Mathematical modelling of bioaccumulation of anthropogenic contaminants in marine food chain and its effect on terrestrial ecosystems

Abstract

Planktonic species experience large changes in population size over a short period newlineof time, which enables ecologists relatively easily to observe population-level responses to newlinedeviation in several biotic and abiotic factors [7]. One of the conspicuous features associated newlinewith many phytoplankton species is their rapid increase in concentration, resulting in the newlineonset of occasionally extensive plankton blooms. Anomalous climate events are associated newlinewith several types of intense and widespread bloom events, which may cause devastating newlineecological and economic disruptions [5]. Mathematical models to study the dynamics of newlinedevastating blooms and the underlying mechanisms are critically important that hold the newlinelion s share in the field of ecology. newlineToxins are produced by phytoplankton such as Alexandrium sp., Amphidinium carterae, newlineChrysochromulina polylepis, Cooliamonotis, Dinophysis spKeeping, to avoid zooplankton newlinepredation. Zooplankton avoids areas rich in some toxin-producing phytoplankton organisms, newlinesuch as Phacocyslis, Coscinodisem, Rhizosopenia [1, 3]. Toxin production during harmful newlinealgae outbreaks not only reduces the grazing pressure on phytoplankton, but can also control newlinestability of bloom occurrences newline