Tributyltin: Case Study of an Environmental Contaminant(Series Number 8 Cambridge Environmental Chemistry Series)

This authoritative volume reviews the environmental chemistry and toxicological effects of a marine pollutant of exceptional potency, tributyltin (TBT), and outlines the international response to control TBT. TBT compounds have been widely utilized in marine anti-fouling paint formulations to obtain increased fuel efficiencies and long lifetimes for maritime vessels and structures. However, its extreme toxicity has resulted in numerous adverse biological effects, and its persistence ensures that such problems are likely to continue. A wide variety of disciplines are brought together to illustrate the general principles, pathways and problems involved in identifying and quantifying an environmental toxin, elucidating deleterious biological consequences, and the legal framework that can invoke mitigation via regulation. This text not only has wide appeal for undergraduate courses in environmental science, chemistry and marine ecology, but also forms a valuable sourcebook for environmental planners and serves as a 'successful' case study for undergraduate courses in environmental law, planning and science.

Table of Contents:
Preface; 1. The tributyltin debate: ocean transportation versus seafood harvesting S. J. de Mora; 2. Industrial manufacture and applications of tributyltin compounds R. F. Bennett; 3. The analysis of butylated tin compounds in the environment and biological materials Ph. Quevauviller; 4. The occurrence, fate and toxicity of tributyltin and its degradation products in fresh water environments R. J. Maguire; 5. The distribution and fate of tributyltin in the marine environment G. Batley; 6. Biological effects of tributyltin on marine organisms C. Alzieu; 7. TBT-induced imposex in neogastropod snails: masculinization to mass extinction P. E. Gibbs and G. Bryan; 8. Environmental law and tributyltin in the environment K. Bosselmann; 9. The efficacy of legislation controlling tributyltin in the marine environment C. Stewart; Index.

Review :
'A valuable source book for environmental planners and regulators particularly given the recent emphasis on coastal planning and coastal aggregate superquarries in remote unpolluted waters ... the book also serves as a model which could be used for other environmental contaminants.' Waste Planning 'Tributyltin: Case Study of an Environmental Contaminant provides an interdisiplinary perspecitve that should make it an appealing resource for the teaching of environmental sciences and fodder for many vigorous discussions.' J. W. Miller, Environmental Quality 'The authors and the editor have done a very good job producing a book that speaks in a comprehensive but concise multidisciplinary way to the TBT question. The level and readability of the chapters is excellent with material that will be of value to all levels of readers. This is a book that should be in every academic library and on the bookshelves of those working in the TBT field. Finally, this book will serve as the basis for many interesting courses and seminars in environmental science, policy and law.' David S. Page Elsevier