Determination of inorganic tin, methyltin, and butyltin compounds in sediments

Abstract
A simple method is described for the determination of inorganic tin, methyl‐, and butyltin compounds in sediments. Freeze‐dried samples were extracted with a solution containing 2.5 M calcium chloride and 2.5 M hydrochloric acid. The extracts were analyzed by hydride generation‐atomic absorption spectrometry. Recoveries from spiking experiments were greater than 70 ± 10% for most of the alkyltin compounds. Results from Great Bay Estuary (New Hampshire) sediment samples are presented.