Biological AmplificationBiological Amplification

What is it?What is it? Toxic pollutants enter the Toxic pollutants enter the

ecosystem that are absorbed or ecosystem that are absorbed or ingested by organisms. Some ingested by organisms. Some substances accumulate in substances accumulate in organism’s tissue over time.organism’s tissue over time.

Bioaccumulation Bioaccumulation

An increase in the concentration of a pollutant An increase in the concentration of a pollutant in a biological organism compared to its in a biological organism compared to its concentration in the environmentconcentration in the environment

It is how pollutants enter a food chainIt is how pollutants enter a food chain

BiomagnificationBiomagnification Increase in the concentration of a pollutant as it Increase in the concentration of a pollutant as it

passes from one trophic level to the nextpasses from one trophic level to the next

http://www.tutorvista.com/content/biology/biology-iv/ecosystem/biological-magnification.php

BiomagnificationBiomagnification Small amount in environment → Large Small amount in environment → Large

concentration at top of food chainconcentration at top of food chain

http://www.tutorvista.com/content/biology/biology-iv/ecosystem/biological-magnification.php

Why should we care?Why should we care? Because the two processes Because the two processes

together mean that when we together mean that when we release even small amounts release even small amounts of pollutants into the of pollutants into the environment, eventually environment, eventually they build-up in organisms they build-up in organisms to toxic dosagesto toxic dosages

http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/estuaries/media/supp_estuar09a.html

Where do pollutants come from?Where do pollutants come from?

Coal burning power plantsCoal burning power plants FactoriesFactories Farms, lawns, and gardens. Farms, lawns, and gardens.

Characteristics of pollutants:Characteristics of pollutants:

In order for biomagnification to happen, In order for biomagnification to happen, substance must be:substance must be: Long livedLong lived Soluble in fatSoluble in fat MobileMobile Biologically activeBiologically active

Characteristics of pollutants:Characteristics of pollutants:

Putting it into perspective:Putting it into perspective: Only some substances biomagnifyOnly some substances biomagnify Most substances are water soluble and are Most substances are water soluble and are

excreted into the waterexcreted into the water Many breakdown quicklyMany breakdown quickly Many are not biologically activeMany are not biologically active

Ex. BiomagnificationEx. Biomagnification

WaterWater PhytoplanktonPhytoplankton ZooplanktonZooplankton Small fishSmall fish Large fishLarge fish Top Predator: Top Predator:

Human, osprey, eagle, otter – highest Human, osprey, eagle, otter – highest amount of toxic chemicalamount of toxic chemical

http://www.dc.peachnet.edu/~ccarter/Millerlec-12/sld053.htm

Follow link to videoFollow link to video

http://happylibrarianblogs.blogspot.com/http://happylibrarianblogs.blogspot.com/2008/01/biomagnification-video.html2008/01/biomagnification-video.html

It can happen in terrestrial systems too!It can happen in terrestrial systems too!

Pollutants that undergo biomagnificationPollutants that undergo biomagnification

Mercury Mercury Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

MercuryMercury

Source: Emissions from coal-burning power Source: Emissions from coal-burning power plants, metal processing, medical and other plants, metal processing, medical and other wastewaste Refer to notes on deposition Refer to notes on deposition xx/xxxx/xx

Made bioavailable by bacteriaMade bioavailable by bacteria Inorganic mercury → Organic form of Inorganic mercury → Organic form of

mercury that is biologically activemercury that is biologically active

MercuryMercury

Elementary Mercury (Hg)Elementary Mercury (Hg) Methylmercury (CHMethylmercury (CH33Hg) – most toxic formHg) – most toxic form

Form ingested by consuming fishForm ingested by consuming fish Concentrated in muscle tissueConcentrated in muscle tissue

More in older fish than younger fishMore in older fish than younger fish Note – changed from Hg to this form by Note – changed from Hg to this form by

bacteriabacteria

Where in the US is it a problem?Where in the US is it a problem? Low pH (acidic) lakes in Northeast and and Low pH (acidic) lakes in Northeast and and

Northcentral USNorthcentral US Everglades (FL)Everglades (FL) Certain WetlandsCertain Wetlands

Coastal wetlands along San Francisco Bay, Coastal wetlands along San Francisco Bay, Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic CoastGulf of Mexico and Atlantic Coast

http://sofia.usgs.gov/sfrsf/rooms/mercury/food_chain/

Impacts of WildlifeImpacts of Wildlife

Loons – diet of fishLoons – diet of fish Decrease in chicks in areas of high mercuryDecrease in chicks in areas of high mercury Large concentration of mercury in eggsLarge concentration of mercury in eggs

Great Egrets – study in Everglades indicates Great Egrets – study in Everglades indicates behavior of juveniles is effectedbehavior of juveniles is effected

Deformities in developing animalsDeformities in developing animals

http://www.usgs.gov/themes/factsheet/146-00/

Risk to PeopleRisk to People Exposed by eating contaminated fishExposed by eating contaminated fish Pregnant women and children most at riskPregnant women and children most at risk

60,000 children born annually suffering 60,000 children born annually suffering from neurodevelopmental problems due to from neurodevelopmental problems due to in utero exposure to mercury in utero exposure to mercury

http://img.alibaba.com/photo/11388452/Frozen_Sushi.jpg

Fish AdvisoriesFish Advisories

13 states have state wide advisories for fish 13 states have state wide advisories for fish from rivers and lakesfrom rivers and lakes

40 states have advisories on selected bodies of 40 states have advisories on selected bodies of waterwater

Parts of Eastern Coast and Gulf of Mexico Parts of Eastern Coast and Gulf of Mexico have advisorieshave advisories

Concerned about the fish you eat?Concerned about the fish you eat?Recommendations per the FDARecommendations per the FDA Avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish Avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish

= all are high in Mercury= all are high in Mercury 12 oz can be consumed a week of a variety of fish 12 oz can be consumed a week of a variety of fish

and shellfish that are lower in mercury.and shellfish that are lower in mercury. Fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light Fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light

tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish.tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. Note, albacore tuna has more mercury than canned Note, albacore tuna has more mercury than canned

light tuna. You may eat up to 6 oz of it in a week.light tuna. You may eat up to 6 oz of it in a week.

Concerned about the fish you eat?Concerned about the fish you eat?

Check out the Mercury calculator atCheck out the Mercury calculator at http://gotmercury.org/article.php?id=1034http://gotmercury.org/article.php?id=1034

For information on Sustainable Seafood For information on Sustainable Seafood Choices check out Monterey Bay Aquarium Choices check out Monterey Bay Aquarium and print out a pocket sized cardand print out a pocket sized card http://www.mbayaq.org/cr/seafoodwatch.asphttp://www.mbayaq.org/cr/seafoodwatch.asp

Origins of the term “Mad as a Hatter”Origins of the term “Mad as a Hatter” Hg(NOHg(NO33))22 Mercury is a compound that was Mercury is a compound that was

used to soften fur in the making of felt hats.used to soften fur in the making of felt hats. The phrase “Mad as a Hatter”, and the Mad The phrase “Mad as a Hatter”, and the Mad

Hatter of Alice in Wonderland -- both refer to Hatter of Alice in Wonderland -- both refer to thethe toxic effect of mercury on the central toxic effect of mercury on the central nervous system of the hat makers, producing nervous system of the hat makers, producing mental effects and "hatter's shakes".mental effects and "hatter's shakes".

http://www.ci.springfield.or.us/Museum/Mad%20Hatter%20Tea%20Party.jpg

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Also called organochlorinesAlso called organochlorines Synthetic organic chemicals that persist in the Synthetic organic chemicals that persist in the

environment and biomagnify through the food webenvironment and biomagnify through the food web Poses a risk to human health and the environmentPoses a risk to human health and the environment

Sources:Sources: Pesticides, some plastics, paints, industrial chemicals, Pesticides, some plastics, paints, industrial chemicals,

bleaching, burning garbagebleaching, burning garbage Examples: DDT, PCBs, dioxinExamples: DDT, PCBs, dioxin

Ban on POPsBan on POPs

1995 UN estimated 20,000+ substances with 1995 UN estimated 20,000+ substances with properties of POPsproperties of POPs

Stockholm Convention 2004, banned 12 worstStockholm Convention 2004, banned 12 worst ““The Dirty Dozen”The Dirty Dozen” U.S. signatory in 2001U.S. signatory in 2001 Congress has not ratifiedCongress has not ratified Signed by Signed by

http://www.nature.com/nrmicro/journal/v4/n9/images/nrmicro1498-i3.jpg

Stockholm Convention Treaty Stockholm Convention Treaty

1.1. DDT - pesticideDDT - pesticide

2.2. PCBs - IndustrialPCBs - Industrial

3.3. Dioxin - wasteDioxin - waste

4.4. Furans - wasteFurans - waste

5.5. Aldrin - pesticideAldrin - pesticide

6.6. Chlordane - pesticideChlordane - pesticide

7.7. Dieldrin - pesticideDieldrin - pesticide

8.8. Endrin - pesticide Endrin - pesticide

9.9. HCB – pest/ wasteHCB – pest/ waste

10.10. Heptachlor - pesticideHeptachlor - pesticide

11.11. Mirex - pesticideMirex - pesticide

12.12. Toxaphane - pesticideToxaphane - pesticide

The Dirty Dozen

ExposureExposure

Environmental exposure – many will stay in Environmental exposure – many will stay in soil or water for decadessoil or water for decades Slow to breakdownSlow to breakdown

Humans consume toxins via fish, meat and Humans consume toxins via fish, meat and dairydairy

DDT DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane)(dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) Insecticide used to control malaria and typhus Insecticide used to control malaria and typhus

by killing mosquitoes and lice. by killing mosquitoes and lice. Commonly used after WWIICommonly used after WWII

Inventor received Noble PrizeInventor received Noble Prize Overused on crops as a pesticideOverused on crops as a pesticide

http://www.flahumforms.org/FloridaDream/images/Thumbnails/1948-Spraying-DDT-in-war-ag.jpg

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:DDT_WWII_soldier.jpg

Ex. DDTEx. DDT Concentration of Concentration of

DDT increased 10 DDT increased 10 million times!million times!

http://www.cfkeep.org/html/stitch.php?s=98965698293378&id=34347859802049

DDT problemsDDT problemsEggshell thinningEggshell thinning DDT interferes with metabolism of calciumDDT interferes with metabolism of calcium Result - thin shells in predator birds such as Result - thin shells in predator birds such as

osprey, bald eagles, brown pelicansosprey, bald eagles, brown pelicans Birds unable to brood Birds unable to brood (aka sit on)(aka sit on) their eggs their eggs

without breaking themwithout breaking them

animals.nationalgeographic.com

www.ctaudubon.org/action/osprey.htm

DDT problems (cont’d)DDT problems (cont’d)FeminizationFeminization Acts as a hormone disrupter, mimics estrogenActs as a hormone disrupter, mimics estrogen Has impacted sex ratio in some birdsHas impacted sex ratio in some birds

DDT - it’s a long term problemDDT - it’s a long term problem It has a half life of 15 It has a half life of 15

year; it takes 15yrs for year; it takes 15yrs for its quantity to be ½ its its quantity to be ½ its originaloriginal

DDT - it’s a long term problemDDT - it’s a long term problem It has a half life of 15 It has a half life of 15

year; it takes 15yrs for year; it takes 15yrs for its quantity to be ½ its its quantity to be ½ its originaloriginal

Ex. If we start with Ex. If we start with 100 kg, we will still 100 kg, we will still have have ~ ~ 1 kg after 100 1 kg after 100 yrsyrs

Year Amount Remaining

0 100 kg

15 50 kg

30 25 kg

45 12.5 kg

60 6.25 kg

75 3.13 kg

90 1.56 kg

105 0.78 kg

DDT current useDDT current use

Banned in US in 1972Banned in US in 1972 Still used overseas to prevent malariaStill used overseas to prevent malaria

Estimated it save millions of lives annually Estimated it save millions of lives annually in Africain Africa

POPs are everywhere!POPs are everywhere!

Even Polar Bears have POPs Even Polar Bears have POPs in their systemin their system Top predatorTop predator All toxins in prey is All toxins in prey is

transferred to them, stored transferred to them, stored in fatin fat

Concentration increases 5 – Concentration increases 5 – 10x each trophic level10x each trophic level

http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2006/12/28/polar_bear_narrowweb__300x387,0.jpg

Health Impact of POPsHealth Impact of POPs

Some cause cancer, damage nervous system Some cause cancer, damage nervous system Some act like hormones (estrogens) leads to:Some act like hormones (estrogens) leads to:

Developmental changes, birth defectsDevelopmental changes, birth defects Reproductive and Behavioral problemsReproductive and Behavioral problems

Toxins can be passed to young Toxins can be passed to young

Thought to ponderThought to ponder

Even pollutants in small quantities can build Even pollutants in small quantities can build up to toxic/lethal dosesup to toxic/lethal doses

Solutions to Toxic PollutionSolutions to Toxic Pollution

Worst ones are banned or no longer used in Worst ones are banned or no longer used in U.S.U.S.

Still need to eliminate/reduce the processes Still need to eliminate/reduce the processes that create toxins (i.e. burning coal)that create toxins (i.e. burning coal)

Question of the DayQuestion of the Day

Which group of pollutants is suspected to act Which group of pollutants is suspected to act like hormones (estrogens)?like hormones (estrogens)?

Heavy metalsHeavy metals Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) Inorganic plant nutrientsInorganic plant nutrients Organic oxygen-demanding wastesOrganic oxygen-demanding wastes

http://gotmercury.org/article.php?id=1034http://gotmercury.org/article.php?id=1034 http://www.seaturtles.org/article.php?http://www.seaturtles.org/article.php?

list=type&type=75list=type&type=75 http://www.ec.gc.ca/Science/sandemay00/http://www.ec.gc.ca/Science/sandemay00/

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