Pesticides that can build up in the bodies of organisms are referred to as?

Pesticides that can build up in the bodies of organisms are referred to as accumulative. This term specifically describes substances that can accumulate in living tissues over time, leading to higher concentrations than what is present in the environment. This accumulation can result from repeated exposure to the pesticide, which the organism cannot completely eliminate from its body.

This characteristic can lead to toxic effects on the organism as well as potential impacts on higher levels of the food chain, as predators may ingest prey that has accumulated the pesticide. Understanding this concept is crucial for managing pesticide use and mitigating risks associated with environmental and human health.

The other terms, while related to pesticide characteristics, do not accurately reflect the accumulation concept. "Additives" usually refer to substances added to pesticides to enhance their effectiveness or stability but do not denote accumulation. "Persistent" refers to the longevity of a pesticide in the environment rather than its accumulation in organisms. "Bioactive" pertains to the biological activity of a substance but does not specifically address its accumulation in living tissues.