In an aquatic ecosystem, the phenomenon of biomagnification can best be studied in the case of _________.

The Correct answer is DDT.

Key Points

• DDT stands for Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane.
• It is a synthetic chemical compound used as an insecticide.
• Biomagnification refers to the increasing concentration of toxic substances within each successive link in the food chain.
• In aquatic ecosystems, DDT is known for its ability to persist in the environment and accumulate in the tissues of organisms.
• The concentration of DDT increases as it moves up the food chain, from small aquatic organisms to fish, and then to fish-eating birds and mammals.
• This phenomenon can lead to harmful effects such as reproductive issues and health problems in higher trophic level organisms.
• DDT was widely used during the 1940s and 1950s but has been banned or restricted in many countries due to its environmental impact.

 Additional Information

• Phosphates
  • Phosphates are chemical compounds containing phosphorus.
  • They are commonly found in fertilizers and detergents.
  • Phosphates can cause eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems but are not typically associated with biomagnification.
• Chlorine
  • Chlorine is a chemical element used in water purification and as a disinfectant.
  • While chlorine can be toxic, it does not typically biomagnify in aquatic ecosystems.
• Organochlorine
  • Organochlorine compounds are a group of chemicals that include pesticides like DDT.
  • They are known for their potential to cause biomagnification but the term is more general compared to the specific case of DDT.