Use of imposex (Pseudohermaphroditism) as indicator of the occurrence of organotin compounds in Portuguese coastal waters - Sado and Mira estuaries

Organotin compounds, including tributyltin (IBT), are a class of the most t oxic xenobiotics occurring in aquatic systems. High concentration levels in waters and sediments are mainly due to their extensive use as biocides and high persistence when present in sediments under anaerobic conditions. Tox icity studies have revealed the acute effects of TBT for aquatic organisms at concentrations as low as 1 mug/L, and the induction of imposer at levels below 0.5 ng/L TBT (as Sn). At 20 ng/L TBT (as Sn) causes sterility and is followed with the disappearance of the most sensitive neogastropods on a g iven shore. Imposer is the most sensitive response of all known pathologica l conditions for nontarget organisms following an exposure to tributyltin. In this study results are discussed that were obtained from two monitoring sites with different anthropogenic background using imposer monitoring as a n indicator of TBT concentrations, as well as chemical analysis of tissue o f Hinia (= Nassarius) reticulata (L.) (Gastropoda), (C) 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.