First Austrian case study on antifouling agents in the environment

For the first time, the Federal Environment Agency has investigated up-to-date monitoring data on the occurrence of antifouling agents in Austrian surface waters. Sampling took place at the beginning and end of the 2014 boat season. The selected measuring points at marinas, shipping ports and shipyards represent a realistic worst-case scenario. Four biocidal active substances used as a substitute for tributyltin have been included: Cybutryn, DCOIT, tolylfluanide and dichlofluanide — the latter two indirectly by the detection of their metabolites. This study shows that persistent metabolites and active substances are detected more frequently and can accumulate in ecosystems.