Overview of Antifouling Biocides -- Release Rate of Biocides from Antifouling Paints -- International Trends in Regulatory Aspects -- Behavior of Organotin Compounds and Their Effects on Aquatic Organisms -- Global Contamination by Organotin Compounds -- Contamination by Organotin Compounds in Asia -- Behaviour of Organotins in the Coastal Environment -- Organotin Contamination in Deep Sea Environments -- Mechanism of Imposex Induced by Organotins in Gastropods -- The Endocrine-Disrupting Effect of Organotin Compounds for Aquatic Organisms -- Toxicity for Aquatic Organisms -- Biological Effects of Tributyltin on the Caprellidea (Crustacea: Amphipoda) -- Toxic Interactions Between Tributyltin and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Aquatic Organisms -- Immunotoxic Effects of Organotin Compounds in Teleost Fish -- Genetic Impacts of Organotin Compounds -- Effects of Organotins on the Drug Metabolizing Enzymes in Fish -- Plankton -- Molluscs -- Fish -- Environmental Chemistry of Alternative Biocides -- The Analysis of Antifouling Paint Biocides in Water, Sediment and Biota -- Europe and USA -- Asia -- Toxicity in Plankton and Fish -- Further Effects of Alternative Biocides on Aquatic Organisms -- Degradation of Alternative Biocides in the Aquatic Environment -- Copper Biocides in the Marine Environment -- General Summary -- Overview.

Organotin compounds, used as antifouling biocides since 1960, are chemical compounds that act as endocrine disrupters. It is not known how organotin compounds cause hormone disturbance, however, and many questions remain about their effect on aquatic organisms. Studies on organotin compounds have recently evolved, with many new findings reported. Following a worldwide ban on organotin compounds in 2008, alternative compounds will mainly be used, with the potential for coastal areas to become contaminated, causing, among other effects, cholinesterase inhibition in aquatic organisms. Use of alternative compounds must be controlled to avoid such errors. These and other findings are described and concisely summarized in this book, providing a useful reference in countries where alternative biocides are being considered. Included are studies on the effects on marine organisms, making this book an excellent aid to experts in environmental chemistry, to government organizations, and to students.