Organotin compounds in harbour and marina waters from the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea

Two harbours and 3 marinas in the Northern Tyrrhenian sea were sampled for contamination by organotin compounds. High and relatively constant levels of tributyltin (TBT) and dibutyltin (DBT) were found in Leghorn harbour: organotins were not detected in the smaller Piombino harbour. Concentrations of TBT, and DBT at the power plant outlet at Leghorn harbour were significantly higher than at other sampling sites in the harbour. Concentrations of organotin compounds in the marinas were high. Under favourable meteorological conditions, significant quantities of TBT and related compounds could contaminate open sea sites.