Bioaccumulators
Bioaccumulators are substances that can build up in living organisms over time. This accumulation happens because the rate at which the organism absorbs the substance is greater than the rate at which it can metabolize or excrete it. This process can occur in individual organisms, leading to higher concentrations of the substance within their tissues than are present in the surrounding environment. Bioaccumulation is particularly concerning for persistent pollutants, such as certain heavy metals and organic compounds, which are not easily broken down by biological processes.
When bioaccumulators are present in an environment, organisms can absorb them through various means, including ingestion
The consequences of bioaccumulation can range from subtle physiological changes to severe toxicity and even death,