Bioaccumulation: AP Environmental Science Definition

What does the term bioaccumulation mean?

In AP® Environmental Science, bioaccumulation is where chemicals accumulate in an organism over time. It occurs when an organism absorbs a substance quicker than it can break it down or eliminate it.

Why is bioaccumulation important?

Insufficiently broken down or expelled chemicals can accumulate and be dangerous and can eventually lead to death. This poses a risk to ecosystem stability and human health. Chemicals can enter through food, air, or water and pass up the food chain. Organisms can accumulate:

• pesticides

• exhaust pollutants

• drugs , etc.

Understanding the process of bioaccumulation helps you to explore the impact of human activity on natural systems and the importance of monitoring and controlling pollutants.

Examples of bioaccumulation

Fish, for example, can accumulate PCBs, DDT, dioxins, and mercury from the water. Eating the contaminated fish allows the toxins to then accumulate in the body of the predator. This leads to harmful effects such as reproductive issues and death.

Bioaccumulation Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Save My Exams has a great range of resources to explore the topic of bioaccumulation in more detail and master other key related terms and concepts, such as biomagnification, trophic levels, and water pollution.

Explore all our College Board AP® Environmental Science resources.