TBT effects on the larvae of Ruditapes decussatus

The effects of Sublethal tributyltin (TBT) concentrations on the growth and development of Raditapes decussatus larvae were studied. Veliger larvae of R. decussatus were exposed to TBT nominal concentrations of 25, 50 75 and 100 ng Sn l(-1) in the water for a period up to 13 d. Larval growth and dev elopment were chosen as endpoints, for evaluation of TBT toxicity. Growth o f R. decussatus larvae was severely affected by TBT concentrations (25-100 ng Sn l(-1)). A 3- to 6-fold reduction growth was observed in these early l arval stages. Furthermore, R. decussatus larvae exposed to TBT did not deve lop further than D-larvae while the unexposed ones reached the umbonated st age.