Contamination of the coastal waters of Bermuda by organotins and the triazine herbicide Irgarol 1051

A study of the distribution of the 'booster' biocide 2-methylthio-4-tert-bu tylamino-6-cyclopropyl amino-s-triazine (Irgarol 1051) was carried out in t he coastal waters of Bermuda. Irgarol 1051 concentrations (as determined by GC/MS) up to 590 ng l(-1) have been measured within Hamilton Harbour. The data presented herein unequivocally demonstrate contamination of the coasta l system of Bermuda by Irgarol 1051. Concurrently, TBT concentrations were measured and results indicate that levels are falling through legislated ch anges in antifouling treatments, from 220 ng l(-1) in 1990 to < 20 ng l(-1) (as Sn) by 1995, in the open water area of Hamilton Harbour, Concentration s of TBT immediately offshore from a boatyard were found to be > 600 ng l(- 1) (Sn), indicating continuing release due to painting operations and sedim ents in the area. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.