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Questions and Answers
Considering the process of biomagnification, which of the following scenarios would likely result in the highest concentration of mercury in a fish?
Considering the process of biomagnification, which of the following scenarios would likely result in the highest concentration of mercury in a fish?
- A fish that primarily consumes algae and other primary producers from a mercury-free environment.
- A fish that is low on the food chain and that eats small fish.
- A fish that consumes a large quantity of shrimp from a minimally contaminated environment.
- A predatory fish that frequently consumes other fish from a mercury-contaminated environment. (correct)
If a coal plant is located near a large body of water, what is the most likely pathway for mercury to enter the aquatic food chain?
If a coal plant is located near a large body of water, what is the most likely pathway for mercury to enter the aquatic food chain?
- Industrial wastewater being released from the coal plant into the water.
- Mercury vapor released during coal combustion entering the atmosphere, being deposited in water bodies via rain, and subsequently entering the food chain. (correct)
- Direct absorption of mercury from the coal ash settling on the water surface by fish.
- Runoff from the coal plant site directly contaminating the water with mercury.
Given that mercury accumulates in the fat tissues of fish, which of the following preparation methods would be LEAST effective in reducing mercury exposure from a contaminated fish?
Given that mercury accumulates in the fat tissues of fish, which of the following preparation methods would be LEAST effective in reducing mercury exposure from a contaminated fish?
- Removing the skin before cooking.
- Frying the fish in oil. (correct)
- Broiling the fish allowing fat to drip away.
- Trimming away any visible fat before cooking.
Why are young children and pregnant women advised to limit their consumption of certain fish species?
Why are young children and pregnant women advised to limit their consumption of certain fish species?
Considering an ecosystem affected by mercury contamination, which of the following strategies would be MOST effective in reducing mercury levels in fish populations over the long term?
Considering an ecosystem affected by mercury contamination, which of the following strategies would be MOST effective in reducing mercury levels in fish populations over the long term?
In the context of mercury contamination in fish, what does the process of biomagnification primarily explain?
In the context of mercury contamination in fish, what does the process of biomagnification primarily explain?
Why are some fish species, like shark and swordfish, known to have higher mercury levels compared to others, such as salmon and tilapia?
Why are some fish species, like shark and swordfish, known to have higher mercury levels compared to others, such as salmon and tilapia?
How does the form of mercury (e.g., methylmercury) influence its accumulation and toxicity in aquatic organisms?
How does the form of mercury (e.g., methylmercury) influence its accumulation and toxicity in aquatic organisms?
Considering the information provided, what is the most effective approach for an individual to minimize mercury exposure from fish consumption while still benefiting from the nutritional value of seafood?
Considering the information provided, what is the most effective approach for an individual to minimize mercury exposure from fish consumption while still benefiting from the nutritional value of seafood?
If a person regularly consumes fish known to have high mercury levels, what potential health effects might they be at risk of developing?
If a person regularly consumes fish known to have high mercury levels, what potential health effects might they be at risk of developing?
Flashcards
Mercury
Mercury
A toxic metal found in various products, now limited due to its poisonous nature.
Biomagnification
Biomagnification
The process by which mercury concentration increases up the food chain.
Mercury in the environment
Mercury in the environment
Released from coal when burned, it enters the atmosphere and returns via rain.
Mercury accumulation in fish
Mercury accumulation in fish
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Fish Consumption
Fish Consumption
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High-Mercury Fish
High-Mercury Fish
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Mercury-Contaminated Fish Consumption
Mercury-Contaminated Fish Consumption
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Study Notes
- Mercury is a highly toxic metal.
- It can be found in neon signs, fluorescent lights, older thermometers, and certain kinds of telescopes.
- Prolonged contact with mercury can be dangerous to humans.
- Chemists and others who work with mercury are careful to limit their exposure due to its toxicity.
Presence in Fish
- Mercury can be found in fish, even though most household objects no longer contain it.
- Mercury in tuna often comes from the coal industry.
- When coal is burned, mercury is released into the air and becomes trapped in clouds.
- It then falls back to earth in rain, entering lakes, rivers, and oceans.
- Mercury-laced rain can travel far from the original coal plant.
- Scientists have found mercury in fish from nearly 300 streams nationwide.
Biomagnification
- Mercury accumulates in fish through biomagnification.
- The ocean food chain starts with algae, which absorb nutrients from the sun.
- Small creatures like shrimp eat algae, small fish like herring eat shrimp.
- Larger fish like trout eat herring, and even larger fish, like albacore tuna, eat trout.
- Humans may then eat the albacore tuna.
- Biomagnification concentrates substances as they move up the food chain.
- Algae absorb mercury, shrimp eat the algae, herring eat the shrimp, trout eat the herring, and albacore tuna eat the trout.
Mercury Accumulation
- Mercury stays in a fish's body and is stored in fat.
- Mercury accumulates as fish eat mercury-contaminated creatures.
- While lower-level creatures may not have much mercury, top predators like tuna can have high concentrations because they eat many contaminated fish.
Consumption Advice
- Most popular fish like salmon, catfish, shrimp, or tilapia are generally safe to eat.
- Tuna and grouper should be eaten in moderation.
- Young children and pregnant women should be cautious, limiting mercury-contaminated fish to no more than two servings per week.
- Fish with the highest mercury levels include shark, swordfish, and king mackerel.
- Avoid eating these fish frequently, limiting consumption to once a month.
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