Transformation of tributyltin in zebrafish eleutheroembryos (Danio rerio)

Organotin compounds are highly versatile group of organometallic chemicals used in industrial and agricultural applications. Their endocrine-disrupting effects are well known and their extensive uses as biocide materials, e.g., in antifouling paints, for many years have led to serious environmental problems. So far, attention has mainly been given to tributyltin pollution in water, sediments, and marine organisms because of its highly toxic effects and high accumulation levels at very low concentrations. In this study, we will focus on the conversion of tributyltin after it is absorbed by zebrafish eleutheroembryos, presented here as an alternative model to adult fish for describing bioconcentration. A simplified analytical extraction procedure based on the use of an assisted ultrasonic probe and derivatization by ethylation, followed by gas chromatography with a flame photometric detector (GC-FPD) is proposed. This classical methodology for organotin determination has been validated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (ZGF-AAS) in terms of total tin content. The speciation analysis results show that zebrafish eleutheroembryos absorb high amounts of tributyltin and convert it into monobutyltin and likely in inorganic tin.