A REVIEW OF THE DEGRADATION OF TRI(NORMAL-BUTYL)TIN IN THE MARINE-ENVIRONMENT

Degradation processes for TBT in natural waters, sediments and biota have been reviewed. Environmental degradation is principally biologically mediated and probably follows first‐order kinetics. Many studies have shown that TBT is not persistent in most natural waters. However, the tendency of TBT to accumulate in sediments and biota implies that degradation processes operating in sediments and biota will be of greater importance in determining the overall persistence of TBT in the marine environment. Recent studies indicate that TBT is very stable in heavily contaminated sediments and may continue to exert toxic effects after primary anthropogenic inputs have stopped. © 1990 Publications Division Selper Ltd.