1. Bioaccumulation
2.3 part 1 of 2

2. Agenda BIOACCUMULATION GAME LECTURE NOTES BIOMAGNIFICATION ACTIVITY
UNCLE BOB’S GARDEN WORKSHEET
REVIEW TEST

3. Build up of synthetic chemicals can cause mutations in amphibians

4. Bioaccumulation
The gradual buildup of chemicals, organic & synthetic, in an organism
Occurs when intake is higher than breakdown and excretion

5. Bioaccumulation Many harmful chemicals can’t be decomposed
Keystone Species: a species that can greatly affect population numbers & the health of the ecosystem
Bioaccumulation in keystone species can cause a lot of damage!
Salmon

7. Biomagnification
Chemicals become more concentrated at each trophic level
Chemical accumulation is measured as parts per million (ppm)
1 ppm = 1 particle mixed with 999,999 other particles 3 ppm = 3 particle mixed with 999,997 other particles

8. Biomagnification A red tailed hawk eats 4 Grouse
A butterfly eats 2 leaves
A Grouse eats 3 butterflies
Leaf has PCB
0.5 ppm
1 ppm
3 ppm
12 ppm

9. PCB in British Columbia
Polychlorinated biphenyls
Used from the 1930’s – 70’s in paint, plastics, electronics etc.
Takes a long time to break down (long half-life)
Banned in 1977
Will affect orca’s reproductive cycle till 2030