Toxicology
Bioaccumulation
The gradual buildup of substances (especially toxins or pollutants) in an organism over time because they are absorbed faster than they are eliminated.
Biological Context
Fat-soluble chemicals like DDT, PCBs, and mercury accumulate in body tissues over an organism's lifetime. Even low environmental concentrations can result in high tissue concentrations. Bioaccumulation is the first step toward biomagnification up food chains.