Definitions for "Bioaccumulate"
bioaccumulation The process by which fish (and other organisms) take in more contaminants throughout their lifetimes.
Bioaccumulation is the build-up or storage of substances (such as contaminants) in the bodies of animals over time. Bioaccumulation of contaminants can occur by one organism eating another or drinking water that contain these contaminants. Contaminants that bioaccumulate are very slow to change or do not change to a chemical form that can be digested and eliminated by the animal.
The process by which some contaminants or toxic chemicals gradually collect and increase in concentration in living tissue, such as in plants, animals, or humans as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water or eat contaminated food.