Title : Environmental monitoring for legacy pollutants: The tributyltin case
Abstract:
Maritime transport is recognized as the most common mode for the commercialization of commodities. With technological advancements, ships are becoming increasingly larger and transporting ever-larger volumes. However, for port areas to be suitable for receiving these vessels, their hydrodynamics need to be adjusted to the dimensions of the ship hulls. Sediment dredging is periodically required in many ports around the world; however, this activity can become a source of pollution, since contaminants compartmentalized in the sediments can be bioavailable again. Many pollutants, such as trace metals, organic compounds, and organometallic compounds, may be present in high concentrations due to anthropogenic activities in coastal areas. Organotin compounds such as Tributyltin (TBT) were used in the naval industry until their ban by the International Maritime Organization in 2008. Although the concentrations of these compounds have decreased in many areas, deleterious effects are still observed in some regions. This study aims to list the risks related to the remobilization of organotin compounds, evaluating their association with other antifouling substances present in the environment, and examining current environmental legislation. Even with a ban nearly two decades ago, deleterious effects associated with TBT continue to be reported in some regions of the world. In South America, the effects associated with this compound have been extensively studied and monitored over the years. Environmental monitoring of this legacy pollutant's concentrations should be considered continuous, given its toxicity and the potential for remobilization through port activities worldwide.
