ABSTRACT
The major tin-bearing ore is cassiterite found in quantity in widely scattered geographical areas in sufficient abundance for profitable mining. The fact that both organic and inorganic tin compounds are toxic at some concentration level does not defeat the possible use of tin as a trace nutrient. Stannous chloride in combination with other nutrient salts showed broad-spectrum improved plant growth and fruit yield; however, the report in question does not separate the effects of each component in the mixture. The lasting value of the tin-can controversy lies in the toxicological work performed with tin salts and the interest aroused in the scientific community. Organotin materials are easily prepared from inorganic materials and are highly re-active with biological chemicals, as evidenced in a number of excellent texts and references. The use of organotins in various pesticidal capacities has lead to numerous scientific studies involving mode of action, degradation rates, toxicity, environmental effects, and the like.
