Effects of environmental factors on the molluscicidal activities of slow-release hexabutyldistannoxane and copper sulfate.

Laboratory experiments were conducted to study the molluscicidal activities of slow-release hexabutyldistannoxane (TBTO) and copper sulfate under various environmental conditions. Organic materials such as mud and weeds reduced the molluscicidal efficacy of both chemicals. TBTO can be considered a good long-lasting molluscicide but, because of uncertainty as to its general toxic effects, it should not be used in field trials. The molluscicidal activity of slow-release copper sulfate was short-lived in plain lake water and was nil in the presence of mud or weeds at the concentration used.