What is bioaccumulation?

Bioaccumulation refers to the process where an organism absorbs a substance, such as a pesticide or heavy metal, faster than it can eliminate it, leading to a higher concentration of that substance within its tissues over time. This concept is crucial in understanding how certain chemicals can build up in living organisms, particularly in aquatic environments where pollutants can enter the food web.

By absorbing substances from their environment or food, organisms can accumulate these chemicals at levels that may be harmful. This process is particularly concerning when the substances involved are toxic, as they can lead to detrimental health effects in wildlife and potentially humans who consume these organisms.

While other options mention related issues, they do not accurately define bioaccumulation. The accumulation of pesticides in the environment does not capture the biological aspect at the organism level. The concentration of chemicals in the air is also not pertinent to bioaccumulation since it primarily involves substances within living organisms rather than atmospheric concentrations. Lastly, while the movement of pesticides through the food chain is important for understanding ecological impacts, it reflects a different process known as biomagnification, rather than the individual process of accumulation within an organism.