biokumulációt

Biokumuláció, often translated as bioaccumulation, refers to the gradual accumulation of substances, such as pesticides or other chemicals, in an organism. This process occurs when the rate of intake of a substance exceeds the organism's ability to remove it through catabolism and excretion. Biokumuláció can happen through various routes, including absorption from the environment, consumption of contaminated food, or inhalation.

The substances that bioaccumulate are typically those that are resistant to degradation, either metabolically or environmentally. This persistence allows them to build up in tissues over time. For example, certain heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are known for their bioaccumulative properties.

Biokumuláció is a key factor in biomagnification, which is the increasing concentration of a substance in organisms at successively higher levels in a food chain. As organisms at lower trophic levels accumulate a substance, predators that consume them ingest a larger quantity, leading to even higher concentrations at subsequent levels. This can result in significant health risks for top predators, including humans. Understanding biokumuláció is crucial for assessing the environmental impact of chemical contaminants and for developing strategies to protect ecosystems and public health.