Bioaccumulation is the gradual accumulation/store of substances, such as pesticides or other chemicals, in an organism. While harmful the wider issue is biomagnification which is when the concentration of these chemicals increases up the food chain, commonly impacting birds, fish, crustaceans, reptiles and humans. Bioaccumulation occurs at a much higher rate within animals/insects which are carnivorous/insectivorous comapired to herbivourous species.
Bioaccumulation within these animals can cause weakness in egg shells, their exoskeleton, chronic poisoning and many other long lasting issues.
The most commonly known example of bioaccumulation is DDT and Bald Eagles. To save the Eagles from extinction, among other solutions such as habitat preservation, the largest impact came from the DDT pesticide being banned from the US.
Using safer, less harmful chemicals is a major help in both the prevension of bioaccumulation and resistance in weed and pest species. Additionally, using mechancial (i.e. mulch, hand weeding, squishing) methods of pest management is the most effective elimination of the risks of bioaccumulation as no chemicals are added to the ecosystem.
Aiding to repair lost habitat in your local area also helps reduce bioaccumulation as the toxin load is shared among more individuals. Even simply repairing the ecosystem in your own garden can be a huge sucess for your local ecosystem!
Helpful tips:
- Avoid toxic chemical pesticides
- Do not put harmful substances into the water system or storm drains
- Use cleaning products that are gentle on the environment
- Aid in the rehabilitating of your local ecosystems, even in your own garden!
- Educate others
