Toxicity of Tributyltin to Selected Chesapeake Bay Biota

Chesapeake Bay invertebrate and fish species were exposed to a range of tributyltin (TBT) concentrations using continuous-flow conditions. TBT measurements were reported in the test chambers every 24 h; test solutions were generally within 10-15% of the predicted concentrations. The most acutely sensitive fish species tested were larval inland silversides (Menidia beryllina), (72 h LC50 = g/L TBT) and juvenile Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus), (96 h LC50 = g/L TBT). Estuarine copepods were very sensitive; Eurytemora affinis (72 h LC50 = g/L TBT) and Acartia tonsa (48 h LC50 = g/L TBT). Environmental concentrations of TBT exceeding the acutely toxic values reported for both copepod species have been reported from marinas in northern Chesapeake Bay. TBT toxicity data and its application to environmental concentrations in Chesapeake Bay are discussed.