Organotin contamination in seafood and its implication for human health risk in Hong Kong

•The tongue sole Paraplagusia blochii had the highest concentration of organotins.•Triphenyltin was the most abundant residue among the six organotin species.•The hazard index for P. blochii was >1 indicating risks of consuming this species.•Organotins, in particular triphenyltin, are still persistent in Hong Kong waters. Organotins (OTs) have caused widespread adverse effects on marine organisms, while they can also induce health problems to humans via consumption of contaminated seafood. This study aimed to quantify the tissue concentrations of OTs in 11 seafood species in Hong Kong, and assess the human health risk for consuming these species. The tongue sole Paraplagusia blochii had the highest concentration of total OTs. Triphenyltin (TPT) accounted for 56–97% of total OTs. The highest hazard quotient (HQ) for TPT was 1.41 in P. blochii, while the HQs for butyltins were much less than 1. The results indicated that it is likely to have certain health risks for consuming P. blochii due to its high TPT contamination. Therefore, TPT should be a priority pollutant of concern. Appropriate management actions should be taken to control its use and release in the region in order to safeguard the marine ecosystem and human health.