Abstract
The effects of antifouling paint leachate containing tributyltin on community metabolism and nutrient dynamics were measured in situ on natural communities dominated by Fucus vesiculosus. The measurements were made in two areas with different salinities and at various TBT concentrations up to about 5 µg 1−1. A portable continuous flow-through system was used in which the communities were incubated for a week. Continual measurements of oxygen, temperature, light and flow rate of water were made. A Perturbation Index (PI) and an Absolute Disturbance Index (ADI) were used to describe the changes due to treatment relative to the control, and to obtain a total picture of disturbance using all measured parameters. Photosynthesis was particularly strongly affected and changes were obvious in oxygen production and nutrient uptake at TBT levels as low as 0.6 µg 1−1.
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Lindblad, C., Kautsky, U., André, C. et al. Functional response of Fucus vesiculosus communities to tributyltin measured in an in situ continuous flow-through system. Hydrobiologia 188, 277–283 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00027793
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00027793