- Humans are adversely affected by biomagnification because harmful chemicals accumulate and concentrate in their bodies through the food chain.
- Here’s why:
- Humans are at the top of the food chain → We eat plants and animals that may already have toxins (like pesticides, heavy metals, or industrial chemicals) in their bodies.
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Toxins are not broken down or excreted easily → Substances like DDT, mercury, and PCBs are fat-soluble and persist in body tissues for years.
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Concentration increases at each trophic level → By the time the toxin reaches humans, its concentration is much higher than it was in the water, soil, or plants.
Adverse effects on humans include:
Damage to the nervous system (e.g., mercury poisoning)
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Hormonal imbalance and reproductive problems
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Cancer risk increase
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Immune system suppression
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Birth defects and developmental disorders in children
Example: Eating large fish like tuna or swordfish can lead to mercury accumulation, which can harm the brain and kidneys over time.
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| BIOMAGNIFICATION EFFECTS IN HUMAN |
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