Occurrence of organotin compounds in water and sediment in Canada / R.J. Maguire ... [et al.].: En13-5/85-78E-PDF

"Water and sediment samples from 265 locations across Canada were analyzed for butyltin and methyltin species, and inorganic tin. In l0 % of the water samples the highly toxic tributyltin species was found at concentrations which could cause growth retardation upon chronic exposure to a sensitive organism, rainbow trout yolk sac fry. High concentrations of tributyltin were found in some sediments (up to 10 mg Sn/kg dry weight), but the biological availability of sediment—associated tributyltin is unknown. Tributyltin was mainly found in areas of heavy boating and shipping traffic, which is consistent with its use as an antifouling agent in some paints for boats, ships and docks. The methyltin species were found much less frequently in water and sediment than tributyltin and its degradation products. On the basis of this work and our earlier work, we conclude that the highly toxic tributyltin is moderately persistent in water and sediment in Canada (half life at least a few to several months), and that in areas of boating and shipping traffic there may be cause for concern with regard to chronic toxicity or effects in sensitive organisms"--Exec. summary, p. 1a.

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