5. Bioaccumulation

Define Bioaccumulation

Bioaccumulation: The buildup of toxins an organism over time where it absorbs contaminants faster than it can eliminate them.

Health effects of heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium, name 2?

Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium can cause:

– Brain and nerve damage

– Kidney problems

– Developmental delays

– Some may cause cancer

Why pregnant people and children should avoid eating large predatory fish like swordfish?

Predatory fish accumulate more mercury in their tissues because they are at the top of the food chain and consume smaller fish that have already absorbed mercury from their environment

Mecury causes developmental issues

Why did peregrine falcon populations decline in the mid-20th century?

Due to the widespread use of the pesticide DDT.

DDT accumulated in the falcons' bodies through their prey, leading to eggshell thinning and reproductive failure

Examples of bioaccumulation

The pesticide DDT and its effect on birds, particularly bald eagles where the chemical built up in the birds' bodies, affecting their eggshell thickness and leading to population declines

Examples of biomagnification

Small fish with mercury are eaten by bigger fish, which are eaten by humans.
Mercury levels increase 10% at each step, making top predators most toxic.

Define Biomagnification

Biomagnification: The 10% increase in toxin concentration as it moves up the food chain, from prey to predator.