Assessment of butyltin compounds in water and sediment matrices along Kilindini harbour, Mombasa county Kenya
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Date
2014-10-03
Authors
Mulima, Henry
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Tributyltin (TBT) is an organotin compound used primarily as biocide in antifouling paints to
prevent colonization by barnacles and drag-inducing taxa on ship hulls. It is extremely toxic to
aquatic life and it is an endocrine - disrupting chemical that causes severe irreversible
reproductive effects in aquatic organisms such as imposex. Human toxicology of tributyltins
include, disturbance of smell sense, neural necrosis, hepatic lesions and interference with
immune system. The TBT is relatively stable and resistant to natural degradation in water and
sediment. Because of its chemical properties and wide spread use as antifouling agent, concerns
have been raised over the risks it poses to both freshwater and salt water organisms. Therefore,
continued monitoring and control of TBT in water ways is necessary all over the world. The
TBT derivatives include monobutyltin (MBT) and dibutyltin (DBT) which are used as heat and
light stabilizers in manufacture of PVC and polyurethane foams. Kilindini harbor has been
receiving ships since 1896, and is the gateway to Eastern Africa. There is thus a high chance of
TBT and its derivatives being found in the harbor. Studies on TBT and its derivatives along
Kenyan coastline have not been reported. Therefore the study proposes to determine TBT and its
derivatives in water and sediments at the Kilindini harbour. Purposive study design will be used
in sampling. The water and sediment samples will be collected from Kilindini harbor and
analyzed for TBT, DBT and MBT using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The
data will be analyzed using special excel software computer package and analysis of variance
(ANOVA) used to determine the variation in the levels of TBT and its derivatives in water and • sediment matrices. The results will be availed to relevant authorities and used to sensitize the
public.
Description
School of Pure and Applied Sciences