PCB Concentrations in eggs and chorioallantoic membranes of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

PCBs were found in eggs and chorioallantoic membranes (CAMs) of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Total PCB concentrations in CAMS were larger than concentrations in eggs. Total PCB concentrations in egg and CAM tissues were highly correlated (r2=0. 782; P=0.0001). Sums of PCB congeners within homologue groups were also correlated in the two tissues. Data from these turtle eggs indicate 1) PCB concentrations in CAMs represent PCB concentrations in whole eggs and 2) CAMS can be collected in a nonlethal manner to determine PCB concentrations in sea turtle hatchlings.