Introduction
pounds of tetravalent tin (e.g. tributyltin). Each of these
species has different properties that influence bioavailabili-
ty and lead to a different fate [1].
Because metals have been extensively used in agricul-
Some studies suggest that tin is an essential trace ele-
tural, industrial, and medical applications, environmental
contamination is widespread, and exposure to metals and
metal compounds continues to be a significant public health
problem [1].
ment for humans. However, organotin compounds have
been proven to be of toxicological relevance. Triorganotin
compounds are particularly toxic, explaining their wide use
as biocides (e.g., in antifouling paints or pesticides) [2].
Due to their toxic properties, a high propensity to accumu-
late in live organisms, and slow degradation in the environ-
ment, organotin compounds constitute a group of pollutants
of organic origin that is dangerous for the marine environ-
ment [3].
Trace elemental determination and in particular heavy
metals in foods is a concern for the food safety community
due to the potential toxicity of these metals.
Tin exists in oxidation state 0 as pure metal and in
alloys, in oxidation states +II and +IV in inorganic tin com-
pounds (stannic and stannous salts), and as organotin com-
Interest in tin has focused on its toxic potential in
humans through the contact of foods with tin-coated cans