Unit 7: Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification

Question 1

Solubility tells us what?

Answer 1

How well a chemical can dissolve in a liquid. High solubility in water means it can be washed off, percolate into groundwater, and run off. Solubility in fats and oils are more so found in soil.

Question 2

Bioaccumulation

Answer 2

The increased concentration of a chemical within an organism over time. Begins when it is exposed to a chemical and incorporates it into its tissues, then that continues.

Question 3

Biomagnification

Answer 3

The increase in chemical concentration in animal tissues as the chemical moves up the food chain.

Question 4

Effects of bioaccumulation and biomagnification

Answer 4

Increases the time a chemical stays in an ecosystem, makes organisms more prone to disease/contamination.

Question 5

Examples of substances that bioaccumulate and have significant environmental impacts.

Answer 5

DDT, PCBs