Behavior of Methyltin Compounds under Simulated Estuarine Conditions
Résumé
A 23 factorial design is used to study the behavior of MeSnCl3, Me2SnCl2, and Me3SnCl under laboratory-simulated estuarine conditions. The quaternary system includes methyltin ions (5 ng/L as Sn), ionic strength (0-35 g of NaCl/L) fulvic acid (0-25 mg/L), and hydrous iron oxides (0-1000 mg/L). Analysis of methyltin compounds involves hydride generation, separation by chromatographic packing material, atomization in a heated quartz furnace, and detection by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Removal of organotin compounds from solution after filtration at 0.4 μm is from 83 to 100% for MeSnCl3, from 28 to 66% for Me2SnCl2, and from 15 to 28% for Me3SnCl. Increasing ionic strength inhibits the removal of MeSnCl3 and Me2SnCl2. Fulvic acid concentration contributes to increased removal of organotin compounds in saline waters but prevents adsorption of Me2SnCl2 under freshwater-simulated conditions. Higher iron oxide concentration enhances removal of MeSnCl3 and Me2SnCl2 but has little effect on Me3SnCl. This study discusses mechanisms involved and relates them to estuarine processes. © 1985, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.