Mapping of Organotin compounds in sediments of Mar Piccolo (Taranto, Italy) using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis and geochemical data

Among the organic pollutants, organotin compounds represent a serious environmental risk, able to negatively affect the ecological balances of the marine sediments. In the present study, sediment samples were collected, as part of a monitoring campaign planned by the Special Commissioner for urgent measures of reclamation, environmental improvements and redevelopment of Taranto, from 19 sites, at different depths, within the First Inlet of the Mar Piccolo of Taranto, well-known for the impacting anthropogenic pressures. By the comparison between Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, GC-MS analysis and the geochemical data, higher reworking sites shown higher or not negligible concentrations of organotin compounds in deeper sediments (3 m from the seabded) than superficial, as in particular observed for the site called A6.