Occurrence and distribution of antifouling biocide Irgarol-1051 in coral reef ecosystems, Zanzibar

TY - JOUR

T1 - Occurrence and distribution of antifouling biocide Irgarol-1051 in coral reef ecosystems, Zanzibar

AU - Sheikh, Mohammed A.

AU - Juma, Fatma S.

AU - Stæhr, Peter Anton

AU - Dahl, Karsten

AU - Rashid, Rashid J.

AU - Mohammed, Mohammed S.

AU - Ussi, Ali M.

AU - Ali, Hassan R.

PY - 2016/8/15

Y1 - 2016/8/15

N2 - 2-methythiol-4-tert-butylamino-6-cyclopropylamino-s-triazine (Irgarol-1051) has been widely used as effective alternative antifouling paint in marine structures including ships. However, it has been causing deleterious effects to marine organisms including reef building corals. The main objective of this study was to establish baseline levels of Irgarol-1051 around coral reefs and nearby ecosystems along coastline of Zanzibar Island. The levels of Irgarol-1051 ranged from 1.35ng/L around coral reefs to 15.44ng/L around harbor with average concentration of 4.11 (mean)±0.57 (SD) ng/L. This is below Environmental Risk Limit of 24ng/L as proposed by Dutch Authorities which suggests that the contamination is not alarming especially for coral reef ecosystem health. The main possible sources of the contamination are from shipping activities. This paper provides important baseline information of Irgarol-1051 around the coral reef ecosystems within the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region and may be useful for formulation of marine conservation strategies and policies.

AB - 2-methythiol-4-tert-butylamino-6-cyclopropylamino-s-triazine (Irgarol-1051) has been widely used as effective alternative antifouling paint in marine structures including ships. However, it has been causing deleterious effects to marine organisms including reef building corals. The main objective of this study was to establish baseline levels of Irgarol-1051 around coral reefs and nearby ecosystems along coastline of Zanzibar Island. The levels of Irgarol-1051 ranged from 1.35ng/L around coral reefs to 15.44ng/L around harbor with average concentration of 4.11 (mean)±0.57 (SD) ng/L. This is below Environmental Risk Limit of 24ng/L as proposed by Dutch Authorities which suggests that the contamination is not alarming especially for coral reef ecosystem health. The main possible sources of the contamination are from shipping activities. This paper provides important baseline information of Irgarol-1051 around the coral reef ecosystems within the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region and may be useful for formulation of marine conservation strategies and policies.

KW - WIO

KW - Zanzibar Island

KW - coral reefs

KW - harbor

KW - marine resources

KW - tourism

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/84973895371

U2 - 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.05.035

DO - 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.05.035

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 27234364

SN - 0025-326X

VL - 109

SP - 586

EP - 590

JO - Marine Pollution Bulletin

JF - Marine Pollution Bulletin

IS - 1

ER -