Sexual aberrations in gastropods in Gulf of Thailand and Strait of Malacca in relation to shipping

Swennen C., . and Ruttanadakul N., . and Ardseungnern S., . and Singh H.R., . and Tan K.S., . and Mensink B.P., . and Ten Hallers-Tjabbes C.C., . Sexual aberrations in gastropods in Gulf of Thailand and Strait of Malacca in relation to shipping. pp. 1-11. ISSN 0126-8236

The health of gastropod populations was surveyed in the Gulf of Thailand and the Strait of Malacca. Females belonging to several species of meso- and neogastropods showed a high incidence (up to 100 percent) of imposex on several sites. These females had a penis of variable size and a vas deferens (sperm duct) two typically male characteristics. The imposex syndrome is irreversible and an indicator of tributyltin (TBT) pollution. TBT is the active biocide used in current anti-fouling paints on sea going ships. The occurence of imposex was related to the distance of the main shipping routes but not to water depth. The present research shows that TBT remains active far away from the target area and influences non-target animals. The effects of TBT were even found within shellfish culture plots and in human foods on the fish markets. Therefore its use on ships must be severely reduced in the interest of public health and that of the marine environment.

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Abstract

The health of gastropod populations was surveyed in the Gulf of Thailand and the Strait of Malacca. Females belonging to several species of meso- and neogastropods showed a high incidence (up to 100 percent) of imposex on several sites. These females had a penis of variable size and a vas deferens (sperm duct) two typically male characteristics. The imposex syndrome is irreversible and an indicator of tributyltin (TBT) pollution. TBT is the active biocide used in current anti-fouling paints on sea going ships. The occurence of imposex was related to the distance of the main shipping routes but not to water depth. The present research shows that TBT remains active far away from the target area and influences non-target animals. The effects of TBT were even found within shellfish culture plots and in human foods on the fish markets. Therefore its use on ships must be severely reduced in the interest of public health and that of the marine environment.

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Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Summary (En)
AGROVOC Term:	GASTROPODA
AGROVOC Term:	REPRODUCCION SEXUAL
AGROVOC Term:	APARATO GENITAL
AGROVOC Term:	POLUCION MARINA
AGROVOC Term:	AMBIENTE MARINO
AGROVOC Term:	TAILANDIA
AGROVOC Term:	MALASIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:52
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/17338

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