Difference between revisions of "Flame retardants organotin compounds and surfactants in opossum shrimps of the Scheldt estuary."
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<u>'''Main results of the study'''</u> | <u>'''Main results of the study'''</u> | ||
| − | Concentrations of organotin compounds, APEs and PBDEs were high in opossum shrimp (1110 ng/g, 1119 ng/g and 2095 ng/g respectively) and lower in the sediments (219 ng/g, not detected and 272 ng/g). This result indicate that the Scheldt estuary is highly contaminated for organotin compounds (especially for TBT). This is due to shipping, since TBT is mostly used as a [[antifouling | + | Concentrations of organotin compounds, APEs and PBDEs were high in opossum shrimp (1110 ng/g, 1119 ng/g and 2095 ng/g respectively) and lower in the sediments (219 ng/g, not detected and 272 ng/g). This result indicate that the Scheldt estuary is highly contaminated for organotin compounds (especially for TBT). This is due to shipping, since TBT is mostly used as a [[antifouling paints]]. TBT seams to [[bioaccumulation|accumulate]] in opossum shrimp at a much higher rate than in other species (perhaps due to lower TBT degradation), leading to higher concentrations in opossum shrimp than in fish. The PBDE concentrations are among the highest in Western Europe. |
Revision as of 12:57, 13 July 2009
Context of the study
Flame retardants (like PBDEs) are used globally and are very persistent when they end up in the environment. Surfactants (like APE) have also been widely produced, and most of them end up in the aquatic environment. Together with organotin conpounts they are ofthen detected at high levels in estuarine waters world wide. All three groups might have long term effects on the endocrine system. Little is known however on how these compounds transfer to hyperbentic communities.
Content of the study
In the Scheldt estuary (one of the most contaminated estuaries in Western Europe), organotin compounds, flame retardants and surfactants were measured in sediments and in opossum shrimp. Further it was examined whether the contaminants present in the estuarine waters and soil could acts as estrogens.
Main results of the study
Concentrations of organotin compounds, APEs and PBDEs were high in opossum shrimp (1110 ng/g, 1119 ng/g and 2095 ng/g respectively) and lower in the sediments (219 ng/g, not detected and 272 ng/g). This result indicate that the Scheldt estuary is highly contaminated for organotin compounds (especially for TBT). This is due to shipping, since TBT is mostly used as a antifouling paints. TBT seams to accumulate in opossum shrimp at a much higher rate than in other species (perhaps due to lower TBT degradation), leading to higher concentrations in opossum shrimp than in fish. The PBDE concentrations are among the highest in Western Europe.
