Abstract: After optimization of sample pretreatment and determination procedures, butyltin compounds were determined in selected marine sediments and biota using the hydride generation/gas chromatography/quartz furnace atomic absorption spectrometry method. Butyltins were detected in all surface sediment samples of Arcachon Bay, though at widely different concentrations (from a few ng g-1 in remote areas to 158 ng g-l in marinas). The relative abundances of mono-, di- and tri-butyltin vary with the distance to point pollution sources and the depth of burial (i.e. the storage time). Half-life times of the three butyltin compounds were estimated in a marina sediment as close to 1.1, 1.9 and 2.1 years, respectively. Quite significant concentrations of butyltin compounds were measured in some commercial sea-shell samples.

Abstract: This review compares methods that are currently employed for shipboard analysis of trace metals in seawater: voltammetric, chemiluminescence and colorimetric methods. Instrumentation and methods are described for collecting surface seawater using pumping, with subsequent on-line analysis by stripping voltammetry. The review is illustrated with data for oceanic and coastal distributions of dissolved copper and nickel, determined using automated stripping voltammetry.