Organotin compounds in sediments of three coastal environments from the Patagonian shore, Argentina

One of the most toxic compounds that have been introduced into the marine environment is Tributyltin (TBT) used as a biocide in antifouling paints. The aim of this study was to obtain the first information of TBT pollution in sediments of three environments of the Argentinean coastline. Sediments from the Bahia Blanca estuary, San Antonio Bay and Ushuaia Bay were sampled to determine TBT and dibutyltin (DBT) concentration. The butyltin compounds were identified and quantified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC?MS). The different amount of organotin compounds detected shows dissimilar pollution levels and degradation processes along the Argentinean coasts.