Organotins in the Water Column - Enhancement in the Surface Microlayer

Organotin concentrations were determined in water samples taken in both summer and winter. Analysis of vertical profile samples indicates that maximum values occur in the surface microlayer, and that enhancement varies little with season. Even in subsurface waters organotin concentrations exceed the UK government's EQT as well as toxicological thresholds of many organisms. Although concentrations of organotins in the surface microlayer exceed toxicological thresholds by an order of magnitude or more, it is not known what organisms would be exposed to these concentrations. The neuston inhabit the surface microlayer and temporary members of this community include the eggs and larval stages of many benthic organisms and fish.