What is one potential environmental impact of pesticide use?

One potential environmental impact of pesticide use is water contamination due to runoff. When pesticides are applied to agricultural fields, particularly if there's heavy rainfall or irrigation, they can wash off the land and into nearby water bodies. This runoff can lead to the contamination of rivers, lakes, and streams, affecting aquatic ecosystems and potentially harming wildlife. Additionally, contaminated water poses risks to human health, especially if it enters drinking water supplies. Managing runoff is crucial in mitigating these risks, making it a significant concern for environmental sustainability in agricultural practices.

Although increased crop yield, soil degradation, and enhanced pest resistance are valid considerations, they do not directly address the immediate and tangible environmental consequences that arise from pesticide application, making the issue of water contamination through runoff a critical point of focus.