Tributyltin (TBT), one of the organotin compounds, has been
extensively used as an antifouling agent in paints applied to ships,
boats and aquaculture nets [1]. Although the use of organotins in
paints for vessels is virtually banned by the international treaty
at present, its residue in the aquatic environment is still an important
concern, due to its bioaccumulation potential, persistence in
sediment and highly toxic effects on non-target aquatic life [2].
And fragmentary data about the occurrence of organotin compounds
in China showed that some aquatic environment have been
seriously polluted by TBT with concentrations from 0.5 ng/L
(detection limited) to hundreds of ng/L as Sn [3].
Fish exposed to elevated TBT levels or other environmental
alterations exhibit a variety of behavioral, physiological and biochemical
responses, which provides a unique perspective linking