Seasonal variations of imposex indices and butyltin concentrations in the rock shell Thais clavigera collected from Hong Kong waters

Jian Wen Qiu*, Ka Ming Chan, Kenneth Mei Yee Leung

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study investigated butyltin contamination in Hong Kong waters using the rock shell Thais clavigera as a biomonitor. We collected rock shells from nine coastal sites in both winter 2005 and summer 2006 to examine the spatial and seasonal patterns. The relative penis size index (RPSI) and vas deferens sequence index (VDSI) were determined following a standard protocol, while the tissue concentrations of butyltins (i.e., mono-, di- and tri-butyltin) were measured using gas chromatography. The results showed that imposex was particularly severe in T. clavigera collected from Victoria Harbour, Pak Sha Wan and Sai Kung Pier where shipping activities were frequent. Both imposex indices had a positive correlation with tissue concentration of tributyltin in T. clavigera. While VDSI exhibited little seasonal variation, RPSI of winter specimens was significantly higher than that of summer specimens. Thus, sampling season should be standardised when using RPSI as a biomarker.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)482-488
Number of pages7
JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin
Volume63
Issue number5-12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011

User-Defined Keywords

  • Antifouling paints
  • Endocrine disruption
  • Neogastropod
  • TBT
  • Thais clavigera

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Seasonal variations of imposex indices and butyltin concentrations in the rock shell Thais clavigera collected from Hong Kong waters'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this