Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Bioaccumulation
Bioaccumulation refers to the process by which organisms accumulate toxic substances from their environment over time. In aquatic ecosystems, nonpolar compounds can easily dissolve in the fatty tissues of fish, leading to higher concentrations of toxins in their bodies compared to the surrounding water. This means that while the water may contain a small amount of the poison, the fish can have significantly higher levels, making them more dangerous to consume.
Toxicity and Dose
The toxicity of a substance is often dependent on its concentration and the dose received by an organism. A small amount of a moderately nonpolar compound in water may not reach a harmful level for humans, especially if it is quickly diluted. However, when fish consume this compound over time, they can accumulate a lethal dose, making them more hazardous to eat than the water is to drink.
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Nonpolar Compounds and Solubility
Nonpolar compounds are substances that do not mix well with water and are more soluble in fats and oils. This property allows them to persist in the fatty tissues of organisms, such as fish. When ingested, these compounds can lead to harmful effects due to their accumulation in biological systems, which is why consuming fish that have absorbed these toxins poses a greater risk than drinking the water itself.
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