Detoxification of tributyltin contaminated sediments by an electrochemicalprocess

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.