Which term describes an increased concentration of pollutants due to continuous emission?

The term that describes an increased concentration of pollutants due to continuous emission is cumulative loading. Cumulative loading refers to the gradual build-up of pollutants in an environment, which occurs when emissions are consistently introduced over time. This concept is important in environmental health and ecology, particularly in understanding how pollutants can accumulate in soil, water, and air, leading to potentially harmful effects on ecosystems and human health.

In environments where pollutants are continuously emitted, the effects can be more severe over time, as opposed to single, episodic events of pollution. The concept of cumulative loading emphasizes the importance of monitoring continuous emissions and understanding their long-term impacts, which is crucial for effective environmental management and regulatory practices. This term is particularly relevant when assessing the cumulative effects of various pollutants from different sources over time.

The other terms do not capture the idea of gradual accumulation due to ongoing emissions in the same way. Therefore, cumulative loading is the most accurate descriptor for the phenomenon in question.