What is bioaccumulation in relation to pesticides?

Bioaccumulation refers to the process by which certain substances, particularly harmful chemicals like pesticides, accumulate in the tissues of living organisms over time. When organisms are exposed to these chemicals, they can absorb them faster than they can eliminate them. This leads to an increase in the concentration of the substances in their bodies, especially in fatty tissues.

The concept is particularly important in the context of pesticides, as many such chemicals are lipophilic, meaning they are more soluble in fats than in water. As these pesticides enter an organism through food, water, or direct exposure, they tend to accumulate in fatty tissues rather than being excreted, leading to higher concentrations over time. This process can have significant ecological implications, as bioaccumulated substances can move up the food chain, affecting predators and potentially leading to toxic effects.

The other choices focus on different aspects of pesticide handling or disposal and do not accurately capture the ecological concept of bioaccumulation. Storing pesticides and disposing of expired pesticides are practices related to management and safety, while removing pesticides from the soil pertains to environmental remediation, none of which involve the accumulation process within living organisms.