Status and trend of butyltin contamination in Masan Bay, Korea

Abstract

The current status and historical trend of butyltin contamination in Masan Bay was evaluated using water, sewage effluents, surface sediments and sediment cores. Samples were taken during 2004-2005, after the introduction of TBT regulation in Korea. The levels were at nd-2. 4 ng Sn/L for TBT and nd-6. 4 ng Sn/L for ΣBT in seawater, and 6-165 ng Sn/g dw (TBT) and 11-329 ng Sn/g dw (ΣBT) in surface sediments from Masan Bay. Three butyltins were detected in STP effluent which acts like an additional source of butyltin to the bay. Butyltin contamination in sediment has apparently increased in the inner part of the bay in the past two decades. Regulation was effective in reducing TBT pollution in seawater, but not effective enough for sediments. Hence, it is important to monitor TBT in sediments. © 2011 Korean Society of Environmental Risk Assessment and Health Science and Springer.