Organotin concentrations in the Rivers Bure and Yare, Norfolk Broads, England

Abstract

Abstract Butyltin concentrations have been measured at eight freshwater sites (rivers and lakes) in the Norfolk Broads, UK, during 1986 and 1987. Tributyltin (TBT) was found in water samples from seven of the sites. Wherever TBT was present, dibutyltin and (usually) monobutyltin occurred. Levels of TBT exceeded 100 ng dm −3 in open stretches of both the Rivers Bure and Yare in 1986 and 1987. The highest concentration of TBT recorded for Wroxham Broad (a shallow lake) was 898 ng dm −3 . Values of up to 3.26 μg dm −3 were measured in water samples taken from a marina. A depth profile for Wroxham Broad showed TBT to be uniformly distributed throughout the shallow water column. The results are discussed in relation to toxicity of TBT to freshwater organisms. Laboratory measurements of the degradation of TBT in freshwater from a marina gave a half‐life of six days at 20°C in the light.