Tributyltin compounds are a subgroup of the trialkyl organotin family of compounds. They are the main active ingredients in biocides used to control a groad spectrum of organisms. Uses include wood treatment and preservation, antifouling of boats (in marine paints), antifungal action in textiles and industrial water systems, such as cooling tower and refridgeration systems, wood pulp and paper mill systems and breweries. It is also used for control of shistosomiasis in various parts of the world.

Physical and Chemical Properties


CCME Guidelines:

• Aquatic Life: Freshwater : 0.008 ug/L
• Marine Water: 0.001 ug/L
  
  

 

Reference Methods:

• Ikonomou, M.G.; Fernandez, M.; He, T.; Cullon, D. A Gas Chromatography - High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (GC-HRMS) Based Method For The Simultaneous Determination Of Nine Organotin Compounds In Water, Sediment And Tissue. J. Chrom. A, 2002, 975(2), 319-333
• Humphrey, B. & Hope, D. (1987) Analysis of water, sediments and biota for organotin compounds. In: Proceedings of the Organotin Symposium, Oceans '87 Conference, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 28 September-1 October, 1987, New York, The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., Vol. 4, pp. 1348-1351.

Detection Limits:

 

• water 1 ng/L (1 L sample)
• sediment 1 ug/kg dw
• biota  1-10 ng/g (depending on sample size)  

 

For more information on Tributyltins, check out:

 

Organotin Environmental Program

Extoxnet

Performances of Spectroscopic Methods of Tributyltin Analysis