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IB ESS SL 2.2.18 Non Biodegradable Pollutants Questions

Explain persistence, bioaccumulation and biomagnification of non-biodegradable pollutants.

Syllabus
First assessment 2026
Course
ESS SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • explain why PCB, DDT or mercury persist and accumulate as non-biodegradable pollutants
  • distinguish bioaccumulation within an organism over time from biomagnification up a food chain
  • interpret rising pollutant concentration by trophic level and explain risk to top carnivores
  • explain how non-biodegradable pesticides affect a human food chain through trophic transfer

Learn this topic

Study 2.2.18—Non-biodegradable pollutants conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

IB ESS SL 2.2.18 Non Biodegradable Pollutants Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 3]
Figure A sample food chain from a marine ecosystem to show the concentration of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and the energy within each trophic level

Figure A sample food chain from a marine ecosystem to show the concentration of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and the energy within each trophic level

Question (a)

(a)

State the relationship between POPs concentration and trophic level.

[ 1 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Explain the relationship between POPs concentration and trophic level.

[ 2 ]
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