Abstract:
Tributyltin (TBT) is a toxic organotin compound that belongs to the group of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
and it is documented to cause severe sexual disorders development in aquatic fauna. According to the present
study, The TBT concentration in coastal water ranged from 303 ± 7.4 ngL 1 to 25 ± 4.2 ngL 1 wherein sediment
was from 107 ± 4.1 ngKg 1 to 17 ± 1.4 ngKg 1. TBT in Perna viridis was found to range from 4 ± 1.2 ngKg 1 to
42 ± 2.2 ngKg 1 wet weight and in ascending order of the body weight. The highest TBT level in water and
sediment was found in the Colombo port where the highest level of TBT in P. viridis (42 ± 2.2 ngKg 1) was
recorded from the Dikkowita fishery harbor. A positive correlation between the number of male P. viridis and TBT
level (p < 0.05) suggests possible reproductive impairment in aquatic animals exposed continuously to a high
concentration of TBT.
