The toxins that wildlife consumes from these rivers is bioaccumulated in them and in us. Toxins in our Soil Most of what ends up in our rivers as runoff begins on our soils, where it is much more difficult to track. These include common items such as bleach, motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides, paint thinner, and cleaning solutions. We all contribute to these problems. Everything that touches the ground or goes in our trash eventually ends up in our rivers, drinking water, or on our plates as dinner.
Plants are capable of taking up toxic chemicals from soil contamination.
In one way or another we all have consumed certain toxic substances. Some are broken down and excreted while others bioaccumulate. Although the results of this bioaccumulation are not well understood in humans, it is suspected to cause various cancers, low sperm counts, immune system problems, learning disabilities, and birth defects. As the toxins in our environment continue to add up, more problems are likely to develop in the future. Well, there is no magic, painless solution.