Chapter 46, Problem 1BS.1QC

Summary Introduction

To determine:

If an individual can support higher regulations on coal-fired power plants to reduce their mercury emissions even if it meant an increase in energy costs.

Introduction:

Biomagnification is a biological process which involves the increase in concentration of toxic chemicals in the tissues of organisms at the successive level of food chain. The toxic chemicals are accumulated into the body due to consumption of food and water.

Explanation of Solution

Yes, one can support the higher use coal fired plants to reduce the use of mercury emission. Mercury is a harmful chemical substance which is a dense liquid at room temperature and is easily vaporized.

It affects the living organisms as it gets accumulated into body of aquatic lower organisms such as fishes and other animals and the level of mercury is transferred into human and other higher organism by consumption of these lower organisms. It causes detrimental effects in humans and higher animals. It is very important to use coal fired plants although it is very expensive but still it is implemented in order to save the life of organisms from mercury contamination.

Conclusion

The release of mercury in the environment causes detrimental effects on higher as well as the lower organisms. In order to stop the mercury contamination, coal fired plants are used.