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

doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.02.032

Author(s)

Jian-Wen Qiu
Ka Ming Chan
Kenneth Mei Yee Leung

Detail(s)

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	482-488
Journal / Publication	Marine Pollution Bulletin
Volume	63
Issue number	5-12
Online published	22 Mar 2011
Publication status	Published - 2011
Externally published	Yes

Link(s)

DOI	DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.02.032 Final Published version
	Check@CityULib
Link to Scopus	https://www.scopus.com/record/display.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79960367672&origin=recordpage
Permanent Link	https://scholars.cityu.edu.hk/en/publications/publication(fe0a71f1-3ed2-4091-a771-be03ef88e858).html

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. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.