Detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the shed skins of corn snakes (Elaphe guttata).

Previous work has shown that organochlorine compounds, including chlordane, lindane and polychlorinated biphenyls, and heavy metals, including lead, mercury and cadmium, are readily detected in the shed skins of snakes dosed with these toxicants. This suggested the shed skins may have broad utility as a non-lethal biomarker tissue for environmental contamination. In the present study, two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC), were similarly studied, as representatives of a third major pollutant category of environmental concern. Both compounds were again readily detected in shed snake skins. These collective results suggest considerable environmental contamination information might be obtained from the evaluation of field-collected shed skins. An advantage of such evaluation is that capture, handling or sacrifice of the live animals is not required.