title: Spatial and temporal distribution of tributyltin (TBT) in seawater, sediments and bivalves from coastal areas of Korea during 2001-2005.
abstract: Tributyltin (TBT) concentrations were determined in seawater, sediments and bivalve samples collected from Korean coastal areas during 2001-2005, to investigate the levels and temporal variation in TBT contamination in relation to the timing of the imposition of regulations on TBT use in Korea. TBT concentrations ranged from <5.0 to 164 ng/L in seawater, from <7.0 to 9,576 ng/g dry weight in sediments, and from <7.0 to 6,296 ng/g dry weight in bivalves. The highest concentrations of TBT were found at locations close to intensive shipping traffic and industrial complexes, and the contamination at some hot spot areas was high enough to cause harmful effects on marine organisms. TBT concentrations and their occurrence in Korean coastal waters have been decreasing annually. In particular, TBT concentrations in seawater have dramatically decreased. This result is consistent with regulations and bans on the use of TBT in Korea.
authors.affiliation: Marine Environment Research Team, National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, 408-1, Sirang-ri, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, 619-705, Korea. mkchoi@nfrdi.re.kr
authors.forename: Minkyu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Hee-Gu
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Hyo-Bang
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Moon
authors.forename: Gui-Young
authors.initials: GY
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D049872:Bivalvia / Q000737:chemistry*; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea; D012623:Seawater / Q000737:chemistry*; D013997:Time Factors; D014220:Trialkyltin Compounds / Q000032:analysis*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D014220:Trialkyltin Compounds; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; C011559:tributyltin