Are antifouling residues a matter of concern in the largest South American port?

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials 2020-11, Vol.398, p.122937-122937, Article 122937
• Main Authors: Abreu, Fiamma E.L., Lima da Silva, Juliane Natália, Castro, Ítalo Braga, Fillmann, Gilberto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antifouling biocides; Fresh TBT input; Paint particles; Sediment; Sources
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122937

[Display omitted] •Sedimentary levels of antifouling biocides and paint particles were assessed.•Vessels and dockyards were the main sources of antifouling biocides and particles.•High levels of TBT, DCOIT, diuron and particles were seen in areas with different navigation profiles.•Antifouling paint particles stored in sediments are a relevant environmental issue.•Local maritime activities and hydrodynamics drove antifouling residues distribution. In the present study, levels of booster biocides (diuron, Irgarol, chlorothalonil, dichlofluanid and DCOIT), butyltin compounds (TBT, DBT and MBT) and antifouling paint particles (APPs) were assessed in sediments of areas under the influence of the largest Latin American port, marinas, boat traffic and ship/boat maintenance facilities located within Santos-São Vicente Estuarine System (SSES). Contamination profile was directly related to local maritime activities, where sediments from the main navigation channel (MNC) presented low levels of antifouling residues while adjacent areas (AA), characterized by the presence of boats and boatyards, showed higher contamination considering all analyzed residues. Moreover, areas under the influence of fishing boats/yards presented relevant levels of butyltins (ΣBTs > 300 ng g−1) and APPs (>100 μg g−1), while marinas dominated by recreational boats showed higher booster biocides occurrence. Sites located nearby shipyards in the MNC and boatyards in the AA presented expressive amounts of APPs (>200 μg g−1). These APPs represent an important long-term source of biocides to the SSES. Thus, the profile of maritime activities in association to local oceanographic conditions drive the spatial distribution of antifouling residues within SESS, which in some case presented levels above sediment guidelines for TBT, DCOIT and diuron.