Asked by: Horace Whitmire1
Asked in category: science, chemistry, science, chemistry
Last Updated: 5th Jul 2024
What are some examples of bioaccumulation?
Examples for bioaccumulation or biomagnification are:
- Birds and other animals are being exposed to car emission chemicals.
- Mercury builds up in fish
- Small animals are more susceptible to pesticides.
It is also important to know what substance can bioaccumulate.
Bioaccumulation refers to the gradual accumulation of substances such as pesticides and other chemicals in an organism. Bioaccumulation is when an organism absorbs a substance faster than it is lost by catabolism or excretion.
The question then becomes, "Is bioaccumulation a problem?" Bioaccumulation refers to when harmful substances (pesticides and organic chemicals) are absorbed faster than they can be eliminated by an organism. What is bioaccumulation? A toxic substance that is absorbed faster than the body can eliminate it is known as chronic poisoning.
This will allow you to see which organisms are most affected and how bioaccumulation affects them.
Bioaccumulation marine toxins Organisms like fish, krill and mussels have been shown to retain phytoplankton toxins in their bodies. These organisms do not often become ill from the toxins, but they pass them on to other animals in the food chain. The more large animals are exposed to more accumulated toxin.
What are some examples?
The first-generation organochlorine insecticides (e.g. DDT, chlordane and toxaphene), PCBs and dioxins, as well as brominated flame retardants and dioxins. However, some organo-metal compounds have also been identified, such as methyl mercury (TBT) and tributyltin.
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How is bioaccumulation measured?
Bioaccumulation of contaminants from sediment can be measured directly through the collection of organisms from the field, transplant studies, and laboratory tests, or it can be predicted using models.
What are the effects of bioaccumulation?
If bioaccumulation enters an animal it could be detrimental to its health some examples of the harm it can cause include: Birth defects, growth abnormalities, animals' behavior harm organs, such as the kidneys and the nervous system.
What is an example of biomagnification?
For example, spraying a marsh to control mosquitoes will cause trace amounts of DDT to accumulate in the cells of microscopic aquatic organisms, the plankton, in the marsh. In feeding on the plankton, filter-feeders, like clams and some fish, harvest DDT as well as food.
What is biomagnification in biology?
Biomagnification, also known as bioamplification or biological magnification, is any concentration of a toxin, such as pesticides, in the tissues of tolerant organisms at successively higher levels in a food chain.
How can bioaccumulation affect humans?
Thus, a biomagnified toxin potentially becomes most harmful to top predators, including humans who eat meat or fish. While bioaccumulators are stored in fat, they are released into the bloodstream when an animal uses body fat for energy, harming vital organs and systems.
Why is bioaccumulation important?
An understanding of the processes of bioaccumulation is important for several reasons. 1) Bioaccumulation in organisms may enhance the persistence of industrial chemicals in the ecosystem as a whole, since they can be fixed in the tissues of organisms. 3) Stored chemicals can directly affect an individual's health.
Does bioaccumulation always lead to biomagnification?
Fortunately, bioaccumulation does not always result in biomagnification . Bioaccumulation is a normal and essential process for the growth and nurturing of organisms. Bioaccumulation begins when a chemical passes from the environment into an organism's cells .
Why is bioaccumulation a problem?
This occurs either because the chemical is taken up faster than it can be used, or because the chemical cannot be broken down for use by the organism (that is, the chemical cannot be metabolized). Bioaccumulation need not be a concern if the accumulated compound is not harmful.
What are 2 situations in which biomagnification can happen?
Biomagnification can occur in both terrestrial and aquatic environments, but it is generally used in relation to aquatic situations. Most often, biomagnification occurs in the higher trophic levels of the food chain/web , where exposure to chemicals takes place mostly through food consumption rather than water uptake.
What is Bioamplification and bioaccumulation?
Bioamplification (or biomagnification, as the picture shows) refers to an increase in the concentration of a substance as you move up the food chain. In contrast, bioaccumulation occurs within an organism, where a concentration of a substance builds up in the tissues and is absorbed faster than it is removed.
How do you solve biomagnification?
Solutions of Biomagnification
- Elimination of use of some heavy metals. Heavy metals can be found in almost every industrially manufactured product such as petroleum.
- Cleaning of contaminated locale.
- Role of institutions using toxic substances.
- Be cautious on using treated wood.
- Watch out for the lead paints.
- Avoid usage of the PVC.
- Other solutions.
What causes bioaccumulation?
Bioaccumulation is the build-up of chemicals inside of living organisms. The two causes of bioaccumulation are the amount of the chemical coming into the living organism faster than the organism can use it and the living organism not being able to break down or excrete the chemical.
How do toxins enter the food chain?
Toxic materials are poisonous. Some quickly break down into harmless substances in the environment. These substances accumulate in the food chain and damage the organisms in it, particularly in the predators at the end of the chain. This is because accumulating compounds cannot be excreted.
Who is most affected by biomagnification?
This is biomagnification, and it means that higher-level predators-fish, birds, and marine mammals-build up greater and more dangerous amounts of toxic materials than animals lower on the food chain. In this activity you will explore the biomaginification of toxic chemical, mercury, through a simple marine food chain.
What is food chain in biology?
A food chain is a linear network of links in a food web starting from producer organisms (such as grass or trees which use radiation from the Sun to make their food) and ending at apex predator species (like grizzly bears or killer whales), detritivores (like earthworms or woodlice), or decomposer species (such as
What is biomagnification and why is it important?
Biomagnification is the process by which toxic concentrations and harmful chemicals build up in the tissues of animals (usually higher up on the food chain) resulting in harm to the animals towards the top of the food chain which affects the entire food chain. Importance of biomagnification in toxicology.
How can bioaccumulation be prevented?
The following are some ways to help prevent or reduce the bioaccumulation of toxic substances:
- Do not put harmful substances (e.g., used motor oil) into the water system or storm drains.
- Avoid toxic chemical pesticides.
- Eat certified organic foods when possible.
- Avoid fishing or spending time in contaminated areas.
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