What does degradation refer to in terms of pesticides?

Degradation in terms of pesticides refers to the breakdown of a chemical compound into simpler substances. This process is essential in understanding how pesticides behave in the environment. When pesticides degrade, they are transformed into less complex molecules through various physical, chemical, or biological processes.

This transformation can lead to the reduction of pesticide toxicity and helps mitigate potential environmental impacts. Understanding degradation is important for addressing how long a pesticide remains active in the environment and how it might affect non-target organisms and ecosystems over time.

In contrast, the mixing of pesticides with other chemicals pertains to formulation and does not reflect the breakdown process. The enhancement of pesticide potency involves increasing effectiveness rather than reducing complexity. Lastly, the accumulation of pesticides in soil refers to persistence rather than the breakdown or degradation process.