Occurrence of Imposex in Thais Haemastoma: Possible Evidence of Environmental Contamination Derived From Organotin Compounds in Rio De Janeiro and Fortaleza, Brazil

Abstract

There are indications that the widespread use of organotin compounds (TBT and TPT) as antifoulings, as stabilizers in plastic and as pesticides, has severely affected several species of marine organisms. The most striking effect of TBT and TPT as hormonal disruptors is the development of male organs in females of gastropods, currently denominated imposex. This syndrome can lead to the sterilization and death of affected organisms. The present work gives an overview of the present state of knowledge on imposex …