Butyltin analysis involves the extraction,
derivitization, and analysis of tributyltin (TBT)
and its degradaton products dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin
(MBT) from soil, tissue, and water matrices. The analytes
are ethylated to increase their volatility, then separated
and quantitated using a gas chromatograph equipped
with a flame photometric detector (GC/FID). Method
Detection Limits using this technique are < 0.4
ng Sn/dry g for sediment, <12 ng Sn/L for water, and
<2 ng Sn/wet g for tissue.
Organotins have been utilized in the industrial production
of plastics and, due to their fungicide and bactericide
properties, have also been used as biocides to prevent
deterioration in vegatables and tropical plants.
Organotins in the form of TBT-based paints
have largely been used to inhibit the growth of organisms
on solid surfaces, such as ships immersed in fresh or
salt water. However, as these compounds degrade into
the water column, the butyltins are taken up by aquatic
organisms, leading to growth abnormalities and increased
mortality in certain aquatic organisms. Analysis of
TBT, DBT, and MBT can be used to assess the extent of
butyltin contamination in an ecosystem.
