411.html Aldrin Bioaccumulation Calculation

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Aldrin concentration in fish tissue calculator

The concentration of Aldrin in the surface of water of a lake near a contaminated site is 40 µg/L. The bio concentration factor in the fish for pesticide is estimated to be 28 mg/kg in tissue over mg/L in water. The residue of Aldrin in the fish tissue caught from the lake (mg Aldrin/ kg fish) is most likely what?

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Given:
• Concentration in water = 40 µg/L
• Bioconcentration factor (BCF) = 28 (mg/kg in fish) per (mg/L in water)

Question: What is the residue of Aldrin in fish tissue (mg Aldrin/kg fish)?

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What is Aldrin?

Aldrin is a synthetic organochlorine insecticide that was widely used in the mid‑20th century. It does not occur naturally. It was mainly applied to control soil insects such as termites, rootworms, and other pests on crops like corn, cotton, and other field crops.

Chemical behavior

Type: Organochlorine compound (chlorinated hydrocarbon).
Transformation: In the environment and in organisms, Aldrin is quickly converted to another compound called dieldrin, which is also toxic and very persistent.
Solubility: Low solubility in water, but it strongly attaches to soil, sediments, and fatty tissues in organisms.
Persistence: Breaks down very slowly, so it can remain in the environment for many years.

Bioaccumulation

Aldrin and its breakdown product dieldrin are highly bioaccumulative. This means:

Build-up in organisms: They accumulate in fatty tissues of fish, animals, and humans.
Food chain effects: Concentrations increase at higher levels of the food chain (a process called biomagnification). Predators, including humans, can receive higher doses by eating contaminated fish or other animals.

Health and environmental effects

Nervous system: Aldrin is a neurotoxicant; high exposure can affect the nervous system and may cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and in severe cases, convulsions.
Long-term concerns: It is considered a possible human carcinogen and is linked to various chronic health risks after long-term exposure.
Ecological toxicity: Very toxic to fish, aquatic life, and birds due to persistence and bioaccumulation.

Regulation and ban

Because of its persistence, toxicity, and tendency to bioaccumulate, Aldrin use has been banned or severely restricted in many countries. In most places, it is no longer legally used as a pesticide, but residues can still be detected in soils, sediments, and organisms due to its long-lasting nature.

Why it appears in environmental calculations

In environmental science and engineering problems, Aldrin is often used as an example to illustrate bioconcentration factors (BCF), bioaccumulation, and risk assessment. Even low concentrations in water can lead to much higher concentrations in fish tissues, which is why BCF is used to estimate residues in organisms.

Sources:
* Definition and units of BCF (ratio of mg/kg in organism to mg/L in water)

* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This content was created with help from AI and reviewed by a human. It should be accurate, but like any learning resource, please use your judgment as you read.

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