Organotin in the marine environment

Organotins have been widely used in many industrial, chemical and agricultural applications. They are toxic endocrine-disruptor chemicals which bioaccumulate and can severely impact the health and development of marine life such as oysters and mussels.

Australia has entered into international agreements and legislated to help preserve marine ecosystems and prevent marine pollution. The International Maritime Organisation banned the use of tributyltin as a biocide in anti-fouling paint in 2003. 

Organotins are persistent and continue to be found even in remote locations. They are common contaminants in ports and harbours and are often present at significant levels in berths and inner harbour areas. 

Our services

The National Measurement Institute (NMI) uses a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited method and state-of-the-art technology to determine:

• monobutyltin
• dibutyltin
• tributyltin

We use an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) interfaced to a gas chromatograph (GC). 

GC-ICP-MS is more accurate than other techniques because it:

• uses highly selective tin isotopes to minimise matrix interference and co-eluting peaks from skewing results
• has high sensitivity for low level detection
• is effective with complex matrices such as shell fish tissue

Why choose us

We are Australia’s peak measurement body and offer:

• NATA accredited detection methods
• accurate results using internal standards, blanks, laboratory control spikes and surrogates 
• state-of-the-art GC-ICP-MS instrument

Turnaround times

Our standard turnaround time is 5-30 days.

We also offer 1, 2 and 3 working day turnaround times where agreed.

Submitting samples 

Find out how to submit your environmental testing samples. 

Request a quote or discuss your requirements 

Contact us for a quote or to discuss how we can tailor our services to meet your analysis requirements. 

• Email customerservice@measurement.gov.au
• Read our terms and conditions
• For general enquiries phone: +61 2 9449 0111

Read more

See our full range of environmental testing and analysis services.

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Contact us

• Email customerservice@measurement.gov.au   
• For general enquiries or updates on your work order phone: 1300 722 845