Bioaccumulation
1. Describe the mechanisms of bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Explain
the process of biomagnification on the viability and diversity of consumers
at all trophic levels. Include examples and visuals to support
Bioaccumulation is the gradual build-up of the these chemicals in living organisms, and
biomagnification is the process in which chemicals not only accumulate, but become
more concentrated at each trophic level. In bioaccumulation, chemicals enter organisms
through food intake, skin contact, or respiration. If the accumulation of a substance is too
high, it can be harmful. In biomagification, chemicals bioaccumulate and become
biomagnified when pollutants are stored in plant tissue, and in the fat tissue of animals.
Chemicals remain trapped in plants and animals until they are eaten and the tissues and
fats are broken down for energy. Organisms at lower trophic levels may be affected by
the pollutant, but primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers will be more affected,
because levels will build up in their tissues as they consume contaminated food.
2. Why should people be concerned about bioaccumulation/ biomagnification?
Because some chemicals that were used in industrial product caused decrease in immune, and
also caused problem with reproduction.
3. Pesticides and herbicides are used in many agricultural practices. Although
this leads to bigger yields (more crop), how will this effect the food chain of
the ecosystem? Do you think the use of toxins, such as pesticides or
herbicides, is beneficial or harmful to our food production?
Pesticides are harmful, carbon containing compound that remain in water and soil for many years.
It aquatic ecosystems are most sensitive to toxin. Organisms at high trophic levels, like the orca,
retain high levels of the pollutant. These toxins can also affect entire ecosystem when keystone
species, species that greatly affect ecosystem health, or the reproductive abilities of species are
harmed. I think using these toxins are harmful to our food production because maybe they can
grow more crops, but it long run. These toxins will do more harm than good.
4. What are some other chemicals (include sources) that bioaccumulate? Is
there anything that can be done to reduce the effects of these chemicals?
Human activities can cause these metals to build up in ecosystem. In the past, use of lead-based
insecticides, batteries, and paints, increased lead to harmful levels. Despite reductions, lead still
enters ecosystems through improperly disposed electronic waste. Some harmful chemical
pollutants can be removed from the environment by bioremediation, a process where microorganisms or plants help clean them up. Reacting contaminants with certain chemicals can also
make them less harmful.