Biomagnification March 23, 2010 Biomagnification: A greater amount of a substance (toxic chemicals) in an organism (I.e. fish) moves higher up the.

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