Imposex in Thais rustica (Mollusca: Neogastropoda) (Lamark, 1822) as an indicator of organotin compounds pollution at Maceio coast (Northeastern Brazil)

Edmundo Camillo,Marcos Fernandez,Ítalo Braga De Castro,Juliana Quadros

doi:10.1590/s1679-87592004000200002

Edmundo Camillo, Marcos Fernandez + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/s1679-87592004000200002

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Abstract

The use of OTC (organotin compounds) as biocides in naval antifouling paints causes impacts on non-target organisms. One of these impacts is a syndrome called imposex in gastropod molluscs. Imposex is the imposition of male secondary sexual characteristics in female gastropods as result of endocrine disruption. In this preliminary study, imposex was observed in four out of ten sampled stations in Maceió: the city Port (100% females exhibited imposex), the Marine Emissary (23% females exhibited imposex), the Marine Terminal (35% females exhibited imposex) and Saco da Pedra beach (12% females exhibited imposex). These stations were distributed in a NE-SW orientation from the Port southwards along the coastline, following the general circulation pattern of the area. The low values of VDSI, RPSI and RPLI indicate that Maceió Coast is a less contaminated area, probably because of low shipping activities together with the fact that the sampling zone is an open coastal system and not an enclosed bay. These results suggest that the imposex development in Thais rustica may be used as a biological indicator of OTC pollution.

Highlights

Descritores: Imposex, Compostos organoestânicos, Poluição, Thais rustica, Maceió. Organotin compounds such as tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPT) have been used as biocides in antifouling paints for ships since the late sixties (Gibbs & Bryan, 1994; Lau Wong, 1991)
Smith (1971) described the development of male characteristics in female gastropod molluscs (Nassarius obsoletus), calling this phenomena imposex. This endocrine disruption syndrome is caused by TBT accumulation in these
The organotin compound TPT induces imposex in some gastropod species (Thais clavigera, Hung, et al, 2001; Thais gradata, Tan, 1999; Stramonita haemastoma). The use of these compounds as antifoulings is controlled in many countries, and a global ban on organotins in antifoulings was scheduled by IMO (International Maritime Organisation) to be in force by January, 2003 (Hoch, 2001; Fernando et al, 2002)

Summary

Introduction

Organotin compounds such as tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPT) have been used as biocides in antifouling paints for ships since the late sixties (Gibbs & Bryan, 1994; Lau Wong, 1991) The presence of these compounds in the marine __________. Smith (1971) described the development of male characteristics in female gastropod molluscs (Nassarius obsoletus), calling this phenomena imposex This endocrine disruption syndrome is caused by TBT accumulation in these. The organotin compound TPT induces imposex in some gastropod species (Thais clavigera, Hung, et al, 2001; Thais gradata, Tan, 1999; Stramonita haemastoma) The use of these compounds as antifoulings is controlled in many countries, and a global ban on organotins in antifoulings was scheduled by IMO (International Maritime Organisation) to be in force by January, 2003 (Hoch, 2001; Fernando et al, 2002). The treaty was not ratified by the required number of countries and has not been put into practice yet

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