Which term describes the process where pesticides adhere to soil particles and organic matter and do not move?

Which term describes the process where pesticides adhere to soil particles and organic matter and do not move?

• A. Adsorption
• B. Absorption
• C. Leaching
• D. Runoff

Answer: (A)

Adsorption is the process by which pesticides cling to soil particles and organic matter, binding to surfaces so they stay put rather than being carried away by water. This surface sticking reduces their mobility, making downward movement (leaching) and surface movement (runoff) less likely. Absorption would imply the chemical is taken into the interior of the material, which isn’t what’s described here. Leaching and runoff are ways pesticides can move, whereas adsorption describes the binding that prevents that movement.

Adsorption is the process by which pesticides cling to soil particles and organic matter, binding to surfaces so they stay put rather than being carried away by water. This surface sticking reduces their mobility, making downward movement (leaching) and surface movement (runoff) less likely. Absorption would imply the chemical is taken into the interior of the material, which isn’t what’s described here. Leaching and runoff are ways pesticides can move, whereas adsorption describes the binding that prevents that movement.