Determination of Organotins in Environmental Samples: Reference Methods for Marine Pollution Studies No. 59

This technical reference manual, jointly prepared under the United Nations Environment Programme with the IAEA and IOC, outlines validated methodologies for determining trace-level concentrations of toxic organotin compounds (e.g., tributyltin and triphenyltin) in environmental matrices such as seawater, sediments, and biota. Developed to support global marine pollution monitoring efforts, it presents both electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry for screening and gas chromatography (GC), including flame photometric detection or mass spectrometry, for sensitive compound speciation. The document includes standardized protocols for sample collection, preparation, and analysis, including for complex matrices like sludge, and provides calculation methods to ensure analytical precision. Emphasis is placed on contamination control, accuracy, and enabling data comparability across regions.