Use of imposex (pseudohermaphroditism) as indicator of the occurrence of organotin compounds in Portuguese coastal waters--Sado and Mira estuaries.
Organotin compounds, including tributyltin (TBT), are a class of the most toxic xenobiotics occurring in aquatic systems. High concentration levels in waters and sediments are mainly due to their extensive use as biocides and high persistence when present in sediments under anaerobic conditions. Toxicity studies have revealed the acute effects of TBT for aquatic organisms at concentrations as low as 1 microgram/L, and the induction of imposex at levels below 0.5 ng/L TBT (as Sn). At 20 ng/L TBT (as Sn) causes sterility and is followed with the disappearance of the most sensitive neogastropods on a given shore. Imposex is the most sensitive response of all known pathological conditions for nontarget organisms following an exposure to tributyltin. In this study results are discussed that were obtained from two monitoring sites with different anthropogenic background using imposex monitoring as an indicator of TBT concentrations, as well as chemical analysis of tissue of Hinia (= Nassarius) reticulata (L.) (Gastropoda).
Pessoa
M F
MF
G.D.E.H., Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Quinta da Torre, Monte de Caparica, 2825-114 Caparica, Portugal. mfgp@mail.fct.unl.pt
Fernando
A
A
Oliveira
J S
JS
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers; D012734:Disorders of Sex Development / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009947:Organotin Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012908:Snails; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000009:adverse effects*
D015415:Biomarkers; D009947:Organotin Compounds; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical