TBT contamination identified in Antarctic marine sediments.
We report for the first time butyltin contamination of near-shore sediments at six sites in the Ross Sea, Antarctica. A very high concentration of 2290 microg Sn kg(-1) sediment was recorded in one sample. The most likely source is abrasion of antifouling paint from the hulls of ice-breakers, but this pattern of contamination is also possible following ship groundings. Antifoulant biocides, such as TBT, have not been considered or detected in Antarctica previously and represent a new challenge to environmental managers and custodians.
Negri
A P
AP
Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Qld 4810, Australia. a.negri@aims.gov.au
Hales
L T
LT
Battershill
C
C
Wolff
C
C
Webster
N S
NS
D000864:Antarctic Regions; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000032:analysis*; D012767:Ships; D014220:Trialkyltin Compounds / Q000032:analysis*
D014220:Trialkyltin Compounds; C011559:tributyltin