ABSTRACT
Fish accumulate xenobiotic chemicals, especially those with poor water solubility, from water or food. Bioconcentration is influenced by the structure of the compound, the concentration of the chemical in water, its water solubility, physiological activity of the animal and environmental factors such as temperature, organic matter content of sediment and water, and also by population density and age. Bioaccumulation includes uptake from both water and food. In general, in all studies on the uptake through food or water, a decreasing percentage of retention with increasing concentration of exposure has been noted by many workers. The chapter considers the uptake of pesticide residues, their deposition in the tissues, and the processes of depuration of the residues. K. J. Macek et al. also suggested that a study of depuration rates will be helpful in identifying DDT type substances, if indeed there are any that may contribute significantly to the body burden through food organisms.
