A survey of imposex in muricids from 1996 to 2000 and identification of optimal indicators of tributyltin contamination along the east coast of Phuket Island, Thailand

The present investigation is the most extensive survey of imposex in gastropods from the west coast of Thailand. Imposex in Thais distinguenda increased significantly (p<0.001; Chi Square test for trend) from 1996 to 2000 at 21 stations in Phangna Bay, Thailand. Females with imposex increased, extending from 3.5 km in 1996 to 10 km from the harbour areas in 1999 and 2000. Increasing intensity of imposex was also observed for Thais bitubercularis from 1996 to 2000. The less sensitive species: Morula musiva, Morula granulata, Morula margariticola and Thais rufotincta only developed imposex at the three main areas of intense shipping activities. T. bitubercularis and T. distinguenda are recommended as indicators of tributyltin (TBT) in Southeast Asia because of their sensitivity and wide distribution in the region. The results suggest that TBT contamination is worsening, against global trends, because regulations prohibiting the use of TBT-based paints, do not exist in Thailand.