Bioaccumulation
Bioaccumulation refers to the process by which living organisms accumulate toxic substances, such as heavy metals or pesticides, from their environment faster than they can eliminate them. These harmful substances build up in their bodies over time, often in fatty tissues. As a result, animals higher up the food chain, like humans, can experience even greater concentrations through a process called biomagnification. This can lead to serious health issues, making understanding bioaccumulation crucial for environmental and public health. Essentially, it highlights the risks of pollutants persisting and concentrating in ecosystems.
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Bioaccumulation refers to the process by which living organisms absorb and store chemicals from their environment faster than they can eliminate them. This often occurs with harmful substances like heavy metals or pesticides, which can accumulate in body tissues over time. As a result, organisms at the top of the food chain, such as large fish or birds, can end up with very high concentrations of these toxins, potentially harming their health and affecting ecosystems. This process poses risks not only to wildlife but also to humans who consume contaminated food.