Shellfish, organotins

The main compounds used worldwide to control fouling are organotins as tributyltin oxide (TBTO see Figure 12.1a). They are effective at preventing fouling, but they cause widespread environmental problems due to their persistence in the environment and their toxic effects such as acute toxicity, bioaccumulation, decreased reproductive viability, and increased shell thickness in shellfish. 

Uses Biocide antifouling agent in marine paints Features Controls bacterial slime, algae, barnacles, tubeworms, hydroids, bryozoa, tunicates, and diatoms replaces organotin antifoulants, such as tributyltin oxide which bioaccumulate and are toxic to shellfish... 

Environmental applications of LC-MS, not only pesticides and herbicides, but dyes, shellfish toxins, surfactants, organotin and other environmental contamination were recently reviewed in a multi-authored book, edited by Barcelo. 

Just as MeHg has become a widely distributed and commonly found environmental pollutant in many fish species, especially swordfish and tunafish, so too has tribulyl tin (TBT) gained in recognition as an even more widely distributed aquatic pollutant and toxicant [53], TBT can now be found in almost all fish/shellfish samples taken anywhere in the world, even from native salmon in Scotland, Denmark, Norway, or elsewhere. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has, in part, a responsibilily to continuously monitor foods imported into the U.S. destined for human consumption. It was, in part, the purpose of this study to develop improved GC-element selective detection (ESD) approaches for organotins in fish and shellfish. And, to then utilize such newer, validated approaches for as many real world marine samples as possible and practical. 

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