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What happens with the release of DDT into the food chain zooplankton -- small animal -- large animal-- bald eagle? And what process is involved

User Anticrisis
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Answer: The process involved is called BIOACCUMULATION.

Step-by-step explanation:

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a type of pesticide used in agricultural control of pests. It's use has been restricted because of its involvement in bioaccumulation. The pesticide is known for accumulating in food webs and persisting in soil and river sediments. This leads to it's accumulation (build up) in living organisms.

Pesticides and fertilizers are used in crop cultivation. Rain and irrigation water wash these chemicals, especially the soluble nitrate fertilizers, into the ground water and they eventually get into rivers, lakes and seas.

These pesticides such as DDT are synthetic organic compounds that are non-biodegradable. When they are washed into the ground water, they accumulate in the bodies of plants (zooplankton). These are eaten by small fishes which are in turn consumed by larger fishes. These large fishes are hunted as prey by the bald eagle.

DDT builds up in these bald eagle causing them to lay eggs with thin shells. As a result, the eggs break easily causing a fall in the eagle population.

User Camala
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