Evaluation of sample preparation methods for organotin speciation analysis in sediments — focus on monobutyltin extraction

Two sample preparation procedures, based on different leaching, extraction, complexing and derivatization conditions, for the analysis of butyltin compounds in sediment samples are evaluated and compared. Particular emphasis is given to factors affecting monobutyltin extraction efficiency. The validity of both methods is demonstrated by the analysis of the available reference materials. Two independent hyphenated techniques, gas chromatography interfaced with atomic emission spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry, are used for independent confirmation of analytical results. Applications for the analysis of sediments, sampled from Belgian harbours and drydocks are shown.