Butyltin compounds in sediments of the Bahia Blanca Estuary, Argentina

Systematic measurements of both Tributyltin (TBT) and Dibutyltin (DBT) in sediments along different locations in the inner zone of Bahia Blanca estuary were done. Two samples were taken near the main dry dock facility, at Puerto Belgrano naval base, in Argentina. TBT concentrations from non-detected to 170.3 ng Sn g(-1) were measured in the inner region of the estuary, and higher one of 3,288 ng Sn g(-1) near the dry dock at Puerto Belgrano. DBT values ranging between non-detected and 75.2 ng Sn g(-1) were obtained along the principal channel, but extreme concentration of 1,645 ng Sn g(-1) was measured at Puerto Belgrano. These values show that this estuary is affected by organotin pollution, mainly in areas of heavy shipyard activities.