You may also want to refer to our list of commonly used acronyms . Benthic Animals dwelling on the bottom of a water body. These organisms inhabit the sediment on lake, river, or ocean bottoms, as well as the sediment in marshes, tidal flats, and other wetlands. Bioassay A laboratory test that uses organisms to evaluate whether a sample is toxic. This means that a low amount of mercury might be present in fish that eat plants, but higher amounts will accumulate in fish or birds that eat fish.
Adverse effects are more likely to occur in birds or fish that eat other animals.
An example is the American eel. Emergent wetlands Wetlands that are characterized by plants growing with their roots underwater and leaves extending above the water. Salt-marshes are estuarine emergent wetlands. Estuarine Present, living or thriving in an estuary. Estuary A water passage where salt water meets fresh water.