Toxic Chemicals Introduced into the Environment Eventually Enter Food Chains

Essay

Toxic chemicals introduced into the environment eventually enter food chains and food webs. In 1972, DDT (a chemical used to control mosquitoes) was banned in the United States because of its deleterious effects on the food chain and web. The processes that proved DDT to be hazardous also have shown that other substances, like heavy metals, are harmful to food chains and webs. Explain why heavy metals can have such far-reaching effects. Your answer should include the terms bioaccumulation, persistence, and biological magnification.