LIFESCI 2H03 Lecture : contaminants and human health.docx
11 Jun 2013
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Document Summary
Many pollutants, in terms of their physical and chemical properties are similar to water. Pollutants leap and bounds from the equator to midlatitudes, then from midlatitudes to the polar circle. As water evaporates and precipitates, the pollutants behave in the same fashion. Hg is redistributed in high artic watersheds. Contribution of the oscillation currents coming form the midlatitudes which bring water that will be precipitating but the pollutants as well. Low concentration but technically there is nothing near by in terms of human activity that should contribute to mercury in this prestine system. Indication that global atmospheric circulation that has brought contaminants to these latitudes. Bioamplification and biomagnification through the food chain introduction at the level of primary producers, ingested by primary consumers and magnifies top consumers will caryy higher levels than the organisms at the base of the pyramid. With higher loads there is greater potential for health effects.
