DDT and DDE determination in green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) eggs in the coast of Yucatán, México.

Evidence exists linking organochlorines to adverse biologic effects, like mating disfunctions and inmunosupression. The pesticide DDT is an organochlorine used in Mexico for combating malaria. In October 4th 2000, eight unviable green turtle and hawksbill turtle eggs were collected in El Cuyo and Celestún, Yucatán, México, respectively,and they were analyzed, using gas chromatography, to detect quantifiable organochlorine concentrations. DDE residual were not detected in any of the sea turtle eggs. Only two green turtle eggs had quantifiable DDT concentrations (0.059 ppm and 0.0550 ppm), both of which were considered lower in comparison to other studies, even though threshold limits of organochlorine concentrations for reptiles have not been established. These low concentrations should not be expected to bring immediate consequences and their chronic effects would be minimal. However, it is necessary to make more in depth studies to determine the potential ecological impact of these concentrations in this area.