What is "biomagnification" in aquatic food webs?

Biomagnification refers to the process where toxic substances accumulate in the tissues of organisms at increasing concentrations as they move up the food chain or through different trophic levels in aquatic ecosystems. When smaller organisms, such as phytoplankton or small fish, absorb these toxins from their environment or their diet, they store the toxins in their bodies. As larger predators consume these smaller organisms, the concentration of toxins increases significantly. This accumulation continues up the food web, resulting in top predators, like large fish or marine mammals, having much higher levels of toxins than those found in organisms lower down the food chain.

This process is particularly concerning because it can lead to harmful effects on wildlife and human health, as these top predators are often consumed by humans. Therefore, understanding biomagnification is crucial in assessing the health of ecosystems and the impact of pollutants in aquatic environments.