Which is a common environmental concern regarding pesticide application?

Water contamination and harm to non-target organisms is a significant environmental concern associated with pesticide application because pesticides can easily be transported away from their intended targets through runoff, leaching, or drift. When pesticides enter water bodies, they can contaminate drinking water sources, harming aquatic life and potentially entering the human food chain. Additionally, pesticides do not discriminate between targeted pest species and beneficial organisms, which means that non-target organisms such as pollinators, birds, and other wildlife can be adversely affected, leading to declines in biodiversity and ecosystem health.

This concern is exacerbated by the fact that certain chemical compounds may linger in the environment, resulting in persistent effects that can disrupt ecosystems long after the initial application. Awareness of these risks is crucial for pesticide users to adopt best management practices that minimize environmental impact, highlighting the importance of integrating safety and risk assessment into pest management strategies.