Can someone briefly explain what bioaccumulation is?
Bioaccumulation refers to the accumulation of substances, such as pesticides, or other organic chemicals in an organism. [1] Bioaccumulation occurs when an organism absorbs a toxic substance at a rate greater than that at which the substance is lost. Thus, the longer the biological half-life of the substance the greater the risk of chronic poisoning, even if environmental levels of the toxin are very low.[2] Generally, bioaccumulation occurs at the same rate as energy moving through trophic levels, about 10% buildup per level. Bioaccumulation explains why chronic poisoning is a common aspect of environmental health in the workplace. Repeated exposure to very low levels of toxins in these environments can be lethal over time. An example of poisoning in the workplace can be seen from the phrase “as mad as a hatter”. The process for stiffening the felt used in making hats involved mercury, which forms organic species such as methylmercury, which is lipid soluble, and tends to accumulate i
