could be cleaved oxidatively (reaction b) by mixed function 
oxidases in the same way that trialkylyltin derivates are 
cleaved by liver microsomes (Kimmel, Fish, and Casida 1977). 
Alkyltins can also be degraded by photolysis (*) to yield free 
radicals (Lloyd and Rogers 1973). 
Thus, tin can be transformed biologically to toxic compounds 
and these toxic compounds can be transformed chemically to other 
toxic compounds. Since tin is used at the Tenneco plant near 
Chestertown, it is a potential source of compounds toxic to 
oysters. 
The objective of the present study was to determine if tin 
or products resulting from the microbial transformation of tin 
could contribute to oyster mortality in the Chester River. The 
investigation was not designed as a definitive study, but as a 
preliminary, screening study to determine whether further studies 
are warranted. 
4 
