Abstract
Tin can be found in both inorganic and organic forms. Inorganic and organic tin compounds are widely distributed in nature. Inorganic tin occurs naturally in environmental media, whereas organic tin compounds are pollutants of anthropogenic origin. The inorganic tin compounds are not highly toxic due to their low solubility and poor absorption. However, chemical and biochemical methylation reactions may convert inorganic tin compounds into methyltin forms. Hydrophobic organotins are harmful to both prokaryotes and eukaryotes due to their solubility. Their toxicity depends on the length of alkyl chain, hydrophobicity, and other physicochemical properties. The alkyl tins are more toxic than the aryl tins, whereas the toxicity of the short-chain trimethyl and triethyl tins is the highest. The use of tin compounds in economic development can create an accumulation of toxic waste in the environment. For over 40 years, tributyltin was used as a biocide in antifouling paint. Despite the demonstrated economic benefit of organotin compounds, extensive usage resulted in the pollution of freshwater and marine ecosystems. Although organotins were banned from use, they are still of concern in the aquatic environment. Contaminated sediments release accumulated organotin compounds to the environment long after the initial deposition has ceased. The widespread agricultural applications of organotin-based biocidal agents are very hazardous to humans, plants, and animals. Endocrine disruption induced by organotin compounds predisposes to obesity and associated metabolic syndrome disorders including diabetes. Organotins exert immunotoxic, neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, and genotoxic effects. Central nervous system toxicity manifests as confusion, loss of vigilance, loss of memory, and tremors.
Published Version
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