Freshwater species will bioaccumulate more TBT than will marine organisms. Oysters bioaccummulate TBT compounds readily, reach an equilibrium uptake soon after exposure, and are slow to release this chemical. Oysters exposed to very low TBTO concentrations bioaccumulated TBT 1000 to 6000 fold. Juvenile chinook salmon accumulate TBT immediately upon exposure to low TBT concentrations. Tributyltin compounds may be moderately to highly persistent.
Degradation depends on temperature and the presence of microorganisms.
All of the breakdown products are less toxic than TBT itself. It has not been found in groundwater. Please refer to the pesticide product labeling.