What is the phenomenon called when there is an increase in concentration of chemicals absorbed by organisms from their environment?

The phenomenon of an increase in concentration of chemicals absorbed by organisms from their environment is known as biological magnification. This process occurs when pollutants or harmful substances, such as heavy metals or pesticides, accumulate in living organisms at higher concentrations than are present in the environment.

As substances move up the food chain, they become more concentrated in the bodies of predators. For example, if a small fish ingests a toxin from its environment, then a larger fish that eats that small fish will accumulate a higher concentration of the same toxin. This can lead to serious ecological impacts and health risks for top predators, including humans, who consume these contaminated organisms.

Understanding biological magnification is important for addressing environmental health issues and for policies aimed at protecting ecosystems and human health from toxic substances.