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A review and assessment of tributyltin contamination in the North Sea, based on surveys of butyltin tissue burdens and imposex/intersex in four species of neogastropods

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Dr AC Birchenough Birchenough, Natalie Barnes, Emeritus Professor Stewart Evans, Christian Moss

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Abstract

It is evident from measures of butyltin tissue burdens and imposex or intersex in neogastropods that tributyltin (TBT) contamination of coastal waters and open parts of the North Sea is now low. It has been declining for at least the past decade. This is probably due to two measures. First, regulations prohibiting the use of TBT-based paints on small boats and fish farms have reduced inputs of TBT from these sources so that they are now negligible (except possibly where the regulations are flaunted). Second, there is evidence from sites, where commercial vessels are the sole source of TBT, that the adoption of TBT SPC paints has been effective in reducing environmental levels of these contaminants. However, poor dockyard practices, allowing TBT-contaminated wastes, including paint flakes, to accumulate in sediments have left a legacy of hot-spots of contamination in some ports. The impact is localised so that TBT contamination is low in coastal areas immediately adjacent to ports. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rigths reserved.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Evans SM; Moss C; Barnes N; Birchenough AC; Hinz H; Kronke I

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Marine Pollution Bulletin

Year: 2002

Volume: 44

Issue: 6

Pages: 534-543

ISSN (print): 0025-326X

ISSN (electronic): 1879-3363

Publisher: Elsevier

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0025-326X(01)00275-2

DOI: 10.1016/S0025-326X(01)00275-2

PubMed id: 12146836

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