The organisms at thetop of the food chain will contain the most DDT. These are the top carnivores (or humans if we are in the food chain).
DDT builds up in food chains for several reasons:
1) It is a persistent pesticide IE: it is difficult for any organisms to break it down, it is non-biodegradable.
2) It is soluble in fat, so it enters the fat storage tissue (adipose tissue) and stays there.
3) Organisms higher in the food chain consume DDT every time they feed on organisms lower down in the food chain, if they are contaminated with DDT.
4) The biomass at each level in a food chain gets less, so the concentration of DDT will increase.
The increase in concentration of pesticides in a food chain is called bio-magnification.
Additional Information: Seals, Predatory Fish, Bears, Predatory Birds, Bats.
Organisms that are directly exposed to pesticides are more likely to have high levels of pesticides. This can include insects, weeds, and fungi that have been targeted by specific pesticides for control. Additionally, some larger organisms like fish and birds can accumulate pesticides through the food chain, leading to higher levels in their bodies.
Pesticides can unintentionally harm non-target organisms through aerial drift or runoff, disrupting the natural balance of ecosystems. They may also accumulate in the environment, affecting species higher up in the food chain through bioaccumulation. Additionally, some pesticides can persist in the environment for a long time, continuing to impact organisms even after their initial application.
The use of antibiotics and pesticides.
Yes, these chemicals are called pesticides.
Exterminators use a variety of chemicals to deal with pests. One of the most common is Diazinon, which quickly poisons most living organisms. A list of pesticides may be found at regulatory agencies such as the EPA.
Botanical pesticides can be less specific in their action, also affecting non-target organisms. They may require higher application rates compared to synthetic pesticides, leading to potential environmental impacts. Some botanical pesticides can have shorter residual activity, requiring more frequent applications.
Robins are the organisms that would be most affected if pesticides killed crickets, earthworms and small insects. These are the robins' only food sources, so the robins' survival depends on their abundance.
Pesticides that are easily broken down in the environment, have low persistence, volatility, and tendency to accumulate in living organisms are less likely to contribute to bioaccumulation. Examples include microbial pesticides, botanical pesticides, and certain biopesticides that have specific target organisms and low environmental persistence.
Biopesticides are natural substances derived from living organisms, such as plants, bacteria, fungi, or insects, used to control pests or diseases in agriculture. They are considered environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides, as they have minimal impact on non-target organisms and are often biodegradable. Examples include neem oil, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), and parasitic wasps.
Up to 90%
Persistent pesticides are chemicals that remain in the environment and can accumulate over time in soil, water, and organisms. These pesticides do not easily degrade, which can lead to long-lasting environmental and health impacts. Examples include organochlorine pesticides like DDT and chlordane.
spreading pesticides with airplanes
spreading pesticides with airplanes
PESTICIDES
Organochlorine pesticides, such as DDT and chlordane, are known to be highly lipophilic. These compounds tend to accumulate in fatty tissues due to their molecular structure, which can lead to bioaccumulation in organisms within the food chain.
Yes, I believe we do need pesticides. A pesticide is a substance used for destroying insects or other organisms which are harmful to plants and animals. Without pesticides some foods will not be able to grow and most countries would then, as a result, starve to death. If the pesticides were not there to use with animals, I am sure some species of animal would face extinction. I guess pesticides help prevent poverty, in a way. Without it, I am sure that we would soon suffer the consequences.
Pesticides such as insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides are chemicals commonly used to kill crop-destroying organisms like insects, weeds, and fungi. They are applied to crops to protect them against pests and diseases.
Pesticides can unintentionally harm non-target organisms through aerial drift or runoff, disrupting the natural balance of ecosystems. They may also accumulate in the environment, affecting species higher up in the food chain through bioaccumulation. Additionally, some pesticides can persist in the environment for a long time, continuing to impact organisms even after their initial application.