Lead, PCBs and other environmental pollutants on Chamaleon eggs in southern Spain

Abstract

Pollution can produce severe impacts on eggs leading to embryo death or abnormal embryonic development. We have analysed the presence of chemical toxicants inside chameleon eggs from southern Spain. In this area, the chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) is considered as an endangered species that usually inhabits in highly populated areas. Previous studies have shown high em- bryo mortality rates under natural incubation conditions. Lead and PCBs could be contributing to this low hatching success. Lead concentration in eggs was especially high with an average of 14.2 ppm on wet weight. This mean lead concentration has been toxic for other species. Resi- dues of Cu, and Zn were also found in the clutches. Zn concentration averaged 11.05 ppm. Cd was not detected in any egg. Total PCBs were present at high concentra- tions in eggs, with an average of 17 ppb on wet weight. Low concentrations of nine of ten analysed organochlo- rine pesticides appeared in all the clutches studied. Only DBF and DDE were found at concentrations above 1 ppb