Accumulation of pollutants in terrestrial wildlife

Accumulation of contaminant residues in terrestrial animals

Nature

The accumulation of pollutants in terrestrial wildlife refers to the build-up of harmful substances—such as heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals—in the bodies of animals living on land. This process, often resulting from environmental contamination, poses a significant ecological problem. Pollutants can bioaccumulate in individual organisms and biomagnify through food chains, leading to toxic effects, reproductive issues, and population declines. The persistence of these substances in ecosystems threatens biodiversity, disrupts ecological balance, and can ultimately impact human health through the consumption of contaminated wildlife or agricultural products.