Butylitin Contamination in Marine Mammals-A Review

摘要

In order to understand organotin accumulation in marine mammals, the present study determined the concentra- tions of butyltins (BTs) in various tissues and organs and described their distribution patterns relative tosex, age and geographical factors. Both cetaceans and pinnipeds showed higher BTs concentrations in the liver amongst various tissues and organs. In addition, noticeably high concentrations were found in the hair of pinnipeds, indi- cating possible exertion of BTs through shedding. BTs composition in mammals and their prey organisms sug- gested that pinnipeds have a stronger capacity to degrade BTs as compared to cetaceans.