MED POL survey of organotins in the Mediterranean

A pilot survey of tributyltin (TBT) and its derivatives in Mediterranean areas was undertaken in 1988 within the framework of the MED POL activities. The areas studied were the French Mediterranean coast, the Northern Tyrrhenian coast, the Southern coast of Turkey and the Alexandria (Egypt) coastal area. 113 water samples were analysed from the first three areas and 35 sediment samples from the fourth. Samples were collected at sites selected according to differing environmental conditions and potential inputs of TBT. Two shellfish-culture areas in the South of France located near marinas were included. The data reported represent the first coordinated survey of butyltin levels in seawater and sediments from Mediterranean areas. The concentrations generally exceed the no-observed effect level (NOEL) of 20 ng l-1 and are comparable to those previously reported for similar situations outside the Mediterranean area. © 1990.