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Effects of regulating the use of TBT-based antifouling paints on TBT contamination

Lookup NU author(s): Emeritus Professor Stewart Evans

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Abstract

There was severe TBT pollution is coastal waters in the mid-1980s, particularly in areas of high shipping and mariculture activity. Organotin concentrations were high in water samples, sediments and tissues of marine molluscs. Responses, such as imposex in whelks and shell growth abnormalities in oysters, which can be caused by TBT, were also well-developed. They were associated with reproductive failure, and even local extinction of species, in the most severe cases. However, several governments have regulated the use of TBT-based antifouling paints, prohibiting their application to vessels <25m in length. These regulations have been highly successful in reducing TBT pollution. Environmental concentrations of TBT have decreased, and there has been substantial recovery of populations of whelks and oysters. Serious TBT contamination is now restricted largely to ports and harbours, especially those with dry-docking facilities.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Evans SM, Smith R

Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstract)

Publication status: Published

Conference Name: OCEANS '99 MTS/IEEE: Riding the Crest into the 21st Century

Year of Conference: 1999

Number of Volumes: 3

Pages: 1119-1122

Publisher: IEEE

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/OCEANS.1999.800146

DOI: 10.1109/OCEANS.1999.800146

Library holdings: Search Newcastle University Library for this item

ISBN: 0780356284


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