Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2019NJ184B

Identification and characterization of organotin pollution in Northern New Jersey Estuary

Institute: New Jersey
Year Established: 2019 Start Date: 2019-05-31 End Date: 2020-05-30
Total Federal Funds: $5,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $10,005

Principal Investigators: Ran Yan

Project Summary: In 2008 organotin compounds such as tributyltin (TBT) found in anti-fouling paint on ships was banned worldwide. These organotin compounds are a source of ecotoxicity and pose potential health risks for humans. However, as organotin has extensively been used as biocidal agents in many industrial products since the 1960s, it is frequently found in surface water or sediment, especially near coastal harbor areas. Since data pertaining to baseline or background organotin levels in Newark harbor, estuaries and other major waterways in north New Jersey is not available, it has become compulsory to conduct a thorough investigation. These levels, along with organotin speciation, distribution in the water column and deposition in sediments, must be established before proper mediation can commence. This project will assess and prepare for mediation with the completion of the following tasks: (1) Determination of the geographic and phase distribution of organotin levels in water as well as the variations in different rivers/estuaries; (2) Analysis of speciation and degradation pathways or mechanisms; (3) Analysis of possible organotin sources for pollution mitigation and water resource protection. These research tasks are important steps for securing water resources and protecting the drinking water supply.