Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicators CORE Exam

Which method of pesticide movement occurs through water?

1. Drifting

2. Runoff

3. Sedimentation

4. Vaporization

The correct answer is: Runoff

The method of pesticide movement that occurs through water is runoff. Runoff happens when water, typically from rainfall or irrigation, flows over the surface of the land and carries pesticides with it. This can lead to contamination of nearby water bodies, soil, and can affect the surrounding ecosystem. Runoff is particularly significant because it can transport pesticides over longer distances, especially in sloped areas or where the soil is saturated. Understanding runoff is crucial for effective pest management and environmental protection, as it helps applicators implement practices that minimize adverse effects on water quality. The other methods listed do not involve the direct movement of pesticides through water in the same way. Drifting refers to the airborne movement of pesticides due to wind, sedimentation relates to the settling of solid particles in a liquid, and vaporization involves the transition of a substance from liquid to gas, which does not involve water as a transporting medium. Thus, runoff specifically highlights the importance of water in the movement of pesticides across landscapes.