What does the term "persistence" refer to in relation to pesticides?

The term "persistence" in relation to pesticides primarily refers to how long a pesticide remains active in the environment before it breaks down. When a pesticide has a long half-life, it means that it takes a significant amount of time for half of the substance to dissipate or degrade. This characteristic of persistence is crucial for understanding the potential long-term effects of the pesticide on both the environment and non-target organisms.

Pesticides with high persistence can pose risks of accumulation in the soil and water, potentially affecting ecosystems and human health over time. Therefore, option B accurately captures this definition by linking persistence to the pesticide's longevity in the environment and its slower breakdown, which is a key factor in pesticide management and regulation.