Soil Disposal of Organotin-Contaminated Grit Waste

摘要

Organotin compounds currently are used in some antifouling paint formulations. Waste disposal problems occur when these chemicals become mixed with abrasive grit during ship hull cleaning operations. Landfilling is one means of disposal; however, organotins may leach through soil, causing potential ground water pollution. An experimental study was undertaken to determine the leaching behavior and migration of organotin compounds through clay, topsoil, and sand. Waste-contaminated grit, obtained from Navy shipyards, was buried in lysimeters. After 16 weeks of receiving simulated rainfall, the leachate tin content of each lysimeter was no higher than the background leachate tin content measured prior to grit addition. All soils had a strong affinity for the organotin compounds. Horizontal and vetical migration was observed for the clay and topsoil. The sandy soil showed mostly vertical migration. Core samples of these lysimeters, shaken with water and centrifuged, did not show any toxicity in tests on guppies. Based on the results of this study, soil disposal of spent abrasive grit containing organotin compounds could be an effective interim method. (Author)