Bioaccumulation

Question 1

Name two chemical toxins that can bioaccumulate

Answer 1

Mercury and DDT

Question 2

What is bioaccumulation?

Answer 2

Bioaccumulation is the build up of toxins in a food chain

Question 3

What are toxins absorbed by bioaccumulation measured in?

Answer 3

PPM

Question 4

Describe the process of bioaccumulation starting with producers absorbing toxins through insecticides

Answer 4

1. The plants absorb toxins
   2.The plants are catch by primary consumers in low concentrations
   3.Toxins can’t be excreted, primary consumers are then eaten by the secondary consumers. This then repeats
2. Secondary consumers are then eaten by a higher level consumer
3. Concentration of toxins become more concentrated in the body tissues of the animals at the top of the food chain.

Question 5

4 Methods to reduce bioaccumulation

Answer 5

• Avoid toxic chemical pesticides
• Eat certified organic foods
• Avoid plastics
• Use cleaning products that are gentle on the environment