biomagnification march 23, 2010 biomagnification: a greater amount of a substance (toxic chemicals)...
TRANSCRIPT
BiomagnificationBiomagnification
March 23, 2010
Biomagnification:Biomagnification:
A greater amount of a substance (toxic chemicals) in an organism (I.e. fish) moves higher up the food chain
How are toxins affecting animals?How are toxins affecting animals?
1) Mutations, deformities
2) Extinction2) Extinction
Osprey birds going extinct because some males can no longer produce
3) Death3) Death
““Gender Bending Gender Bending Frogs”Frogs”
Some of us may think these are not things we need to worry about, but…
•This is an issue that is still with us today, and maybe getting worse
video
1) Weed killers: Common weed killer is Atrazine: castrates male
frogs and turns them into females that lay eggs
2) Birth control pills Estrogen in pills When released into water system,
contaminates water with estrogen Frogs thin layer of skin
Fish Changing SexFish Changing Sex
Birth Control Pills and Fish changeBirth Control Pills and Fish change
video
Beluga WhalesBeluga Whales
Polar BearsPolar Bears
Toxins reaching the Arctic Wales, seals, and polar bears have increased
values of toxic chemicals in them Increased amounts of PCBs (polychlorinated
biphenyls )
How Biomagnification WorksHow Biomagnification Works
x x x x x xx x
4x 4x 4x
12x
36x 36x 36x
4x 4x 4x4x 4x 4x
12x 12x
x x x x x x x x x x x xx x
108x
Affects on Humans: FishAffects on Humans: Fish
Tainted Tuna
Salmon
2007 Health Canada finally issued a limit to eating canned tuna
Pros ConsThe health benefits of eating tuna have been widely established; high-quality protein low in saturated fat contains omega-3 fatty acids
contains mercury dangerous contaminant that can affect the heart, brain and immune system
Mercury in FishMercury in Fish
More toxic food…More toxic food…
Activity:Activity:
•Groups of 5