Occurrence and environmental risk assessment of antifouling paint biocides in the Golden Horn Estuary, Sea of Marmara, Turkey

Abstract

Various alternative antifouling agents are replacing the recently prohibited organotin chemicals. This study examined the Golden Horn Estuary’s exposure to the three most frequently used antifouling booster biocides—irgarol 1051, dichlofluanid, and chlorothalonil. In April 2019 and January 2020, samples were collected from nine different locations. GC–MS was used to analyze biocides after liquid–liquid extraction. The highest concentrations of irgarol 1051, dichlofluanid, and chlorothalonil were 7.62 μg L−1, 13.44 μg L−1, and 3.17 μg L−1, respectively. Irgarol 1051, dichlofluanid, and chlorothalonil pose significant harm to aquatic life in the Golden Horn Estuary, according to the conclusions of the risk assessment. These results highlight the critical importance of continuously monitoring these substances as relevant organic contaminants in the research area to take the necessary precautions to protect the environment and, ultimately, human health.