Which property of a pesticide would make it more likely to move in surface water runoff?

Which property of a pesticide would make it more likely to move in surface water runoff?

• A. Low solubility
• B. High solubility
• C. Low volatility
• D. High molecular weight

Answer: (B)

A pesticide with high solubility in water is more likely to move with surface water runoff because it can easily dissolve in the water. When rainfall occurs, water can carry dissolved substances, including pesticides, with it as it flows over the soil and into nearby bodies of water. This means that pesticides with high solubility are easily transported during runoff events, increasing the likelihood of contaminating surface waters. In contrast, properties such as low solubility would mean that a pesticide does not dissolve easily in water, which would limit its movement with runoff. Low volatility refers to a pesticide's tendency to remain in a solid or liquid form rather than evaporating, and high molecular weight often correlates with lower mobility in water, making these characteristics less favorable for movement in surface runoff compared to high solubility.

A pesticide with high solubility in water is more likely to move with surface water runoff because it can easily dissolve in the water. When rainfall occurs, water can carry dissolved substances, including pesticides, with it as it flows over the soil and into nearby bodies of water. This means that pesticides with high solubility are easily transported during runoff events, increasing the likelihood of contaminating surface waters.

In contrast, properties such as low solubility would mean that a pesticide does not dissolve easily in water, which would limit its movement with runoff. Low volatility refers to a pesticide's tendency to remain in a solid or liquid form rather than evaporating, and high molecular weight often correlates with lower mobility in water, making these characteristics less favorable for movement in surface runoff compared to high solubility.