bioakkumuleringsstudier

Bioaccumulation, also known as bioaccumulation, is the process by which chemical substances build up inside an organism over time because the rate of uptake from the environment or diet exceeds the rate of removal or metabolism. It is a central concept in ecotoxicology and is distinct from biomagnification, which describes increasing concentrations of a substance up the food chain.

Uptake occurs through multiple routes, including gills or skin in aquatic organisms and ingestion of contaminated food in both aquatic and terrestrial species. Once inside the body, chemicals may bind to proteins, partition into fats, or accumulate in organs such as the liver. If transformation and excretion are slow, the substance can persist and progressively accumulate, leading to higher internal concentrations than those present in the surrounding environment.

Several factors influence bioaccumulation. Chemical properties such as lipophilicity, persistence, and low biodegradability increase potential for buildup. Biological traits, including species, age, growth rate, and metabolic capacity, shape uptake and storage. Exposure pathways (water, sediment, prey) and environmental conditions also affect concentrations. Growth dilution, where rapid growth reduces concentration in tissues, can mitigate accumulation in some organisms.

Common examples include mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and certain pesticides. Accumulation can pose risks to wildlife health and, through dietary exposure, to humans. Regulatory efforts focus on monitoring tissue concentrations, reducing emissions, and controlling sources of persistent, bioaccumulative substances to protect ecosystems and public health.