Development of an analytical tool to assess the impact of tributyltin (TBT) in Swedish water bodies

Research Project, 2017 – 2018

The organotin compound tributyltin (TBT) is one of the most toxic substances that humans have ever released to the aquatic environment and was banned for use in recreational antifouling coatings in 1989 and since 2008 there is a global ban also for commercial shipping. Despite these restrictions, TBT is still spread to the aquatic environment where the management of boat hulls, contaminated sediments and vessels at sea is considered to be sources of continuous supply of TBT to the environment.

The aim of the project was to develop a model for predicting TBT content in sediments using different explanatory parameters. The model was then used to identify geographical areas where sediment concentrations are likely to exceed the environmental quality standards of TBT.