Which of the following best defines adsorption?

The definition of adsorption is best captured by the binding of a substance to soil particle surfaces. In the context of pesticides, this process involves the adherence of pesticide molecules to the surface of soil particles rather than being absorbed into them. This characteristic is crucial in understanding how pesticides interact with the environment, as it affects their mobility and availability for uptake by plants and organisms.

This process influences the efficacy of the pesticide, as well as its potential environmental impact. When pesticides are adsorbed onto soil particles, they may be less likely to leach into groundwater or be transported through runoff, which is essential for managing pesticide use safely and responsibly.

Absorption, as mentioned in another option, refers specifically to the uptake of substances into plant tissues, a different process altogether. Movement through water addresses the transportation aspects of pesticides, while the breakdown of pesticides involves chemical processes that degrade the chemicals and alter their properties, also distinct from the concept of adsorption.