MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which process is primarily associated with the accumulation of pesticides in living organisms?

1. Degradation

2. Absorption

3. Bioaccumulation

4. Leaching

The correct answer is: Bioaccumulation

The accumulation of pesticides in living organisms is primarily associated with bioaccumulation. This process occurs when organisms absorb substances at a rate faster than they can eliminate them. As a result, persistent pesticides can build up in the tissues of organisms over time, leading to higher concentrations than those found in the surrounding environment. Bioaccumulation is especially concerning with certain pesticide types that resist breakdown and can become more concentrated as they move up the food chain. For instance, small organisms may absorb a certain amount of a pesticide, and when those organisms are consumed by larger predators, the concentration of the pesticide can escalate significantly. Understanding bioaccumulation is crucial for assessing the environmental and health impacts of pesticide use. The other processes mentioned, such as degradation and leaching, involve the breakdown or movement of pesticides in the environment rather than their accumulation in living tissues, which is central to the concept of bioaccumulation. Absorption refers to the initial uptake of substances but does not necessarily indicate the sustained buildup that characterizes bioaccumulation.