IT IS VERY USEFUL FOR ALL OF U

1. NAME – AYUSH GUPTA
ROLL NO.-202110902120022
BSC (H) BIOTECHNOLOGY
SUBMITTED TO – DR. NISHU MITTAL

2. BIOMAGNIFICATION
Biomagnification or biological magnification is the
process of accumulation of certain chemicals in
living organisms to a concentration higher than
that occurring in the inorganic, non-living
environment .

3. EXAMPLE OF BIOMAGNIFICATION
Biomagnification is the accumulation of insecticide DDT which
gets accumulated in zooplanktons. Small fishes consume these
zooplanktons. Small fishes are consumed by large fish which are
finally consumed by fish-eating bird present at the highest
position in tropic level. Hence, the organism at the highest
trophic level has the maximum accumulation of toxic
substances.

5. Effects of biomagnification
1.Impact on Human Health
Biomagnification makes humans more prone to cancer, kidney problems, liver failure, birth
defects, respiratory disorders, and heart diseases.
2.Destruction of Coral Reefs
Cyanide that is used in leaching gold and fishing is the main cause of the destruction of coral
reefs. Coral reefs are the dwelling and feeding grounds for many sea creatures. Their destruction
affects the lives of many aquatic animals.
3.Disruption of Food Chain
The chemicals and toxins which are released into the water bodies disrupt the food chain. The
small organisms absorb the toxins which are eaten up by larger animals. These toxins, thus, get
accumulated in the higher level of organisms.

6. 4. Effects on Reproduction and Development of Marine Creatures-
The toxic chemicals accumulate in the important organs of aquatic organisms that affect
their reproduction and development processes.
 For eg., the shells of the eggs of the sea-birds are very thin that might get crushed by the birds
themselves during incubation. The toxic chemicals, mercury and selenium destroy the reproductive
organs of aquatic creatures.

7. Causes of biomagnification
1. Agriculture-The agricultural pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers and fungicides
are very toxic and are released into the soil, rivers, lakes, and seas. These
substances contain small amounts of heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic,
copper, lead and cadmium. These cause health issues in aquatic organisms and
humans.
2. Organic Contaminants-Manures and biosolids are processed industrially and
contaminants like pharmaceuticals and personal care products. These
adverse impact on the health of humans, animals, and wildlife
3. Industrial Activities-The industries and factories release toxic substances that
the soil, lakes, oceans, and rivers. The gaseous emissions pollute the
into the food chain leading to biomagnification.

8. 4. Mining Activities in the Ocean-Mining activities are carried out in the deep sea to extract
metal like zinc, aluminium, cobalt, silver and gold. The mining process generates a large
amount of selenium and sulphide, which deposits in water and destroys the oceans and
coastal regions.
The level of toxicity is increased. These toxic substances are absorbed by the aquatic
organisms higher in the food chain.

9. References
 https://www.nlm.nih.gov/visibleproofs/education/biomagnification.pdf
 http://www.bio.davidson.edu/courses/environmentalscience/method/biomagnification.html
 EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 1997. Mercury Study Report to Congress. Vol. IV: An
Assessment of Exposure to Mercury in the United States . EPA-452/R-97-006. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards and Office of Research and
Development.