Distribution kinetics of trophic single doses of methylmercury, tributyltin, and corresponding inorganic ions in the starfish Leptasterias polaris

Whole-body autoradiography (WBARG) and a multicompartmental model were used to describe, quantify, and compare the distribution kinetics over 48 h of trophic single doses of methylmercury (MeHg), tributyltin (But3Sn), and the corresponding inorganic ions, Hg(I1) and Sn(IV), in starfish Leptastenaspolans. The food consisted of homogenized mussel flesh spiked with 2 5 nmol g-' of 203HgC1,, CH3203HgC1, 'I3SnCl4, or ( B u ~) ~" ~S ~C ~.