Detection and quantification of triphenyltin in the sea-water of Tripoli’s port (Al Mina)

Abstract

Organotin compounds are the most widely used organometallic with an estimated world production of 50,000 tons. They have been used as biocides in antifouling paints applied on bodies of ships and boats. They are poorly soluble in water and show high affinity to organic solvents and lipids, and represent a risk to ecosystems.

Impacts of some organotin compounds on several marine organisms have been largely documented and include imposex malformation of shells and reduced reproduction in oysters, and high mortality rate in mussels even at very low concentrations.

This work evaluates the level of contamination of the port of Tripoli "Al-Mina" by one of the most toxic organotin compounds, triphenyltin (TPhT).

The analyses were performed by using the gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) based on an analytical method that has been developed and optimized for the determination of organotin compounds. Derivatization was occurred using sodium tetraethylborate, and followed by a liquid-liquid extraction with hexane.

The results allowed to evidence the phenomenon of continuous leaching of TPhT in seawater. Heavy contamination of the frontal side of the port of Tripoli in TPhT was found. Concentrations ranged from 446.598 µg/L and 4063.995 µg/L. This represents a very high pollution levels and far exceeds the estimated limits of toxic concentrations.