1.3.22

Bioaccumulation

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Bioaccumulation

In food webs, toxins can enter the system and build up in organisms. The build up of these toxins in organisms is called bioaccumulation.

Illustrative background for Toxins in the environmentIllustrative background for Toxins in the environment ?? "content

Toxins in the environment

  • Toxins are harmful chemicals that affect organisms in an ecosystem.
  • Toxins are normally released because of human activity.
  • Toxins can reach the environment by:
    • Leaking from the chemical industry into land and water systems.
    • Pollutants can also be released into the atmosphere.
Illustrative background for BioaccumulationIllustrative background for Bioaccumulation ?? "content

Bioaccumulation

  • In food webs, toxins can enter the system and build up in organisms.
    • When these toxins build up in organisms, this is called bioaccumulation.
Illustrative background for Bioaccumulation of pesticidesIllustrative background for Bioaccumulation of pesticides ?? "content

Bioaccumulation of pesticides

  • Pesticides are used to kill pests and encourage more crop growth.
  • Pesticides can be absorbed in the roots of plants.
    • Pesticides then find their way into water systems.
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Biomagnification

  • Plants are producers.
    • Plants are then eaten by primary consumers.
    • Primary consumers are also eaten.
    • The toxin is then passed from one trophic level to the next.
  • The toxin accumulates in larger concentrations with the apex predator at the top of the food chain.
    • This accumulation is called biomagnification.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Disciplinary Knowledge

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