Organolead Compounds

Abstract

Since the introduction of tetraalkyllead compounds as antiknock agents in gasoline, a major part of the lead burden of the biosphere appears to be related to the commercial use of organolead products. Although historically the anthropogenic lead burden has been almost entirely attributed to the inorganic compounds, the specific hazard from organic lead cannot be considered negligible. This has led to a growing interest in the environmental pathways of these organometallic compounds. Recently, methods for sensitive speciation have clearly provided a key to elucidate further the biogeochemical cycle of organic lead. The present survey of the literature was set up against this background to ascertain in a critical way the progress made in evaluating the precise nature and extent of the burden caused by organic lead. After a short review on the properties and synthesis of organic lead, the evolution of the analytical techniques for determination of alkyllead species is described. Next, after having revised anthropogenic and possible natural sources of pollution, the article focuses on the concentrations of the organolead species in the environment, updating the data set and discussing in detail the relevant implications for the biogeochemical cycle of organolead. An up-to-date status of the sink processes and health aspects completes this survey on occurrence and fate of organolead in the biosphere.