Effect of Chemical spillage on ecology

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the ecological impact of a chemical spill involving Chemical X, a chlorinated, lipophilic pesticide, following a train derailment over a river in a national park. The spill affects the river and surrounding fish ponds (A-D), posing risks to local fish species and waterbirds that consume them. Participants are tasked with analyzing the distribution of Chemical X and identifying at-risk habitats and organisms, emphasizing the implications of bioaccumulation due to the lipophilic nature of the pesticide.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of chlorinated pesticides and their environmental effects
  • Knowledge of bioaccumulation and its implications in aquatic ecosystems
  • Familiarity with freshwater habitats and species interactions
  • Basic principles of ecological risk assessment
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of lipophilic substances on aquatic organisms
  • Study ecological risk assessment methodologies for chemical spills
  • Learn about the behavior of pollutants in freshwater ecosystems
  • Examine case studies of chemical spills and their ecological impacts
USEFUL FOR

Ecologists, environmental scientists, students preparing for examinations in environmental studies, and professionals involved in ecological risk assessment and pollution management.

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I am preparing my examination on next week.
I face a challenge question on the textbook but it does not provide any answers.
Can someone help me? Two questions distribute 10 marks for each. How can I answer point by point to get all the marks in this questions. Many thanks!

Consider this problem. A train carrying a tank of Chemical X has overturned on a railway bridge. The bridge runs over a river located in a national park (see Figure 1).

BCH4021A.jpg



Figure 1 Chemical X spilled into the river and onto the riverbank on the right (grey arrow). The river is surrounded by four small fish ponds (A-D), as well as waterbird habitat (shaded areas). Fish pond B is connected to the river by underground water flow, and the waterbird habitat on the right riverbank includes fish pond D. There are two fish species in the area, one that lives in the river, and one that lives in the fish ponds.

You know that Chemical X is a chlorinated, lipophilic pesticide. You also know that the waterbirds in the area consume primarily fish.

(a) What do you think will be the most likely distribution of Chemical X in this environment? Justify your answer with reasons. 10 Marks

(b) With reference to the diagram above, which habitats and which living organisms do you think would be most at risk? Justify your answer. 10 Marks
 
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biologynewhan said:
I am preparing my examination on next week.
I face a challenge question on the textbook but it does not provide any answers.
Can someone help me? Two questions distribute 10 marks for each. How can I answer point by point to get all the marks in this questions. Many thanks!

Consider this problem. A train carrying a tank of Chemical X has overturned on a railway bridge. The bridge runs over a river located in a national park (see Figure 1).

BCH4021A.jpg



Figure 1 Chemical X spilled into the river and onto the riverbank on the right (grey arrow). The river is surrounded by four small fish ponds (A-D), as well as waterbird habitat (shaded areas). Fish pond B is connected to the river by underground water flow, and the waterbird habitat on the right riverbank includes fish pond D. There are two fish species in the area, one that lives in the river, and one that lives in the fish ponds.

You know that Chemical X is a chlorinated, lipophilic pesticide. You also know that the waterbirds in the area consume primarily fish.

(a) What do you think will be the most likely distribution of Chemical X in this environment? Justify your answer with reasons. 10 Marks

Some questions to help you think about the answer;

What does the word, lipophilic imply about bioaccumulation?

biologynewhan said:
(b) With reference to the diagram above, which habitats and which living organisms do you think would be most at risk? Justify your answer. 10 Marks

Look at the diagram, what will be the course the chemical takes? How about in relation to the above question with bioaccumulation?
 

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