Pollution and

Bioaccumulation

Pollution Toxin

Biodegradable Non-biodegradable

Bioaccumulation (biological magnification)

Pesticides

When left undisturbed, an ecosystem is continually sustained by its nutrient cycles.

Pollution:Anything that makes an environment harmful to

the living things of the ecosystem.

Usually refers to dangerous chemicals.

Most pollution finds its way into our water.

Pesticides – chemical that kills insects and other “pests.” Bioaccumulating, non-biodegradable.

Fertilizers – nitrogen compounds, speed up the growth of producers (plants).

Air pollution Results: worsens Greenhouse Effect, acid rain.

Ground pollution Results: pollutes ground water, harmful to animals.

New chemicals produced by human activity are not part of the nutrient cycles of the ecosystem.

Biodegradable - substances that can be broken down naturally by decomposers to be reused.

Non-biodegradable - substances that CANNOT be broken down in nature.

These substances remain in the ecosystem forever.

BiodegradableCotton clothes, wool, paper, wood, food.

Non-biodegradableChemicals, mercury, glass, certain types of plastics.

Toxin – a pollutant that directly affects the health of living organisms.

Bioaccumulate (bioamplify) - when a toxin accumulates (piles up) inside a living organism.

Toxins cannot be excreted in sweat / urine – buildup in fat tissue.

Producers constantly absorb small amounts of non-biodegradable substances.

Primary consumers eat the producers and the toxin moves up the food chain.

Amount of toxin builds inside higher consumers.

Side effects of the toxin get worse.

Weakened, sick or die.

1

10

1000

100 000

10

1000

100000

10000000