Comparison of trends in tributyltin concentrations among three monitoring programs in the United States

Abstract

Abstract:The results of three national monitoring programs in the United States (U.S.) that measure concentrations of tributyltin (TBT) are compared. Regional and site comparisons are made of changes in TBT concentrations since passage of the Organotin Antifouling Paint Control Act (OAPCA) in 1988. The monitoring programs compared are the U.S. Long: Term Monitoring Program conducted by a consortium of tributyltin manufacturers, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Status and Trends Mussel Watch project, and the U.S. Navy's TBT monitoring program. All of the monitoring results demonstrate declining TBT concentrations over time. These declines have occurred rapidly (within a few years) and are considerable (56%-7i % decrease in TBT concentrations in water, 47%-55% decrease in sediments, and 40%-82% decrease in bivalve tissues). Mean TBT concentrations in water are generally below the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency marine chronic water quality criterion of 10ng/L. These results indicate that the OAPCA has been effective in reducing TBT concentrations in the aquatic environment.

Tributyltin in Seafood from Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America: Assessment of Human Health Risks

“…Several authors have reported decreases in TBT residues in aquatic life following regulation (Russell, Brancato, and Bennett, 1996;O'Conner, 1996). Comparison of data reported here to that reported for 1989 and 1990 in the United States (Cardwell et al, 1999), indicates similar residues.…”

“…Many authors have reported TBT residues in organisms that could be eaten by humans (Krone, Chan, and Varanasi, 1991;Russell, Brancato, and Bennett, 1996;Kannan and Falandysz, 1997); however, the risks posed to humans consuming seafood containing TBT have received limited study (Kannan and Falandysz, 1997). This is probably because most published residue data are from organisms collected in areas associated with elevated TBT concentrations (e.g., harbors).…”

Aquatic ecological risks posed by tributyltin in united states surface waters: Pre‐1989 to 1996 data

“…From 1992 through 1996, our program annually collected approximately 1,200 surface water samples, 600 sediment samples, and 140 composites of bivalve mollusks. Data are summarized by Russell et al [1], and details can be found in Parametrix [11]. The surface water data from this program as well as those from the program conducted by the Navy are used in this assessment to define EECs over time in relation to source (e.g., marinas).…”

“…Tributyltin (TBT) has been used as an antifoulant in marine paints since its commercial introduction in 1965 [1,2]. Elevated surface water concentrations of TBT have been observed where vessel usage was high, specifically in marinas and harbors [3,4].…”

Environmental management aspects for TBT antifouling wastes from the shipyards

“…The most important sites of pollution of TBT near coasts, especially after the prohibition of its use on vessels <25 m, are ports, harbors and shipyards (Russell et al, 1996). In many cases, ports and shipyards are near urban areas (such as the Skaramangas, Syros and Chalkis shipyards in Greece) and their presence disturbs activities such as recreation and fishing.…”