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Screening for organotin compounds in European landfill leachates
I Mersiowsky1, R Brandsch, J Ejlertsson
1TUHH Technologie GmbH (TuTech) Integrated Management, Hamburg, Germany. mersiowsky@tutech.de
Journal of Environmental Quality
|October 2, 2001
Summary
Organotin compounds were detected in landfill leachate across Europe. While octyltin likely originates from PVC, methyltin and butyltin have diverse sources, necessitating caution in environmental risk assessments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Organotin compounds are industrial chemicals used as PVC stabilizers and biocides.
- They are prevalent in environmental samples and can enter landfills via waste disposal.
- Understanding their presence and sources in landfill leachate is crucial for environmental risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze organotin species in leachate from European landfill sites.
- To identify potential sources of methyltin, butyltin, and octyltin compounds.
- To assess the reliability of source attribution for organotins in landfill environments.
Main Methods:
- Leachate samples were collected from eight landfill sites in Sweden, Italy, and Germany.
- A highly sensitive and species-selective analytical method was employed.
- Analysis focused on methyltin, butyltin, and octyltin species.
Main Results:
- Organotin compounds were found in twelve leachate samples, ranging from below detection limits to 4 microg/L.
- Octyltin compounds were confidently linked to PVC products.
- Methyltin and butyltin compounds had less distinct sources, possibly due to microbial transformation.
Conclusions:
- Landfill leachate contains various organotin species, with octyltin primarily from PVC.
- Attributing methyltin and butyltin to specific sources is challenging due to multiple origins and microbial processes.
- Care is needed when predicting environmental concentrations and assessing risks associated with organotins in landfills.