An optimized sample preparation procedure for organotin speciation in
sediment samples has been applied to the analysis of sediments collect
ed in the environment. The method is based on tropolone complexation o
f the ionic organotins, followed by extraction into a hexane-ethylacet
ate mixture and derivatization by NaBEt4. The method was applied to th
e determination of organotin in various harbour, shipyard and dry-dock
sediments in Belgium. Butyltin compounds were detected in all samples
analyzed, often at high mg kg(-1) levels. A limited number of samples
showed the presence of phenyltin compounds. Further, the method was a
dapted to the analysis of river sediments sampled from the vicinity of
shipyards. Butyltin concentrations were detected at the mu g kg(-1) l
evel in the majority of samples. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All ri
ghts reserved.