DDT Bioaccumulation in Food Chains
The question asks about the highest concentration of DDT in a specific aquatic food chain due to bioaccumulation.
Understanding Biomagnification
Biomagnification is the process where the concentration of a substance, like DDT, increases as it moves up through successive trophic levels in a food chain. Organisms at higher trophic levels consume large quantities of organisms from lower levels, accumulating the substance within their tissues.
Analyzing the Food Chain
The given food chain is:
- Plankton (Producer/Primary Consumer)
- Clams (Primary/Secondary Consumer)
- Fish (Secondary/Tertiary Consumer)
- Fish-eating birds (Tertiary/Quaternary Consumer - Top Predator)
Identifying Highest DDT Concentration
Following the principle of biomagnification:
- DDT levels are lowest in plankton.
- DDT concentration increases in clams that consume plankton.
- DDT concentration further increases in fish that consume clams.
- The highest concentration of DDT will be found in the fish-eating birds, which are at the top of this food chain and consume large amounts of contaminated fish.
Therefore, the group exhibiting the highest concentration of DDT is the fish-eating birds.
Important Questions from Chemical Poisoning
Consider the following statements regarding organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy (OPIDN) :
1. It is a rare complication and occurs 2 - 3 weeks after acute exposure.
2. It is a feature of poisoning with certain organophosphorus compounds such as triorthocresyl phosphate.
3. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase causes motor polyneuropathy with no evidence of sensory loss.
4. There is no specific therapy although regular physiotherapy may limit deformity caused by muscle wasting.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- The toxic effects of aluminium phosphide is due to the release of:
- Use of calcium carbide for the artificial ripening of fruits is banned but it is often reported to be illegally used. What is/are the likely health hazards of exposure to this chemical?
1. Permanent damage to the eyes
2. Pulmonary edema
3. Irritation of mouth, throat and nose
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: - Which of the following statements is correct regarding Malachite that is used as food adulterant?
Which of the following parts of the human body can be used as a sample/samples for the presence of mercury?
1. Blood
2. Hair
3. Nail
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
