Spatial distribution of organotins in sediments of lowland river catchments.

A method is described for the measurement of nanogram quantities of a range of methyl and butyltin compounds. The method utilises a modified purge and trap/boiling point separation technique for the determination of organotin compounds in sediment samples. A spatial survey of sediment samples within 5 river systems in the East Anglia region of the United Kingdom was undertaken and identified a range of organotin compounds with concentrations of tributyltin (TBT) ranging from <3.9 ng g(-1) up to 1291 ng g(-1). The highest values were found in areas connected with boating activities. Wherever TBT was present, dibutyltin and monobutyltin were most commonly found along with small concentrations of certain methyltins.