Despite being a natural phenomenon, biological magnification is often triggered by anthropogenic factors. Some of these include organic containments, agricultural and industrial wastes, pollution from plastics, and heavy metals from mining. The release of toxic substances and pollutants in the environment, such as the seas, air, and land, are problematic.
These practices result in the end product being the accumulation of toxins and harmful chemicals. The concentration eventually accumulates and gets absorbed by lower organisms in the food chains such as fish, earthworms, and plants. Agricultural pesticides and chemical fertilizers are highly toxic and often find their way into the soils, rivers or lakes, or seas through surface stormwater runoff. Organic containments, such as personal care products and pharmaceuticals, also cause harm.