Determination of tributyltin in marine environment by means of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry with a particle beam interface

Library searchable electron impact (EI) spectrum of tributyltin (TBT) has been obtained by means of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with a particle beam interface. EI spectra of TBT degradation products (di- and monobutyltin) are also presented. The optimization of the interface parameters for the best sensitivity is discussed and a chromatographic method for the separation of organotins by coupling liquid chromatography to mass spectrometry is proposed. The method has been tested on shell-fish samples: some preliminary results are presented.