Methylation of Trimethyltin Compounds by Estuarine Sediments
Abstract
Both biologically active and autoclaved sediments convert trimethyltin hydroxide to the volatile tetramethyltin. Larger amounts of tetramethyltin were formed in the bioactive sediments than in the sterile sediments. No volatile tin compounds were detected in the absence of trimethyltin hydroxide or from trimethyltin hydroxide in seawater or in seawater containing bentonite. The formation of tetramethyltin is slow, taking over 80 days at 16 deg C to reach a maximum. The extent of conversion, although significant, is not extensive. The formation of tetramethyltin occurs in estuarine sediments by both abiotic and biologically enhanced pathways. A redistribution mechanism accounts for at least the abiotic pathway and possibly both formation pathways.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 14, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA105711
Entities
People
- Andre B. Cobet
- Harold E. Guard
- W. M. Coleman Iii
Organizations
- University of California