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Title: | Evaluation of environmental levels and biological impact of TBT in Malta (central Mediterranean) |
Authors: | Axiak, Victor Vella, Alfred J. Agius, D. Bonnici, P. Cassar, G. Cassone, R. Mintoff, B. Sammut, M. Micallef, Daniel (2000) |
Keywords: | Tributyltin Sediments (Geology) Marine sediments |
Issue Date: | 2000 |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Citation: | Axiak, V., Vella, A. J., Agius, D., Bonnici, P., Cassar, G., Cassone, R., ... & Sammut, M. (2000). Evaluation of environmental levels and biological impact of TBT in Malta (central Mediterranean). Science of the Total Environment, 258(1-2), 89-97. |
Abstract: | Chemical monitoring for butyltins in bulk seawater, surface microlayer and superficial sediments determined that the two main local sources of marine contamination by tributyltin (TBT) compounds in Malta are ship-repairing dockyards and marinas. In bulk seawater, TBT values ranged from below the detection limit of 5 ng Sn l−1 to 300 ng Sn l−1; in sediments derived from the most polluted areas, TBT concentrations as high as 1500 ng Sn g−1 were measured. At TBT levels found in local harbours, several sublethal biological responses are possible and were observed, including a significant reduction in MFO enzyme system activities of fish; digestive cell atrophy in the oyster Ostrea edulis; and induction of imposex in the snail Hexaplex trunculus. The latter two responses are evident at TBT concentrations below the environmental quality standard (20 ng TBT l−1). The ecological implications of these results are discussed and it is concluded that exposure of marine organisms to TBT in local harbours may be expected to lead to a reduction in the long-term survival of a number of such organisms. For these reasons, both the use of TBT-based antifouling paints for pleasure boats as well as drydock practices need to be controlled by appropriate regulations and their enforcement. |
URI: | https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/91025 |
Appears in Collections: | Scholarly Works - FacSciChe |
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