Analytical Procedures for Extractable Organotins in Soft Tissues of Marine Organisms.
Abstract
A method for isolating extractable tributyltin and dibutyltin from soft tissues of marine organisms is presented. Analyses by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry and by gas chromatography with both flame ionization detection and mass spectrometry are described. There has been increasing national and international concern about the effects of tributylins on the marine environment . Tributyltins (TBT) are introduced into the waterways predominantly from their use as antifouling agents in marine paints. These coatings , which release the biocide into the water column, are extensively used on commercial and recreational vessels and are proposed for use on naval ships in the near future. Due to toxic nature of TBT, there is an extreme need to assess its impact and fate in relation to non-target organisms. To evaluate the interactive roles of TBT and marine organisms, it is necessary to effectively isolate, identify, and quantify TBT and, at times, its alleged degradation products, di- and monobutyltins (DBT and MBT). The analytical procedures presented here are those currently used to quantify either (a) extractable TBT only, or (b) both TBT and DBT in various marine organisms. Because it is doubtful that any one method will be effective in all situations, development of the analytical procedures is an ongoing process. For this reason, it is stressed that the procedures presented here are (at the time of this writing) most effective for the samples encountered in this laboratory. The thorough (almost cookbook style) presentation is meant to inform the reader of the complete methods currently in use at NOSC and is by no means intended to be an analytical code or rule.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA189694
Entities
People
- Carol A. Dooley
- Kathleen J. Meyers-schulte