GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Pesticides can be found in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. They are found in our soil and even in our breast milk.

Detailed explanation-2: -This runoff can contain pesticides, sediment (soil particles), nutrients (phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium from fertilizers) and metals, which can contaminate sources of water.

Detailed explanation-3: -Irrigating saturated soils or irrigating at a rate that exceeds the infiltration rate of soil promotes runoff that can carry pesticides with it. Irrigation that promotes the frequent downward movement of water beyond the root zone of plants also promotes the leaching of substances including pesticides to ground water.

Detailed explanation-4: -Agricultural runoff has complex pollutant compositions including nitrates, ammonium, phosphorus compounds, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants.