Question

Coal, a nonrenewable resource, is the most abundant fossil fuel produced in the United States. Although environmental laws and modern technologies have reduced the impact on the environment from the production of coal, coal mining continues to disrupt nearby aquatic ecosystems. High concentrations of toxins and heavy metals can be carried as run-off into nearby ponds and streams. How would this affect the sustainability of the aquatic habitat? A) It could kill off any animals, such as fish, that live exclusively in the pond.
B) The heavy metals and toxins will only effect the top predators of the food web.
C) Because heavy metals and toxins are not lethal to plants, it will not effect the habitat.
D) The heavy metals and toxins could affect the food web and reduce biodiversity.

Answer 1

The heavy metals and toxins could affect the food web and reduce biodiversity.

Answer 2

The correct answer is (d) The heavy metals and toxins could affect the food web and reduce biodiversity.

High concentrations of toxins and heavy metals can be carried as run-off into nearby ponds and streams. This will lead to Biomagnification. This can be described as the accumulation of substances such as heavy metals and toxins that is eaten by the aquatic animals and move up to the food chain in greater concentration. The zooplankton present in water is eaten by fish, these fishes are eaten by bigger fishes or human beings. The amount of concentration increases as it enters in the food web and reduces the biodiversity.