Projected amplification of food web bioaccumulation of MeHg and PCBs under climate change in the Northeastern Pacific.

ABSTRACT: Climate change increases exposure and bioaccumulation of pollutants in marine organisms, posing substantial ecophysiological and ecotoxicological risks. Here, we applied a trophodynamic ecosystem model to examine the bioaccumulation of organic mercury (MeHg) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in a Northeastern Pacific marine food web under climate change. We found largely heterogeneous sensitivity in climate-pollution impacts between chemicals and trophic groups. Concentration of MeHg and PCBs in top predators, including resident killer whales, is projected to be amplified by 8 and 3%, respectively, by 2100 under a high carbon emission scenario (Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5) relative to a no-climate change control scenario. However, the level of amplification increases with h

SUBMITTER: Alava JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6128847 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature