What is one environmental concern associated with the use of pesticides?

The use of pesticides is directly linked to water contamination, which is a significant environmental concern. When pesticides are applied to crops, they can run off into nearby water bodies due to rainfall or irrigation. This runoff can lead to the presence of harmful chemicals in rivers, lakes, and groundwater, affecting aquatic ecosystems and potentially entering the drinking water supply. This contamination can harm wildlife, disrupt ecosystems, and pose health risks to humans who rely on these water sources.

In contrast, soil salinization, increased biodiversity, and desertification do not directly stem from pesticide application. Soil salinization typically results from improper irrigation practices, while increased biodiversity is often a goal of sustainable agricultural practices rather than a consequence of pesticide use. Desertification refers to the degradation of land in arid areas and is influenced more by overexploitation of land and climate factors than by pesticide use specifically.