REVIEW PAPER
Organotin Compounds in Marine Sediments
B. Radke1, M. Staniszewska1, A. Wasik2, J. Namieśnik2, J. Bolałek2
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1Department of Marine Chemistry and Environmental Protection, Institute of Oceanography,
University of Gdańsk, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
2Department of Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Faculty, Gdańsk University of Technology,
11/12 G. Narutowicza St., 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2008;17(5):643-654
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Organotin compounds are widely used in almost all sectors of industry. Antifouling paints, which were
applied to ship hulls to protect from fouling organisms, are the main source of TBT and TPhT derivatives
loaded into the sea. The global ban on the use of these compounds in antifouling systems was introduced by
the IMO in 2001. However, the ban did not solve the problem of the use of alternatives to TBT in the ship
industry. Moreover, the issue of storing the organotins-containing dredged spoils at sea still remains unresolved.
The pollution load deposited in port sediments may become an additional threat to the organisms that
dwell in a given water basin. In such cases, it is necessary to establish appropriate norms for the quality classification
of dredged spoils. Unfortunately, detailed guidelines concerning the disposal of dredged spoils are
still lacking.