The wreck of the MV Rena : spatio-temporal analysis of ship-derived contaminants in the sediments and fauna of Astrolabe Reef

Analyses of trace metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organotins indicated significant but localised contamination of Astrolabe Reef but not of nearby Mōtītī Island. Three years after the grounding, PAH concentrations were greater in sediments at Astrolabe (up to 131 mg kg −1 ) than at control locations, while organotins from the ship's antifouling hull paint were found exclusively in Astrolabe Reef sediments and biota.

Over 80% of Astrolabe sediment samples contained tributyltin at concentrations above guideline sediment levels (>0.07 mg kg −1 ). Tributyltin and its decomposition products were also recorded in sea urchins, gastropods, lobster and fishes at concentrations up to 0.2 mg kg −1 . Wreck and cargo-derived metals, particularly copper, tin and zinc, were present in some Astrolabe sediment samples above Australia and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council guideline concentrations.