bioaccumulationinto

bioaccumulationinto is a term describing the accumulation of chemical substances in an organism over time, resulting in higher internal concentrations than in the surrounding environment. While not widely used in the scientific literature, the concept aligns with bioaccumulation and bioconcentration, helping explain how contaminants move from the environment into living systems and persist there.

Uptake occurs via multiple routes: ingestion of contaminated food, inhalation, and exposure through skin or gills in aquatic organisms. Once inside, substances distribute in tissues according to properties such as persistence and lipophilicity. Lipophilic compounds tend to accumulate in fat, while metals may concentrate in organs like the liver. Elimination may be slow, allowing concentrations to rise over time.

Common examples include persistent organic pollutants such as PCBs and DDT, heavy metals like mercury, and PFAS. These substances can affect wildlife and human health through food webs and water exposure, with effects depending on dose, duration, and susceptibility of species.

Measurement relies on chemical analysis of biological tissues and environmental samples. Metrics such as bioconcentration factor, bioaccumulation factor, and biomagnification factor help quantify accumulation and trophic transfer. Regulatory efforts aim to reduce releases and monitor contaminant levels in ecosystems.