What is volatilization?

Volatilization refers to the process where a substance changes from a liquid or solid state into a gas or vapor. In the context of pesticides, this means that certain chemicals can evaporate into the air from puddles or surfaces, especially under conditions of warmth and low humidity. Understanding volatilization is crucial for pesticide application because it can impact pesticide effectiveness and environmental safety. The movement of pesticides into the air can lead to off-target drift, potentially affecting non-target organisms and ecosystems, as well as human health if inhaled.

The other options describe different processes associated with pesticide behavior in the environment but do not accurately define volatilization. The physical reaction of pesticides with soil pertains to their interaction and behavior when applied to soil, while absorption relates to how pesticides can enter water bodies. Lastly, leaching involves the downward movement of pesticides through soil layers into groundwater, which is distinct from the vaporization process that characterizes volatilization.