Organotin Levels in Coastal Areas in Vietnam

The present status of levels of butyltin (BT) and phenyltin (PT) compounds in clam and sediment in Vietnam are overviewed. The levels of TBT in clams and sediments were within limits reported from other countries. Further, the TBT level in clams was lower than the tolerable average residue level (TARL) estimated based on tolerable daily intake (TDI). Trace amounts of PTs were also found in both clam and sediment samples. Of total BTs, TBT was the dominant species in clams from almost sites reported. The ratios of TBT in sediment tended to be higher among BT compounds. In spatial distribution, TPT showed a pattern similar to TBT, suggesting the use of TPT as an antifouling paint