Accumulation of tin and tributyltin from anti-fouling paint by cultivated scallops (Pecten maximus) and Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas)

The accumulation of total tin and tributyltin by oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and scallops (Pecten maximus) from anti-fouling paint, and the subsequent depuration of these substances, have been observed over a period of 41 weeks. Oysters accumulated up to 1.41 mg/kg tin (0.87 mg/kg TBT-tin), and subsequently lost 90% of this during depuration. Juvenile scallops accumulated 2.5 mg/kg total tin (1.86 mg/kg TBT), but lost only 20–40% of this. In adult scallops, individual organs were analysed, and a progressive transfer of TBT to the adductor muscle was found. At the end of the experiment the adductor muscle contained 0.53 mg/kg. There is evidence of a storage/detoxification mechanism for TBT operating in both scallops and oysters, but which is more effective in scallops, and involves the adductor muscle.