Abstract
Contamination and impact of tributyltin (TBT) in the marine environment have been studied at three localities in Minahasa Peninsula Coastal waters (MPCW) using sediment samples and tissues of the marine gastropod Thalessa aculeata. The study aimed to determine the TBT concentration in sediment and snail tissues, to evaluate the occurrence of imposex, and to identify histological condition of gonad tissues of imposex affected snails. The study areas and sampling sites were selected for differences in sources of TBT, mainly shipping activities. Manado Bay (A) is an area of relatively low shipping activities, Lembeh Strait (B) has very high level of shipping activities, and Maluku Sea (C) has very low level of such activities. TBT concentrations in the sediment and gastropod tissues reflected the levels of shipping activities, and were below detection limit at locality C. Imposex was detected in snails from all three localities, and in up to 40% of the females at locality B. Relative female penis size index was more than 50% in the most heavily affected snails. Imposex affected females had shrinking of oocytes and obstruction of meiosis. We conclude that TBT contamination is still present in MPCW and affects reproduction of gastropods, possibly causing decrease in populations of these animals.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
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Tidsskrift | AACL Bioflux |
Vol/bind | 11 |
Udgave nummer | 1 |
Sider (fra-til) | 184-193 |
ISSN | 1844-8143 |
Status | Udgivet - 28 feb. 2018 |