Biomagnification

Biomagnification is the process by which certain substances or pollutants become increasingly concentrated in the tissues of organisms as they move up the food chain. It is also known as bioaccumulation. It occurs when organisms consume contaminated food or water, and the concentration of the substance increases at each trophic level. The phenomenon of biomagnification is primarily associated with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as certain pesticides, industrial chemicals, and heavy metals.

What is Biomagnification?

Due to the intoxicating environment, the contaminated substances are increased in the tissues of organisms which is called Biomagnification. These contaminated substances may be pesticides like DDT, heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, and industrial chemicals like polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs. Contaminated substances are consumed by the different organisms through their food sources and affect the food chain because toxins are accumulated in the higher organisms. These substances are resistant to degradation and can persist in the environment for long periods.

Causes of Biomagnification

The following are the causes of Biomagnification:

1. Agriculture: In agriculture fertilizers, different pesticides, insecticides, etc. are used which contain heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, lead, copper, etc. that are very toxic and are released in soil, ponds, rivers, and lakes. These cause health issues for different organisms.
2. Industrial waste: The waste which is released from different industries and factories that pollute the soil and water which affects the food chain and leads to biomagnification.
3. Absorption by primary producers: Primary producers, such as plants or algae, may absorb the pollutant from the soil, water, or air in their immediate environment.
4. Ingestion by primary consumers: Herbivores or primary consumers consume the contaminated plants or algae, incorporating the pollutant into their tissues.
5. Transfer through the food chain: When secondary consumers, such as carnivores or omnivores, consume the primary consumers, they ingest not only the pollutant present in their own diet but also the accumulated pollutant from all the organisms they consumed. This process leads to an increase in pollutant concentration in the secondary consumers.
6. Magnification at higher trophic levels: As the process continues up the food chain, with each subsequent level consuming organisms from the previous level, the concentration of the pollutant magnifies or increases. Organisms at higher trophic levels, such as top predators, can accumulate high levels of pollutants in their tissues.

Effects of Biomagnification

The effects of Biomagnification are as follows:

Effect on Human Health

Mostly biomagnification effects are noted in the case of human health. A large number of individuals are diagnosed with cancer who consumes seafood., liver diseases, birth-related problems, heart-related diseases, etc.

Effect on Reproduction

Another effect is on the reproduction and development of animals because the toxic substances accumulate in the organs.

Coral Reefs Destruction

Coral reef destruction occurs due to the cyanide that is used in the leaching of gold and fishing.

Food Chain Disruption

The food chain disrupts because of the accumulation of toxins in the higher organisms.

Examples of Biomagnification

Predatory birds, such as eagles or ospreys, that consume contaminated fish may experience adverse health effects due to the high concentrations of pollutants, including reproductive issues, impaired immune function, and neurological disorders.

FAQs on Biomagnification

Q: What is the effect of agriculture products on biomagnification?

Answer:

Highly toxic chemicals are used in agriculture like herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and some inorganic fertilizers. These chemicals penetrate in the soil and increase the biomagnification that disrupts the food chain.

Q: Why seafood consumers are diagnosed with cancer?

Answer:

Seafood consumers are diagnosed with cancer because mercury is present in various predator fishes.

Q: What is the effect of DDT on birds?

Answer:

In birds, DDT affects the calcium metabolism, so that eggshells become thin.

Q: Does mining affect biomagnification?

Answer:

Yes, mining products affect biomagnification because mining produces copper, cobalt, zinc, and some other toxins, and all these substances are deposited in soil and water and contaminate them.