Tag

Bioaccumulation

All articles tagged with #bioaccumulation

environment21 hours ago•2 min saved

Dolphins’ brains show stubborn screen chemicals from e-waste, study finds

A 14-year study detects 62 liquid crystal monomers—used in LCD screens—in tissues of endangered Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins and finless porpoises in the South China Sea, with the chemicals found in blubber and even brains, capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and altering genes related to DNA repair and cell division; contamination tracking mirrors the rise and fall of LC monomer use as LEDs replaced older screens, underscoring the need for longer-lasting electronics, certified e-waste recycling, and stricter regulation to prevent potential human health impacts via seafood and water.

via The Guardian|

#bioaccumulation #dolphins #e-waste

environment4 months ago•4 min saved

Scientists Discover Hidden Threats in Swamps

Scientists have found dangerously high levels of mercury in swamp alligators in Georgia and South Carolina, especially in the Okefenokee Swamp, raising concerns about environmental contamination and health risks for wildlife and humans, with mercury entering food webs and accumulating in top predators like alligators.

via Earth.com|

#alligators #bioaccumulation #environment

environment2 years ago•3 min saved

Dolphin Offspring at Risk: Scientists Warn of Poisoned Milk

Baby dolphins are being exposed to toxic pollutants, including PCBs, DDT, and flame retardants, through their mother's milk, according to a study published in the journal Science of The Total Environment. The pollutants bioaccumulate in the fatty blubber of marine animals, leading to higher concentrations in the calves than in their mothers. This exposure is particularly concerning as newborn dolphins are most vulnerable and still developing neurologically. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the full impact of these persistent organic pollutants on dolphin and orca calves, as well as the potential risks to wild populations.

via Newsweek|

#bioaccumulation #dolphins #environment