Organotins in zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and sediments from the Saint-Lawrence River

Toxic antifouling agents such as tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPT) have been released in aquatic ecosystems through the use of antifouling paint applied to ship hulls, pleasure crafts and fish nets. The purpose of this study was to assess the use of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha ) as a biomonitor for investigating the geographical variations of organotin bioavailability along the St. Lawrence River. Organotins TBT and TPT and their degradation products were first measured in the soft tissues of zebra mussels collected from along the River. High concentrations of TBT were found in mussels from Bassin Louise, a marina in Quebec City (1442 ng/g wet weight). TPT concentrations were elevated at 2 sites near Quebec City (252 and 530 ng/g wet weight). A follow-up study assessed the extent of the distribution of organotins from the contaminated marina to the River system by measuring organotin concentrations in zebra mussels and in sediments collected River near Quebec City. The highest concentration of TBT was found in Bassin Louise (1078 ng/g wet weight) and elevated concentrations were found in two other marinas. The concentrations decreased sharply to background levels just outside the marinas. All butyltins were detected in all sediments analysed. There was a significant correlation between TBT in sediments and mussels. These studies suggest that organotin contamination may remain a problem in localized freshwaters in the St. Lawrence River