Biology Essay - Oran O'Sullivan
One of the most dangerous and controversial contaminants today is tributyltin (TBT). Tributyltin is one of the most poisonous substances to be released to the aquatic environment today (Knutzen, 1995). The tributyltin compounds are a subgroup of the trialkyl organotin family of compounds (Extoxnet, 1996). The main use of Tributyltin is as a stabilizer in the manufacturing of plastic products, such as anti-yellowing agent in clear plastics and as a catalyst in poly products (Vinyl chloride). Another and less expensive use of Tributyltin is as a biocide (Fungicide, bactericide and insecticide) and also as a preservative for wood, paper, textiles, leather and electrical equipment. A large market exists for Tributyltin …show more content…
Studies of the effects of TBT products on living organisms have been primarily performed on aquatic life, because TBT is mostly used in bodies of water. As a result, data gaps exist concerning effects of TBT on mammals in regard to reproduction, development and mutagenicity. In mammals, high levels of TBT can affect the endocrine glands, upsetting the hormone levels in the pituitary, gonad and thyroid glands. Large doses of TBT have been shown to damage the reproductive and central nervous systems, bone structure, and the gastrointestinal tract of mammals.
Chemicals from the paint spread into the surrounding seawater and accumulate in sediments around harbors and along shipping lanes. This is then ingested by marine invertebrates and gets into the food chain (Earth Crash, 1998). Tributyltin gradually erodes, releasing an organic tin compound. Toxic tin residues have accumulated to alarming levels in the sediments of areas with heavy boat traffic, concentrated dockage or shipyard services. Under aerobic conditions, tributyltin takes one to three months to degrade. But in anaerobic (airless) soils, this compound will persist for more than two years (Cornell University,
One of the most dangerous and controversial contaminants today is tributyltin (TBT). Tributyltin is one of the most poisonous substances to be released to the aquatic environment today (Knutzen, 1995). The tributyltin compounds are a subgroup of the trialkyl organotin family of compounds (Extoxnet, 1996). The main use of Tributyltin is as a stabilizer in the manufacturing of plastic products, such as anti-yellowing agent in clear plastics and as a catalyst in poly products (Vinyl chloride). Another and less expensive use of Tributyltin is as a biocide (Fungicide, bactericide and insecticide) and also as a preservative for wood, paper, textiles, leather and electrical equipment. A large market exists for Tributyltin …show more content…
Studies of the effects of TBT products on living organisms have been primarily performed on aquatic life, because TBT is mostly used in bodies of water. As a result, data gaps exist concerning effects of TBT on mammals in regard to reproduction, development and mutagenicity. In mammals, high levels of TBT can affect the endocrine glands, upsetting the hormone levels in the pituitary, gonad and thyroid glands. Large doses of TBT have been shown to damage the reproductive and central nervous systems, bone structure, and the gastrointestinal tract of mammals.
Chemicals from the paint spread into the surrounding seawater and accumulate in sediments around harbors and along shipping lanes. This is then ingested by marine invertebrates and gets into the food chain (Earth Crash, 1998). Tributyltin gradually erodes, releasing an organic tin compound. Toxic tin residues have accumulated to alarming levels in the sediments of areas with heavy boat traffic, concentrated dockage or shipyard services. Under aerobic conditions, tributyltin takes one to three months to degrade. But in anaerobic (airless) soils, this compound will persist for more than two years (Cornell University,