Environmental Chemistry

Bioaccumulation and ecological impacts

Bioaccumulation is the accumulation of substances, such as pesticides or other chemicals in an organism. Bioaccumulation occurs when an organism takes in a substance at a faster rate than the substance is lost through catabolism and excretion. Biotransformation can greatly alter the bioaccumulation of chemicals in an organism. Significant damage to organisms and declines in wildlife populations have been observed, along with long-term bioaccumulation and biomagnification of persistent xenobiotic chemicals. Heavy metals, in particular organic or biomethylated mercury, lead, cadmium and organic tin compounds have caused environmental damage through local bioaccumulation.