are antifouling residues a matter of concern in the largest South American port?

Abstract

In the present study, levels of booster biocides (diuron, Irgarol, chlorothalonil, dichlofluanid and DCOIT), butyltin compounds (TBT, DBT and MBT) and antifouling paint particles (APPs) were assessed in sediments of areas under the influence of the largest Latin American port, marinas, boat traffic and ship/boat maintenance facilities located within Santos-São Vicente Estuarine System (SSES). Contamination profile was directly related to local maritime activities, where sediments from the main navigation channel (MNC) presented low levels of antifouling residues while adjacent areas (AA), characterized by the presence of boats and boatyards, showed higher contamination considering all analyzed residues. Moreover, areas under the influence of fishing boats/yards presented relevant levels of butyltins (ΣBTs > 300 ng g−1) and APPs (>100 μg g−1), while marinas dominated by recreational boats showed higher booster biocides occurrence. Sites located nearby shipyards in the MNC and boatyards in the AA presented expressive amounts of APPs (>200 μg g−1). These APPs represent an important long-term source of biocides to the SSES. Thus, the profile of maritime activities in association to local oceanographic conditions drive the spatial distribution of antifouling residues within SESS, which in some case presented levels above sediment guidelines for TBT, DCOIT and diuron.