In order to reduce negative impacts, it is desirable that pesticides be degradable or at least quickly deactivated in the environment. Such loss of activity or toxicity of pesticides is due to both innate chemical properties of the compounds and environmental processes or conditions. For example, the presence of halogens within a chemical structure often slows down degradation in an aerobic environment. Adsorption to soil may retard pesticide movement, but also may reduce bioavailability to microbial degraders. COUNT 4
QSN1 What feature is wanted to assist with reducing negative impacts of pesticides? ANS1 that pesticides be degradable QSN2 How else can negative impacts of pesticides be reduced? ANS2 quickly deactivated in the environment QSN3 What is one way by which pesticides lose their efficacy? ANS3 presence of halogens QSN4 What may slow pesticide movement? ANS4 Adsorption to soil