bioconcentration factor (BCF)

The bioconcentration factor (BCF) is a measure of how much a substance, like a toxic chemical, accumulates in living organisms compared to its concentration in the surrounding environment, such as water. A high BCF indicates that the organism absorbs and retains more of the substance, which can lead to higher internal levels than in their habitat. This concept is important for understanding the potential risks of pollutants in aquatic ecosystems and their effects on wildlife and human health. Essentially, BCF helps assess how pollutants can build up in the food chain.