Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
generally observed in the environment since the ban, particularly in areas
dominated by the small craft affected by the ban. However, in a few areas fre-
quented by large ships, the organotin compounds continue to be input to the
surface of the sediment, especially, in some harbors in Mediterranean coun-
tries such as Spain, Italy and Greece, and in northern Europe, etc.
Therefore, recently, the number of articles investigating depuration of the
organotin compounds by organisms have increased. Yamaoka et al. found two
kinds of microorganisms,
Pseudomonas chlororaphis
and
Burkholderia cepa-
cia
capable of degrading TPT. Dinoflagellates, diatoms, mussels, green algae
and chrysophytes, etc. are able to depurate TBT in seawater. Biomethylation
is also considered a depuration mechanism of the organotin compounds. The
results of these researches may be utilized for depuration of high concen-
tration areas of TBT and TPT such as areas frequented by the larger ships,
seawater near a dry dock and aquaculture with fish nets using organotin an-
tifouling paints. These may also be used for the treatment of waste water from
dry docks and for the treatment of cooling water from power plants.
Generally, recently, the concentration of organotin compounds in seawa-
ter has tended to decrease in the world through restrictions for small boats
and because of their fast degradation properties in seawater, though they have
accumulating properties in sediment and organisms. Furthermore, with the
help of these depuration technologies, we hope that the marine environment
improves in the world up to the point in time when environmentally friendly
best alternative antifouling paints are used routinely throughout the world.
Acknowledgements
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Sumio Chubachi
for reading the full manuscript, which enhanced its accuracy and clarity, and for provid-
ing much valuable constructive criticism.
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