Occurrence of butyltin compounds in the waters of selected lakes, rivers and coastal environments from China

The presence of butyltin compounds was investigated for the first time in selected lakes, rivers and coastal environments of China. Aqueous samples were pretreated by the technique of headspace solid phase micro-extraction after hydride generation with sodium tetrahydroborate (NaBH4). Quantitative measurement of tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT) concentrations were accomplished by capillary gas chromatography with flame photometric detector using quartz surface-induced luminescence. Experimental data demonstrated the widespread occurrence of butyltin compounds in the Chinese aquatic environment. In some locations, the concentrations of TBT were higher than the acute and chronic toxicity threshold of sensitive fresh water or marine organisms. Although DBT and MBT (which mainly come from the degradation of TBT), are less toxic, their occurrence can still affect the ecosystem over a long time frame.     

Contamination of butyltin compounds in Malaysian marine environments

Concentration of butyltin compounds (BTs), including tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT) and total tin (SigmaSn) were determined in green mussel (Perna viridis), 10 species of muscle fish and sediment from coastal waters of Malaysia. BTs were detected in all these samples ranging from 3.6 to 900 ng/g wet wt., 3.6 to 210 ng/g wet wt., and 18 to 1400 ng/g dry wt. for mussels, fish and sediments, respectively. The concentrations of BTs in several locations of this study were comparable with the reported values from some developed countries and highest among Asian developing nations. Considerable concentration of BTs in several locations might have ecotoxicological consequences and may cause concern to human health. The parent compound TBT was found to be highest than those of its degradation compounds, DBT and MBT, suggesting recent input of TBT to the Malaysian marine environment. Significant positive correlation (Spearman rank correlation: r2=0.82, P<0.0001) was found between BTs and SigmaSn, implying considerable anthropogenic input of butyltin compounds to total tin contamination levels. Enormous boating activities may be a major source of BTs in this country, although aquaculture activities may not be ignored.     

Survey of organotin compounds in rivers and coastal environments in Portugal 1999-2000

In the period from April 1999 to May 2000, organotin pollution, namely butyl and phenyltins, was investigated in coastal and continental waters (46 stations), estuarine sediments (15 stations) and mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) (13 stations) throughout Portugal. Sampling points were chosen in areas of specific industrial, agricultural and harbor activities. Butyltins (BTs) were the only tin species identified of which tributyltin (TBT) was found in the whole area. Concentrations of TBT in river water ranged from 3 to 30 ng L(-1) (as Sn), marine sediment ranged from 4 to 12 microg kg(-1) (as Sn), whereas concentrations in mussel tissue ranged from 2.5 to 490 microg kg(-1) (as Sn). Given that some water samples appeared to be contaminated by higher monobutyltin (MBT) and dibutyltin (DBT) concentrations, the role of biological degradation and direct inputs from agricultural and industrial applications areas are discussed. The study compares depleted butyltin pollution in sediments and mussels of the Portuguese coastline associated with antifouling paints with previously reported levels. Inputs in river waters are more related to (i) PVC leaching and (ii) industrial sources, in some cases discharged by municipal wastewaters.     

Evaluation of groundwater contamination in a coastal area of south-eastern Sicily

This investigation was under taken to evaluate the groundwater resources contamination due to intensive agricultural practices (particularly greenhouses). The study-area is located in the coastal area of the Ragusa province (South-East Sicily), where numerous existing greenhouses may cause the contamination of groundwater systems (unconfined and confined aquifers) beneath the cropped land. The pollution risk is mainly related with the seepage process of macro-elements nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), held in the irrigation water and the massive use of fertilizers and pesticides, that may pass through the unsaturated zone of the soil profile. Moreover, the area is characterized by the presence of several wells (about 15 wells/km2) for agricultural use that cause the aquifer overexploitation and the consequent risk of seawater intrusion. The agriculture practices adopted in the study area (irrigation volumes, fertilizer concentrations, use of pesticides…) were monitored since February 2009; moreover, the pollution risk of the aquifers was evaluated through the analysis of groundwater water samples collected (monthly) in the monitoring wells; in particular, nitrogen compounds, soluble phosphorous (PO?2?), potassium, as well as the main pesticides commonly used in the study area, were measured.The results show that electrical conductivity and chloride concentration values can cause reduction of production and leaf damage problems, respectively, for most of the monitored farm systems. The high nitrogen compounds concentrations observed in the monitored wells can cause health and environmental problems. Moreover high pesticide contamination of groundwater was found in two of the five monitored wells.     

Evaluating contamination of dredges and disposal criteria in Greek coastal areas

Sediments were collected from areas that were going to be dredged located at six small Greek ports, as well as from possible disposal areas. In order to assess the contamination level of dredged material, the samples were analysed for pH, organic matter, the metals Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and major organic compounds (PAHs, PCBs). The sediments' quality was evaluated by two approaches: (i) by classifying each area according to two sets of Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) and (ii) by calculating the contamination factors and degree for each area. The results showed that organic compounds were detected in trace amounts in 14% of the port samples belonging to the PAHs group. The characterization of the sediment samples was based on the metals' concentration showing that the majority of the areas to be dredged (80%) are classified as of medium-low contamination according to the SQGs. However, according to the contamination degree, only 30% of the areas are classified as of low contamination, while 40% as of moderate contamination and 30% of the areas as of considerable contamination. From the point of view of "no disturbance" of the ecosystem, decisions about dumping should be taken only after evaluating the material to be dredged. If the SQGs are exceeded, dumping must be forbidden. Otherwise, further evaluation is needed based on the comparison with the receiving area, i.e. by estimating the contamination degree. Dumping could be allowed if the contamination degree is found to be below moderate.     

Contamination by butyltin compounds and organochlorine residues in green mussel (Perna viridis, L.) from Thailand coastal waters

In order to elucidate marine pollution by butyltins and organochlorine residues in coastal waters of Thailand, green mussels (Perna viridis) were collected in 1994 and 1995 and analyzed. Butyltin compounds, such as tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT), were detected in most mussel samples, ranging from 4 to 800 ng g(-1) wet wt (as total). The composition of butyltin derivatives in green mussel was in the order of TBT > DBT > MBT. The results indicated that butyltin contamination was widespread, particularly in high boating areas and in coastal aquaculture facilities. Concentrations of organochlorine residues were much lower than of butyltin compounds. Among organochlorine residues examined, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane compounds (DDTs) were found to be the highest, followed by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) > chlordane compounds (CHLs) > hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) > hexachlorobenzene (HCB). To our knowledge, this is a first report on the detection of butyltin residues in Thailand coastal waters.     

Organochlorine contaminants in the estuarine and coastal marine environments of the Fiji Islands

No information has been published on the presence of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in the Fiji Islands. This paper reports the first data on the concentration of a range of organochlorine compounds in sediments and shellfish in the estuarine and coastal marine environment around Fiji. Twenty-three sediment and two shellfish samples were analysed for 22 pesticides and related residues, and PCBs. While a significant number of organochlorines (20 pesticide related species and PCBs) was detected, the concentrations were generally very low (< 10 ng g), indicative of a relatively 'less contaminated' marine environment. Relatively high concentrations were observed only near the two major ports (Suva and Lautoka), with Suva harbour samples having the largest number of detectable species and the largest total concentrations of organochlorines (up to 91 ng g). No PCBs were detected in areas away from major industrial centres. The variations in the concentrations found, and the possible sources and movement of the organochlorine contaminants are discussed.     

In-situ partitioning of butyltin compounds in estuarine sediments

The in-situ solid/pore-water partitioning of tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT) was determined for an estuarine sediment profile collected from a commercial marina. Total butyltin levels exceeded sediment quality guideline values, and were 220-8750 microg/kg for TBT, 150-5450 microg/kg for DBT and 130-4250 microg/kg for MBT. Pore-water butyltin concentrations ranged from 0.05 to 2.35 microg/l for TBT, 0.07-3.25 microg/l for DBT, and 0.05-0.53 microg/l for MBT. The partitioning of butyltin compounds between the sediment solid-phase and pore-water was described by an organic carbon normalised distribution ratio (D(OC)). The observed D(OC) values were similar for TBT, DBT and MBT, and were 10(5)-10(6) l/kg. Values for the Butyltin Degradation Index (BDI) were larger than 1 at depths greater than 10 cm below the sediment/water-column interface. This indicates that substantial TBT degradation has occurred in the sediments, and suggests that natural attenuation may be a viable sediment remediation strategy.     

Impact of different land uses on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination in coastal stream sediments

PAHs are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that can cause adverse health and ecological effects. In the present study, we examined the impact of land use on the concentration and composition of PAHs in 28 coastal stream sediments on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii. In densely populated urban areas, the concentration range of total PAHs in the stream sediments affected by mixed residential and industrial activities (RI) are 0.40-9.05 ppm, which is significantly higher than the 0.36-4.21 ppm detected in the stream sediments affected predominantly by urban residential land uses (UR). The stream sediments affected by agricultural activities (AG) reported a concentration range of 0.09-2.14 ppm, which is lower than those of the RI and UR stream sediments. The molecular weight of PAH is a factor, as only high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs were significantly affected by land uses (ANOVA P = 0.009). Correlation analysis showed that only in the UR stream sediments were significant correlations observed between PAH concentration and two anthropogenic indicators: population density (r = 0.57, P = 0.027) and vehicle density (r = 0.55, P = 0.034). The fractional concentrations of PAHs were analyzed by using PCA analysis, which led to the separate clustering of the RI and AG stream sediments and suggest distinct PAH sources between the two land uses. Two PAH source indicators, including Ant/(Ant + Phe) and Fl/(Fl + Py), indicates that PAHs sources in the RI stream sediments are most likely of petroleum origin, while PAHs in the UR and AG stream sediments most likely came from combustion activities. In addition, the concentration and relative potency of carcinogenic PAHs in the coastal stream sediments exhibited similar patterns as the total PAH concentration with respect to land uses.     

Assessment of microbial contamination within working environments of different types of composting plants

The objective of the study was to determine the degree of microbiological contamination, type of microflora, bioaerosol particle size distribution, and concentration of endotoxins in dust in different types of composting plants. In addition, this study provides a list of indicator microorganisms that pose a biological threat in composting facilities, based on their prevalence within the workplace, source of isolation, and health hazards. We undertook microbiological analysis of the air, work surfaces, and compost, and assessed the particle size distribution of bioaerosols using a six-stage Andersen sampler. Endotoxins were determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Microbial identification was undertaken both microscopically and using biochemical tests. The predominant bacterial and fungal species were identified using 16S rRNA and ITS1/2 analysis, respectively.?The number of mesophilic microorganisms in composting plants amounted to 6.9 × 10²–2.5 × 10⁴ CFU/m³ in the air, 2.9 × 10²–3.3 × 10³ CFU/100 cm² on surfaces, and 2.2 × 10⁵–2.4 × 10⁷ CFU/g in compost. Qualitative analysis revealed 75 microbial strains in composting plants, with filamentous fungi being the largest group of microorganisms, accounting for as many as 38 isolates. The total amount of endotoxins was 0.0062–0.0140 nmol/mg of dust. The dust fraction with aerodynamic particle diameter of 0.65–1.1 μm accounted for 28–39% of bacterial aerosols and 4–13% of fungal aerosols. We propose the following strains as indicators of harmful biological agent contamination: Bacillus cereus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. herbarum, Mucor hiemalis, and Rhizopus oryzae for both types of composting plants, and Bacillus pumilus, Mucor fragilis, Penicillium svalbardense, and P. crustosum for green waste composting plants. The biological hazards posed within these plants are due to the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms and the inhalation of respirable bioaerosol. Depending on the type of microorganism, these hazards may be aggravated or reduced after cleaning procedures.

Implications:?This study assessed the microbial contamination in two categories of composting plants: (1) facilities producing substrates for industrial cultivation of button mushrooms, and (2) facilities for processing biodegradable waste. Both workplaces showed potentially pathogenic microorganisms, respirable bioaerosol, and endotoxin. These results are useful to determine the procedures to control harmful biological agents, and to disinfect workplaces in composting plants.     

The stability of butyltin compounds in a dredged heavily-contaminated sediment

A treatment process for marine sediment heavily contaminated with tributyltin (TBT) was designed that included dehydrating, sunlight drying and dumping processes. The time course in butyltin (BTs) compounds, TBT, dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin concentrations were investigated in the sediment treated under various conditions (light (UV, sunlight and light exclusion), moisture (air-drying and water saturation) and wetting and drying cycles). Significant changes in all the BT compound concentrations with time were not found regardless of the sediment conditions for light and moisture. The results indicated the high stabilities of TBT and DBT in the sediments versus light and moisture condition changes, probably taking place in the treatment process. It is also estimated that the BTs in the sediment are resistant to photo-degradation and biochemical degradation and their half lives are relatively long. In contrast, the decreases in the TBT and DBT were observed during the wetting and drying cycle treatment for the water saturated sediment both during exposure to sunlight and under a dark condition. This result suggested the hypothesis that the TBT degradation could be accelerated by the high microbial activity induced by the moisture changing treatments.     

Concentration of butyltin species in sediments associated with shipyard activity

Tributyltin (TBT) and dibutyltin (DBT) were analyzed in sediment samples collected from intertidal locations in Portland and Boothbay Harbor, Maine (USA) in 1990 and 1992. Surface sediment TBT concentrations ranged from 24 to 12 400 ng gm(-1) (dry wt basis). Sediments with the highest TBT concentrations were associated with shipyard hull washing/refinishing activities. Analysis of different layers in core samples found that butyltin concentrations decreased with depth at the Boothbay site and remained relatively constant with depth at the Portland site. Elutriate analysis showed that soluble TBT was released from a heavily contaminated sediment. The resulting TBT seawater concentration 1400 ng liter(-1) was < 0.03% of reported seawater solubilities of TBT and was only 0.14% of the total TBT in the sediment sample. This suggests that the TBT in the sediments analyzed is in a bound matrix form, such as paint particles, that releases the biocide slowly. The results indicate that there is a potential for future release of TBT from the resuspension of fine sediments at certain locations in Maine.     

A novel method using sedimentary metals and GIS for measuring anthropogenic change in coastal lake environments

Background, aim and scope  

A new method using sedimentary metals and geographic information system as indicators for assessing temporal and spatial anthropogenic change in estuaries has been applied to a large coastal lake (Lake Macquarie) in New South Wales, Australia.     

Pharmaceutical contamination in residential, industrial, and agricultural waste streams: risk to aqueous environments in Taiwan

This is a comprehensive study of the occurrence of antibiotics, hormones and other pharmaceuticals in water sites that have major potential for downstream environmental contamination. These include residential (hospitals, sewage treatment plants, and regional discharges), industrial (pharmaceutical production facilities), and agricultural (animal husbandries and aquacultures) waste streams. We assayed 23 Taiwanese water sites for 97 targeted compounds, of which a significant number were detected and quantified. The most frequently detected compounds were sulfamethoxazole, caffeine, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen, followed closely by cephalexin, ofloxacin, and diclofenac, which were detected in >91% of samples and found to have median (maximum) concentrations of 0.2 (5.8), 0.39 (24.0), 0.02 (100.4), 0.41 (14.5), 0.15 (31.4), 0.14 (13.6) and 0.083 (29.8) microg/L, respectively. Lincomycin and acetaminophen had high measured concentrations (>100 microg/L), and 35 other pharmaceuticals occurred at the microg/L level. These incidence and concentration results correlate well with published data for other worldwide locations, as well as with Taiwanese medication usage data, suggesting a human contamination source. Many pharmaceuticals also occurred at levels exceeding predicted no-effect concentrations (PNEC), warranting further investigation of their occurrence and fate in receiving waters, as well as the overall risks they pose for local ecosystems and human residents. The information provided here will also be useful for development of strategies for regulation and remediation.     

Trace metal contamination in commercial fish and crustaceans collected from coastal area of Bangladesh and health risk assessment

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Trace metals contamination in commercial fish and crustaceans have become a great problem in Bangladesh. This study was conducted to determine seven...     

Effects of heavy metal contamination released by petrochemical plants on marine life and water quality of coastal areas

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The present study attempts to assess the threat of water contamination in Persian Gulf by heavy metals (Fe, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Se, and Ni) and its...     

Seasonal variation in the composition and concentration of butyltin compounds in marine fish of Taiwan

For the first time, strong evidence is presented to demonstrate that the accumulations of butyltin compounds (BTs) exhibit seasonal variations with respect to their compositions and concentrations in marine fishes. Measurements were made on the benthic ponyfish Leiogenathus splendens and lizardfish Trachinocephalus myops inhabiting the west coast of Taiwan. In the whole body samples of the ponyfish, BT concentrations ranged from 236 to 2501 ng/g wet wt, with those in winter considerably higher than in the other seasons (p < 0.05 ). In a similar vein, proportions of mono- (MBT), di- (DBT) and tributyltin (TBT) differed significantly (p < 0.001) depending upon the season, with TBT (75 and 50%) dominant in winter and spring and DBT (37 and 57%) and MBT (42 and 24%) dominant in summer and autumn, respectively. In the lizardfish, the concentrations of BTs were one to two orders of magnitude higher in the liver than in the muscle, i.e. 3058-11,473 vs. 36-159 ng/g wet wt, respectively. Concentrations of MBT, DBT and TBT in the muscle ranged, respectively, from 5 to 14, 8 to 35 and 23 to 110 ng/g wet wt, with the major compound being TBT (57-69%) in all seasons. However, in the liver, DBT concentrations, ranging from 992 to 7797 ng/g wet wt, differed seasonally with a descending order of autumn>summer>spring (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, TBT (41%) was predominant in spring, whereas DBT (50 and 68%) was most heavily concentrated in summer and autumn (p < 0.001). Seasonally mediated physiological changes, such as dilution due to growth and metabolic compensation, may play important roles in forming different BT accumulation patterns among seasons and organisms.     

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals in coastal lagoons of the Po River delta: sediment contamination,bioaccumulation and effects on Manila clams

The large estuary that the River Po forms at its confluence into the Adriatic Sea comprises a multitude of transitional environments, including coastal lagoons. This complex system receives the nutrients transported by the River Po but also its load of chemical contaminants, which may pose a substantial (eco)toxicological risk. Despite the high ecological and economic importance of these vulnerable environments, there is a substantial lack of information on this risk. In light of the recent amendments of the European Water Framework Directive (2013/39/EU), the present study investigated the sediment contamination of six coastal lagoons of the Po delta and its effects on Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum), exposed in situ for 3 months. Sediment contamination and clam bioaccumulation of a wide range of chemicals, i.e. trace metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Hg, Pb, As), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), alkylphenols (APs), organochlorine compounds (PCBs, DDTs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organotins (TPhT, TBT), suggested a southward increase related to the riverine transports. Where the River Po influence was more direct, the concentrations of contaminants were higher, with nonylphenol and BDE-209 exceeding sediment quality guidelines. Biometric indicators suggested the influence of contamination on organism health; an inverse relationship between PBDEs in sediments and clam condition index has been found, as well as different biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) in the lagoons.     

Assessment of tin and butyltin species in estuarine superficial sediments from Gipuzkoa,Spain

Ten superficial sediments from river estuaries of Gipuzkoa (North Spain) were collected and analyzed for nine metals (including tin, Sn) and butyltin compounds (monobutyltin, MBT; dibutyltin, DBT; tributyltin, TBT). Total metal concentration in the fine fraction (<63 micrometer) of the sediment was determined in aqua regia--hydrofluoric acid extracts by atomic absorption spectrometry. The butyltin species (BTs) were firstly extracted from the sediments with hydrochloric acid-methanol mixture. After derivatization with sodium tetraethyl borate, the organotin compounds were extracted by solid phase microextraction (SPME) in headspace mode. A fiber coated with 100 micrometer poly(dimethylsiloxane) was used for SPME. The organotin species were analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection. Analysis of the certified reference sediment (PACS-2) shown the suitability of the procedures for determination of metal contents and DBT-TBT species in contaminated sediments. Factorial analysis was used to examine the main sources of metals. Three factors represented more than 89% of the total variance of the metal system, and the Sn was related with Cu-Zn-Pb suggesting the same pollution source. The BTs concentrations in the area were high (TBT ranged from 0.05 to 5.48 mg Sn kg(-1)). The percentage of total butyltin species ( summation operator BTs) respect to the total Sn amount was higher than 4% in all the sediments, showing in the Bidasoa river estuary a remarkable value higher than 20%. Hence, the studied estuarine sediments reflect a pollution that is related with historical industrial and fishing activities of the area.     

PCB contamination in farmed and wild sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) from a coastal wetland area in central Italy

Food consumption is by far the main exposure route for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) for the general population, and fish and fishery products seem to be the main contributors to the total dietary intake of these pollutants. In recent years some investigations have suggested that farmed fish may be more significantly contaminated than wild fish, because of polluted feed. This study measured the levels of PCBs in wild and farmed sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.), one of the most valuable and popular fish in the Italian diet, and assessed the exposure to these pollutants through fish intake. Concentrations of summation operator (Sigma59PCBs) and dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs), as toxic equivalency (TEQ), in fish samples, ranged from 2.2 to 32ngg(-1) and from 0.1 to 4.0pg TEQ((2006) DL-PCBs)g(-1) whole weight, respectively. Farmed sea bass were as average two times more contaminated. Even if the concentrations of DL-PCBs were below the regulation limits, intake of these compounds from nine fish meals per month can in itself exceed the WHO Provisional Tolerable Monthly Intake (PTMI).