INVESTIGATION OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF TRIBUTYLTIN IN THE SEA-WATER FROM THE PORT OF PIRAEUS, GREECE

The distribution of tributyltin (TBT), coming from antifouling paints, was investigated in the sea water from the port of Pireaus, Greece, w hich has intensive ship activity. For the investigated port area, theo retical calculations were made, based on the quantity of TBT leached d aily from the moored ships and the degradation of TBT in sea water Thi s mathematical model was proved by experimental data obtained by the d etermination of TBT in sea water samples taken from different sites of the port. For the preconcentration of TBT, the samples were passed th rough a cation exchanger, Dowex 50 W-X8, from which TBT was eluted wit h 3 N HCl in methanol. After extraction of the eluate with dichloromet hane, TBT tons directly determined in the organic phase by alternating current polarography (ACP). The theoretical calculations, based on a first order degradation kinetic and the experimental results led to th e conclusion of low daily beaching rates of TBT from the moored ships in the investigated area.