Georgia Pest Control Practice Test

How can surface waters be contaminated by pesticides?

1. Runoff

2. Leaching

3. Drift

4. All the above

The correct answer is: All the above

Surface waters can be contaminated by pesticides through multiple pathways, which include runoff, leaching, and drift. Runoff occurs when rain or irrigation water flows over the ground, carrying pesticides that have been applied to crops or lawns into nearby streams, rivers, or lakes. This process is particularly significant after heavy rainfall, when excess water can wash away pesticides from treated areas. Leaching refers to the downward movement of pesticides through the soil profile, where they can reach groundwater. However, in certain scenarios, especially when the groundwater is close to the surface, these leached pesticides can also make their way into surface waters, particularly in areas where surface and groundwaters are interconnected. Drift is the unintentional airborne transport of pesticides during application. Wind can carry pesticide particles or droplets away from the target site and deposit them into surrounding areas, including streams, lakes, or other water bodies. All of these mechanisms contribute to the pollution of surface waters by pesticides, which highlights the importance of taking precautions during the application of these chemicals to prevent environmental contamination.