Two kinds of leaching tests, i. e. ASTM/EPA and bubbling methods, were compared each other for the determination of tributyltin (TBT) leaching rate from self-polishing antifouling paint. Tributyltin compounds as their chloride were extracted into hexane and hydrogenated to tributyltin hydride (TBTH) by sodium borohydride, afterwards analyzed by gas chromatography with an electron-capture detecton (ECD-GC). Synthetic seawater (pH=8.2) obtained by ASTM D-1141 was used as the leaching solutions. ASTM/EPA method : Antifouling paint film of a mininum 100μm thickness was applied to the surface of polycarbonate cylinder closed at one end. This cylinder was immersed in a large polycarbonate bath (2
l) holding synthetic seawater and rotated about 60±10 rpm. Bubbling method : FRP plate panel (2×70×150mm) was painted on both side. The leaching bath was stirred by a stream of air bubbles (about 200m
l/min) at 25°C. As the results, it was found that TBT leaching rate from antifouling paints by means of ASTM/EPA method were 1.3-1.5 times higher than those by means of bubbling method and TBT leaching rate from antifouling paints at steady state were obtained to be 1-3 μg/cm
2/day.
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