Abstract
Tributyltin (TBT) is a biocide used in antifouling paints to protect hulls from nuisance organisms such as barnacles, worms and algae. The use of TBT paints has increased over the past decade due to its effectiveness as an antifoulant which is related to its toxicity. Water concentrations of less than 100 ng Lhave been shown to harm some aquatic species in laboratory tests and observations in the natural environment indicate that levels below 10 ng Lmay be harmful. Tributyltin is bioconcentrated by many species to levels of one thousand, or more, times ambient water concentrations. Sediment-water partitioning coefficients for TBT of 100-10,000 have been reported [1]. The extreme toxicity of TBT challenges the analytical chemist to accurately and precisely determine ambient TBT concentrations in water at or below I ng L' and in sediments and tissue at concentrations ranging from pLg kg-' to mg kg-'.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Journal of Research of the National Bureau of Standards
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.