First assessment of butyltins (BuTs) contamination of the Montenegrin coast (Southeast Adriatic): Tributyltin (TBT) poses a threat to the marine ecosystem

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2022-12, Vol.185, p.114270, Article 114270
• Main Authors: Mikac, Nevenka, Furdek Turk, Martina, Petrović, Dragana, Bigović, Miljan, Krivokapić, Sladjana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Butyltins (BuTs); Montenegrin Adriatic coast; Mussels; Pollution; Sediments; Tributyltin (TBT)
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114270

This study presents the first assessment of butyltins (BuTs) pollution of the Montenegrin coast. The distribution of tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT) was investigated in mussels, sediments and water overlying sediment after the sediment resuspension. The results showed that the investigated sites (marinas, ports, shipyards) are contaminated with BuTs (19–402 ng (Sn)/g in mussels; 43–20,641 ng (Sn)/g in sediments; 9–566 ng (Sn)/L in overlying waters). The measured TBT concentrations indicate that toxic effects on marine organisms are expected at most locations. The simultaneous analysis of BuTs and total Sn in sediment cores allowed the assessment of TBT historical input, while it was demonstrated that resuspension of contaminated sediments leads to the release of all BuTs into the water column. This study shows that, despite the ban of TBT-based antifouling paints more than a decade ago, pollution of the marine environment with TBT is still a problem and regular monitoring remains essential. •Montenegrin Adriatic coast is polluted with TBT despite the ban of TBT-based paints.•High levels of BuTs in mussels indicate recent input of TBT into marine environment.•TBT input and persistence was assessed by analysing BuTs and total Sn in sediments.•Total Sn contamination of sediments originates primarily from TBT-based paints.•Resuspension of contaminated sediments causes the pollution of water column with BuTs.