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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
10:44
Clean Sampling and Analysis of River and Estuarine Waters for Trace Metal Studies
Published on: July 1, 2016
Aquatic organotin pollution in Taiwan.
Pei-Jie Meng1, Junda Lin, Li-Lian Liu
1National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, 944, Taiwan.
Journal of Environmental Management
|October 22, 2008
Summary
Aquatic organotin pollution in Taiwan shows phenyltins (PTs) dominate freshwater and butyltins (BTs) dominate marine environments. Monitoring data is insufficient to assess the impact of organotin bans.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Marine Biology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Organotin compounds are widely used as biocides.
- Aquatic ecosystems are vulnerable to organotin pollution.
- Taiwan has implemented bans on specific organotin usages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of aquatic organotin pollution in Taiwan.
- To identify the distribution patterns of different organotin compounds in various aquatic habitats.
- To assess the potential effectiveness of regulatory measures on organotin pollution.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing monitoring data on organotin pollution in Taiwan from 1990-2003.
- Analysis of organotin concentrations in freshwater and marine sediments and biota.
- Assessment of spatial and temporal variations in organotin contamination.
Main Results:
- Phenyltins (PTs) were dominant in freshwater (especially rice fields), while butyltins (BTs) predominated in marine environments.
- Marine contamination levels decreased in the order: harbour and estuary > fish cultural site > coastal > offshore > coral reefs.
- Imposex in snails was observed throughout the study period; organotin concentrations were higher in winter, but PT proportions were higher in summer.
Conclusions:
- Organotin pollution varies significantly between freshwater and marine environments in Taiwan.
- Seasonal variations in organotin concentrations and types were observed.
- The effectiveness of recent organotin usage bans remains undetermined due to insufficient continuous monitoring data.
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