A review and assessment of tributyltin contamination in the North Sea, based on surveys ofbutyltin tissue burdens and Imposex/intersex in four species of neogastropods

摘要

It is evident from measures of butyltin tissue burdens and imposex or intersex in neogastropods that tributyltin (TBT) con- tamination of coastalwaters and open parts of the North Sea is now low. It has been declining for at least the past decade. This is probably due to two measures. First, regulations prohibiting the use of TBT-based paints on small boasts and fish farms have re- duced inputs of TBT from these sources s that they are now negligibel (except possibly where the regulations are flaunted). Second, there is evidence form sites, where commercial vessels are the sole source of TBT, that the adoption of TBT SPC paints has been effective in reducing environmental levels of these contaminants.