Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification (The Subtle Processes that Question our Survival)

Oviya Ananthi Saravanan

Abstract: The relentless accumulation and biological intensification of toxicants within aquatic ecosystems-known as bioaccumulation and biomagnification-pose profound threats to ecological balance and public health. This article offers a critical synthesis of these mechanisms, investigating both natural and anthropogenically amplified pathways through which hazardous substances, such as heavy metals, microplastics, and legacy pollutants such as PCBs and PFAS, infiltrate and escalate within aquatic food networks. Drawing upon contemporary findings and India - centric environmental assessments, including the Central Pollution Control Board?s nationwide monitoring data, the analysis underscores the disproportionate toxic burden faced by apex predators such as orcas and the cascading effects on biodiversity and human populations. The manuscript concludes by outlining actionable, science - informed mitigation strategies that prioritize regulatory intervention, public awareness, and sustainable aquatic practices. This work calls for urgent interdisciplinary responses to interrupt the toxic continuum threatening aquatic life and human survival.

Keywords: Bioaccumulation, Biomagnification, Aquatic Toxicology, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), Heavy Metals, Microplastics, Per - and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), Trophic Transfer, Human Health Risk, Environmental Pollution