What is the process called when pesticides move through the ground and contaminate groundwater?

The process referred to in this context is known as leaching. Leaching occurs when water, typically from rainfall or irrigation, seeps into the ground and carries with it dissolved substances, including pesticides. As water moves through the soil layers, it can transport these chemicals deeper into the ground, potentially reaching and contaminating groundwater sources.

Understanding leaching is crucial for pest management and environmental protection because contaminated groundwater can impact drinking water supplies and aquatic ecosystems. Proper pesticide application and management practices are essential to minimize leaching and protect groundwater.

The other choices represent different processes: bioaccumulation refers to the accumulation of substances, such as pesticides, in an organism over time; drift pertains to the airborne movement of pesticides away from the target area during application; runoff involves the flow of water over the ground surface, carrying away pesticides without penetrating the soil.