Preliminary experiments have shown that dibutyl and tributyltin can be deco
mposed by the electrochemical treatment of sediment. Two different process
pathways have been described and compared. A slurry electrolysis of the sus
pended sediment seemed to be more efficient than column leaching followed b
y electrolysis. Tributyltin was destroyed under oxidising as well as under
reducing process conditions. The detoxification mechanism seemed to be step
wise removal of the butyl groups. A partial debutylation of tri- and dibuty
ltin could be achieved, although monobutyltin was not affected. This techni
que is promising, but further investigation is necessary to improve the exp
erimental conditions and to characterise the real potential of these proces
s pathways. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.