Aquatic organisms in a food chain when pesticides like DDT contaminate water bodies
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Answer:
Fisheries and aquatic resources (ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, and oceans) are exceptionally valuable natural assets enjoyed by millions of Americans. They provide citizens with generous long-term benefits in return for minimal care and protection. These benefits can be direct financial ones that provide employment, profit, and dollar savings. For example, the seafood industry provides jobs for commercial fishers, wholesalers, and retailers. More indirect, but equally valuable, benefits of fish and aquatic ecosystems include recreational boating, sport fishing, swimming, relaxation, and natural beauty.
Appreciation of fisheries and aquatic systems has been accompanied by increasing concern about the effects of growing human populations and human activity on aquatic life and water quality. Pesticides are one group of toxic compounds linked to human use that have a profound effect on aquatic life and water quality.
Pesticides are substances used to control pests, including insects, water weeds, and plant diseases. Naturally-occurring pesticides have been used for centuries, but widespread production and use of modern synthetic pesticides did not begin until the 1940s. Today, pesticides are big business. Over a billion pounds of pesticides are used in the United States at a value of $8 billion per year.
Pesticides are beneficial chemicals. They can protect against forest and farm crop losses and can aid in more efficient food production. They are used to slow the spread of destructive forest insects like the gypsy moth. They are used to establish and maintain lawns and recreational areas. They are used to help reduce malnutrition and starvation of humans and animals. Pesticides also have been instrumental in controlling many insect-borne human diseases such as malaria, encephalitis, and bubonic plague. They promote public safety on roads, railroads, powerlines, and rights-of-ways.
Pesticides are (1) relatively easy to apply, (2) generally cost-effective and, (3) the only practical method of control in some situations. However, the benefits of pesticides are not derived without consequences. Pesticides must be used with great care so that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are protected. Disadvantages of pesticides include their toxicity to some humans, animals, and useful plants, and the persistence (long life) of some of these chemicals in the environment.
When pesticides enter aquatic systems, the environmental costs can be high. Unintentional pesticide-related fish kills occur throughout the United States. Some of these kills have been large, involving thousands of fishes, as well as frogs, turtles, mussels, water birds, and other wildlife. Fish and other wildlife species, including rare and endangered ones like the peregrine falcon, bald eagle, and osprey, have been victims of pesticide poisoning. Pesticide use is one of many factors contributing to the decline of fish and other aquatic species.
Protection of wildlife and water quality is possible when using pesticides. If pesticides are selected wisely, used in combination with other pest control measures, and applied safely, the pollution of our surface waters and contamination of aquatic life can be avoided.
The purpose of this publication is to serve as a general guide for those who may use pesticides in or around natural wetlands, lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. In this publication, we provide information about the toxicity and safe use of pesticides that have the potential to enter aquatic systems.
Chemical Control
Advantages Disadvantages
Simple to Apply Toxic
Rapid Effect Water-Use Restrictions
Inexpensive? Fish Kills
Wide Spectrum Retreatment Necessary
Long Lasting? Expensive
Long-Lasting
Taste Problems
Odor Problems
Explanation:
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