Abstract:
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the occurrence of imposex and tributyltin (TBT), dibutlytin (DBT) and monobytyltin (MBT) accumulation in gastropods collected from eight stations in Thailand at Ao Chon Buri, Ko Si Chang (Tapanurungsri), Ao Udom (center), Ao Udom (fish pier), Hua Laem Chabang, Laem Chabang Port, Leam Chabang Port (center) and Ocean Marina Yacht Club Port in Chon Buri Province during the period of March 2006 to February 2007.Results showed that the water quality at major studied sites met the sea water standard of Pollution Control Department, Thailand. Most of studied stations were found having high imposex occurrence and TBT, DBT and MBT accumulation in gastropods throughout the year. Ao Chonburi was found showing the lowest imposex occurrence and TBT, DBT and MBT accumulation in gastropods. Ao Udom (center) and Ao Udom (fish pier) were periodically found having the imposex occurrence and TBT, DBT and MBT accumualtion in gastropods, in a range of < 10-613.00, < 10-879.67 and < 10-298.71 ng/g (wet weight), respectively. Therefore, TBT accumlation in almost of studied sites, except Ao Chon Brui, was higher than 10 ng/g. Laem Chabang Port and Laem Chabang Port (center) were found with high TBT, DBT and MBT accumulation in collected gastropods. In this study, the high occurrence of imposex and TBT, DBT and MBT accumulation was found in economic gastropods namely; Cymbiola nobilis and Pugilina cochlidium which might be considered unsafe for human consumption. The results concluded that gastropod could be used as a good bioindicator for TBT, DBT and MBTcontamination monitoring in the marine environments.