Question

Which of the following correctly represents the arrangement of organisms in increasing order of concentration of heavy metals in their body?

• (A) Herring gull < Zooplankton < Phytoplankton < Smelt < Lake trout
• (B) Smelt < Zooplankton < Phytoplankton < Herring gull < Lake trout
• (C) Zooplankton < Phytoplankton < Smelt < Herring gull < Lake trout
• (D) Phytoplankton < Zooplankton < Smelt < Lake trout < Herring gull

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Explanation:
Phytoplankton < Zooplankton < Smelt < Lake trout < Herring gull is the correct order. Heavy metals, which have widespread environmental distribution and originate from natural and anthropogenic sources, are common environmental pollutants. In recent decades, their contamination has increased dramatically because of continuous discharge in sewage and untreated industrial effluents. Because they are non-degradable, they persist in the environment; accordingly, they have received a great deal of attention owing to their potential health and environmental risks. The concentration depends upon the quantity of metal consumed and environmental conditions. Hence, the correct option is (D).