Q26 - Mercury Bioaccumulation Across the Marine Food Chain
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a Maximum acceptable Daily Intake (MDI) of 0.1 microgram Hg (Mercury) per kg consumer body mass. Consequently, Hg levels in Danish fish for human consumption are under permanent control. Mercury level in nine species was measured (Fig.).
Hg level in milligram/kg fish; horizontal bars span the 95% confidence interval (small vertical bars are averages).
Figure 1.
Using the information and data, determine which of the statements are true or which are false.
A. Mackerel is placed higher in the marine food chain than Halibut
B. Hg-level generally increases with body weight
C. Mean Hg concentration in Tuna allows a 75 kg person to consume a maximum 1 kg Tuna per ca. 10 days
D. Tuna has a wider diet than Halibut
Question reproduced from IBO 2015, Theoretical Exam B, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 - attributed to the International Biology Olympiad. Open the full exam PDF · Community solutions (unofficial)