Biomagnification – Class 12 | Chapter – 16 | Biology Short Notes Series PDF

Biomagnification: Biomagnification refers to the process by which toxic substances, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants, increase in concentration as they move up the food chain. This occurs because as organisms at lower levels of the food chain consume contaminated food, the toxins are stored in their bodies and passed on to predators that consume them.

This process can result in the concentration of toxins in top predators, such as humans, being much higher than in the organisms lower down in the food chain. Biomagnification is a major concern for human health, as the high concentrations of toxins in top predators can lead to health problems, including neurological damage, birth defects, and cancer. To mitigate the impacts of biomagnification, it is important to reduce the release of toxic substances into the environment and to promote sustainable practices in agriculture, industry, and waste management.

Causes of Biomagnification

Biomagnification is caused by the accumulation of toxic substances, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants, in the food chain. These toxic substances can enter the food chain through several pathways, including:

  • Agricultural runoff: Pesticides and fertilizers used in agriculture can contaminate water and soil, leading to the uptake of toxic substances by plants and animals.
  • Industrial discharge: Industries can release toxic substances, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants, into the environment, leading to their accumulation in the food chain.
  • Waste disposal: Improper disposal of waste, including toxic waste, can lead to the release of toxic substances into the environment and their subsequent accumulation in the food chain.
  • Natural sources: Certain heavy metals, such as mercury, can enter the food chain through natural processes, such as volcanic eruptions and weathering of rocks.

Effects of Biomagnification

Biomagnification can have significant impacts on both the environment and human health. Some of the key effects of biomagnification include:

  • Harm to wildlife: The accumulation of toxic substances in the food chain can lead to harm to wildlife, including decreased reproductive success, growth, and survival.
  • Contamination of food: The accumulation of toxic substances in top predators, such as fish and shellfish, can result in their contamination, potentially posing a threat to human health.
  • Adverse human health effects: The high concentrations of toxic substances in top predators, including humans, can lead to a range of adverse health effects, including neurological damage, birth defects, and cancer.
  • Ecological imbalance: The accumulation of toxic substances in the food chain can lead to the decline of certain species and an overall ecological imbalance.
  • Economic impacts: The contamination of food sources and harm to wildlife can have significant economic impacts, particularly in industries such as fishing and tourism.


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By Team Learning Mantras