Uptake and Trophic Transfer of Barium in a Terrestrial Ecosystem.

The article investigates the behavior of barium in the terrestrial ecosystem, in Central Virginia. The study presented hypotheses which include high bioaccumulation and bioconcentration factors, that barium has low toxicity which allows different receptors for accumulation without adverse effects, and, that barium is being released from a persistent source that would provide chronic exposure required to allow steady accumulation in terrestrial receptors. Results of the study revealed that in animals, chronic exposure to the element will lead to disturbance in the cardiovascular function and regulation and prolonged muscle contraction. Results also revealed that barium has low assimilation frequency, low bioaccumulation factors for receptors, which may cause adverse effects to wildlife.