Bioaccumulation of pollutants

 

Pollutants are absorbed by filter feeders such as clams.

The concentration of pollutants slowly increases inside the tissues of clam.

The pollutants are then subsequently passed higher up the food chain when the clam is eaten.

The highest trophic levels are the most affected as they inherit the highest accumulation of pollutants.

Threats to World Reefs

 

The world’s reefs are currently in great danger.

Over 80% of the world’s reefs are currently classed as under threat.

22% of reefs are under threat from land based pollution (Bryant et al, 1998).

 Maps of reefs threatened by sedimentation and pollution from inland and marine pollution sources.

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