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Further work needs to be done to determine the source of tributyltin (TBT) contamination in Loch Ryan, says the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). Levels of TBT were generally very low in waters, sediments and mussels collected from the shores of the loch. The impact on dogwhelks, known as imposex, was lower in 2003 than in 2001. The report suggests that the sub-tidal sediments in the loch may have suffered from historical TBT contamination, and makes recommendations for establishing whether these are now acting as a diffuse source of contamination.
These recommendations are:
- Dogwhelks are susceptible to TBT contamination. One to two year old dogwhelks should be collected and analysed to assess current levels of impact
- Sediment from the loch bed should be sampled and analysed to establish whether they are contaminated by TBT
- All discharges to the loch, including sewage, should be sampled and analysed for TBT
SEPA will consider these recommendations as Action Plans and try to ensure that the necessary funding and resources are made available to carry out the additional work.
Peter Holmes, Tidal Waters Manager, said: “The work carried out this year was in a response to concerns over the environmental status of the Loch. The Scottish Executive asked SEPA to report on current levels of TBT contamination in the loch. SEPA carried out three special surveys throughout 2003, to establish the current status. The results of these special surveys have been brought together with previous work carried out on Loch Ryan in this report to give a picture of the current and previous state of the loch.
“Work so far confirms contamination but SEPA have been unable to identify the source. The recommendations made will be put forward for action, with other essential work, and a decision on whether the work goes ahead will be known in March 2004.”
The full report is available on the SEPA website: www.sepa.org.uk/data/
ENDS
Notes to editors
- Contact Tributyltin (TBT) is widely used as a wood preservative and an anti-fungal agent, as well as an anti-fouling agent. Historically it was used on the hulls of boats as an anti-fouling agent, to stop barnacles sticking to the hulls. In 1987, the UK banned use of TBT-based antifouling paints in aquaculture and on all vessels less than 25 metres in length. In 1999, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) banned the application of TBT paints from 1 January 2003, with a total phase out by 1 January 2008.
- Other uses of TBT include: wood preservation; an industrial biocide in textiles; brewing; paper-making; in power stations cooling water; an anti-bacterial agent in duvets, shoe insoles, pillows and nappies; a stabiliser in some plastics, like shower curtains, vinyl flooring and PVC gloves. Any concerns on the impact on human health from these products should be made to the Local Health Authority.
- Imposex is the imposition of male sexual characteristics on a female.
- Funding for action plans normally comes from SEPA Budget
Contact
Joanna Gardiner, 01355 574226
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