How can biomagnification impact human health?

Biomagnification refers to the process whereby the concentration of toxins increases as one moves up the food chain. When organisms at the lower levels of the ecosystem, such as small fish or plankton, absorb toxic substances from their environment, these toxins accumulate in their bodies. As larger predators consume these smaller organisms, the concentration of toxic substances becomes more pronounced in their own bodies. This accumulation continues as organisms higher up the food chain consume others.

For humans, who are often at the top of the food chain, this can lead to significant health risks. Consuming organisms that have accumulated high levels of toxins—such as mercury or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)—can result in adverse health effects. These can include neurological disorders, immune system damage, reproductive issues, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

The other options do not relate to the effects of biomagnification on human health. Beneficial nutrients and increased food quality are not relevant in the context of toxic substances, while decreasing food costs does not play a role in the concentration of toxins in food items. Therefore, the answer highlighting the increase in exposure to toxic substances is the most accurate depiction of the ramifications of biomagnification on human health.