ENVS 4113 Midterm Flashcards

1
Q

What is the primary purpose of FIFRA?

A

The primary purpose of FIFRA is to establish a regulatory framework for the sale and use of pesticides to protect applicators, consumers, and the environment.

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2
Q

Who is responsible for administering and regulating FIFRA?

A

FIFRA is administered and regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state environmental agencies.

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3
Q

What significant change occurred in 1972 regarding FIFRA?

A

In 1972, the Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act (FEPCA) significantly revised FIFRA, expanding the EPA’s authority and emphasizing the protection of human health and the environment.

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4
Q

What was the first pesticide legislation in the United States?

A

The Federal Insecticide Act of 1910 was the first pesticide legislation, focusing on protecting consumers from fraudulent and adulterated products.

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5
Q

How did pesticide use change after World War II?

A

After World War II, pesticide use increased from 100 million pounds in 1945 to over 300 million pounds by 1950 due to newly discovered insecticidal properties of chemicals.

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6
Q

What are the main goals of the Endangered Species Act in relation to pesticides?

A

The main goals are to ensure that the registration and use of pesticides do not harm endangered and threatened animals and their habitats.

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7
Q

What is required for a pesticide to be registered under FIFRA?

A

A pesticide must undergo over 120 tests to assess its safety and effectiveness, and only about 1 in 139,000 test compounds make it through to registration.

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8
Q

What is a “restricted-use” pesticide?

A

A restricted-use pesticide is one that is deemed too hazardous for general use and is available only to certified applicators.

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9
Q

What significant revision did the 1972 FEPCA amendment contribute to FIFRA?

A

The 1972 FEPCA amendment shifted the regulatory responsibility from the USDA to the EPA and required the EPA to assess pesticides’ risks against their benefits.

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10
Q

How are the risks and benefits of pesticides evaluated under FIFRA?

A

The EPA must weigh the potential risks posed by pesticides to humans, the environment, and wildlife against their agricultural and economic benefits.

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11
Q

What does the term “pesticide” include according to FIFRA?

A

According to FIFRA, the term “pesticide” includes any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest, as well as substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant.

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12
Q

What is the significance of the 1988 amendments to FIFRA?

A

The 1988 amendments to FIFRA required the re-registration of pesticides registered before 1984 to ensure they meet current health and safety standards.

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13
Q

What does the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996 require?

A

The FQPA of 1996 requires that all pesticides cause no harm to infants, children, and sensitive individuals within “reasonable certainty” and mandates a 15-year cycle for pesticide review.

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14
Q

How does the EPA handle special reviews of pesticides under FIFRA?

A

If new information suggests adverse side effects, the EPA may conduct a special review to assess the risks and benefits of continued use of the pesticide and may amend or cancel the registration.

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15
Q

What is the role of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) in pesticide regulation?

A

Under FFDCA, the EPA regulates the amount of pesticide residues on or in food, establishing “tolerance levels” to ensure they are safe for consumption.

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16
Q

What does the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA) aim to achieve?

A

PRIA aims to ensure a smooth implementation of pesticide rules and regulations, including the process of approving pesticide registrations and collecting maintenance fees.

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17
Q

How does FIFRA define a “new animal drug” in relation to pesticides?

A

FIFRA excludes “new animal drugs” as defined in section 321(w) of title 21 from the term “pesticide,” focusing on substances intended for pest control rather than veterinary medicine.

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18
Q

What is the goal of the Endangered Species Act regarding pesticides?

A

The goal is to protect endangered and threatened species from potential dangers posed by pesticides, requiring the EPA to consider these risks during the pesticide registration process.

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19
Q

What is the significance of pesticide labels under FIFRA?

A

Pesticide labels, created upon registration, instruct users on proper usage to maximize effectiveness and minimize risks to humans and the environment. Misuse can lead to liability for negative consequences.

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20
Q

How does FIFRA address the distribution and use of “restricted-use” pesticides?

A

FIFRA establishes a certification system for applicators wishing to purchase and use restricted-use pesticides, ensuring they are properly trained to handle these more hazardous substances.

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21
Q

What is the definition of “Risk” in the context of chemical risk assessment?

A

Risk = Hazard x Exposure.

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22
Q

What does “Hazard” refer to in chemical safety?

A

The built-in property of a chemical’s potential to cause adverse effects to an organism, system or population when exposed to it.

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23
Q

What are the three main steps of chemical risk assessment?

A

Hazard characterization, Exposure assessment, Risk characterization.

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24
Q

Define “Exposure” in terms of chemical risk.

A

The amount of chemical present and the degree of contact with a system or organism.

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25
Q

What is hazard characterization?

A

Determining the relationship between the magnitude of exposure to a hazard and the probability and severity of adverse effects.

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26
Q

What is involved in exposure assessment?

A

Identifying and quantifying how much exposure to a chemical actually occurs.

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27
Q

What is risk characterization?

A

Combining the information from the hazard characterization and the exposure assessment in order to form a conclusion about the nature and magnitude of risk, and, if indicated, implement additional risk management measures. (Combining hazard and exposure information to conclude the nature and magnitude of risk).

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28
Q

What is LD50?

A

The dose of a chemical that is lethal to 50% of the test population.

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29
Q

What is the Risk Characterization Ratio (RCR)?

A

A ratio of the exposure estimate to the Derived No-Effect Level (DNEL), used to assess risk acceptability.

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30
Q

Define NOAEL.

A

No Observed Adverse Effect Level - the highest exposure level at which there are no significant increases in frequency or severity of adverse effects in the exposed population compared to control.

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31
Q

What is acute toxicity?

A

The adverse effects of a substance that result from a single exposure or multiple exposures in a short period of time.

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32
Q

Define carcinogenicity in toxicology.

A

The ability of a substance to cause cancer.

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33
Q

What is the goal of ecotoxicology?

A

To study the effects of toxic chemicals on biological organisms, especially at the population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere levels.

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34
Q

Define NOEC in ecotoxicology.

A

No Observed Effect Concentration - the concentration below which an unacceptable effect is unlikely to be observed.

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35
Q

GHS Classification Criteria

A

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling Chemicals - criteria used to determine the nature and the relative severity of the hazard of a chemical substance or mixture

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36
Q

What is Toxicology?

A

Defined as the study of the adverse effects of chemicals or physical agents on living organisms.

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37
Q

What is Simpson’s Rule used for?

A

Numerical integration, specifically for approximating definite integrals.

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38
Q

What is truncation error?

A

Truncation error is the difference between an actual and a truncated, or cut-off value. A truncated quantity is represented by a numeral with a fixed number of allowed digits, with any excess digits chopped off.

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39
Q

Define “round-off error”.

A

The difference between an approximation of a number used in computation and its exact value.

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40
Q

What is the purpose of REACH regulation?

A

To improve the protection of human health and the environment through the better and earlier identification of the intrinsic properties of chemical substances.

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41
Q

What does GHS stand for and what is its purpose?

A

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, aimed at harmonizing hazard classification and communication.

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42
Q

Types of Toxicology Studies?

A

Acute Toxicity, Skin and Eye Irritation, Sensitization, Repeated Dose Toxicity, Mutagenicity and genotoxicity, Reproductive and developmental toxicity, carcinogenicity, toxicokinetics.

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43
Q

Types of Acute Toxicity?

A

Oral, Inhalation, Dermal

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44
Q

Type of Sensitization studies?

A

Skin, Respiratory

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45
Q

Type of Repeated Dose Toxicity Studies?

A

28d, 90d, Chronic

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46
Q
A
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47
Q
A
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48
Q

How is DNEL used in risk assessment?

A

To assess the risk to human health by comparing the level of exposure to the DNEL.

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49
Q

What determines a chemical’s persistence in the environment?

A

The chemical’s half-life (DT50), indicating the time it takes for half of the substance to degrade.

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50
Q

What does DNEL stand for in chemical risk assessment?

A

Derived No-Effect Level.

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51
Q

What is the significance of LD50 in toxicology?

A

LD50 is the lethal dose that kills 50% of the test population, indicating acute toxicity.

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52
Q

What does NOAEL represent?

A

No Observed Adverse Effect Level - the highest exposure level at which no significant adverse effects are observed.

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53
Q

Define Exposure in chemical risk assessment.

A

The degree of contact with a chemical substance.

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54
Q

What is the goal of ecotoxicology?

A

To study the effects of chemicals on ecosystems and organisms at various biological levels.

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55
Q

Define Hazard in the context of chemical safety.

A

The inherent property of a chemical to cause adverse effects.

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56
Q

What is REACH, and what is its purpose?

A

Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals; aims to protect human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals.

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57
Q

What does LC50 measure in toxicology?

A

The lethal concentration that kills 50% of the test population, used for assessing inhalation toxicity.

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58
Q

What does GHS stand for, and why is it important?

A

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals; important for harmonizing hazard communication.

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59
Q

Describe the concept of “Risk Characterization”.

A

The process combining hazard and exposure assessment to estimate the risk. Combining the information from the hazard characterization and the exposure assessment in order to form a conclusion about the nature and magnitude of risk, and, if indicated, implement additional risk management measures.

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60
Q

What is the purpose of the NOEC value in ecotoxicology?

A

No Observed Effect Concentration; the highest concentration that does not result in observable adverse effects on the environment.

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61
Q

Explain the term “Round-off Error” in numerical analysis.

A

The error resulting from the approximation of a number due to limited precision in its representation.

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62
Q

What is a Risk Quotient (RQ), and how is it calculated?

A

RQ = Estimated Environmental Concentration (EEC) / Ecotoxicity Effect Endpoint; used to assess ecological risk.

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63
Q

Describe the term “Acute Toxicity”.

A

The adverse effects of a substance that result from a single exposure or multiple exposures in a short period.

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64
Q

What does the term “Carcinogenicity” mean in toxicology?

A

The ability of a substance to cause cancer.

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65
Q

Explain the purpose of a Margin of Exposure (MOE) calculation.

A

To assess the safety of a substance by comparing the no-observed-adverse-effect level to the estimated exposure level.

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66
Q

What does the term “Persistence” refer to in environmental chemistry?

A

The time it takes for half of the substance to degrade in the environment, indicated by its half-life (DT50).

67
Q

Define “Hazard Characterization” in the context of chemical risk assessment.

A

The dose-response determination (LD50/LC50, NOAEL, T25, EC50, NOEC, etc) determines the relationship between the magnitude of exposure to a hazard with the probability and severity of adverse effects.

68
Q

What does EC50 represent in an ecotoxicology study?

A

The concentration of a substance that causes a 50% reduction in a quantifiable biological function (e.g., growth or reproduction) in a test population.

69
Q

What is the purpose of “Exposure Assessment”?

A

Identifying the extent to which an exposure actually occurs. Exposure levels are usually estimated or measured.

70
Q

Explain what a “Derived Minimum Effect Level” (DMEL) refers to.

A

A level of chemical exposure below which a human population (including sensitive subgroups) could be safely exposed over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

71
Q

What is “Numerical Integration” and why is it used?

A

A method to approximate the value of integrals, used when an analytic solution is difficult or impossible to obtain.

72
Q

Describe “Chronic Toxicity” and how it is assessed.

A

The adverse effects of a substance after prolonged or repeated exposure, typically assessed over a significant portion of the organism’s lifespan.

73
Q

What does “Bioaccumulation” refer to in environmental science?

A

The process by which a chemical concentration in an organism exceeds that in its environment due to absorption and accumulation over time.

74
Q

Define “Mutagenicity” in the context of toxicological studies.

A

The property of a chemical agent to cause mutations, which are permanent changes in the DNA sequence of an organism.

75
Q

What is “Environmental Fate Modeling” used for?

A

To predict the distribution, concentration, and persistence of chemicals in the environment through mathematical models.

76
Q

Explain the significance of “Safety Factor” in risk assessment.

A

A multiplicative factor applied to account for uncertainty in the extrapolation from animal studies to humans, aiming to ensure the protection of human health.

77
Q

Convection and Advection:

A

These processes describe the movement of pesticides through the transport of heated fluid (like water) and the bulk movement of substances by currents in the fluid, respectively.

78
Q

Dispersion and Diffusion

A

These processes describe the spread of pesticide particles from areas of high concentration to low concentration through random motion or the mixing of substances within a fluid.

79
Q

Pesticides enter drinking water sources through several pathways, including:

A

Agricultural runoff, soil erosion, leaching into groundwater, and drift from aerial and ground application methods.

80
Q

Water and pesticide movement is significantly influenced by natural forces such as

A

Water flow and wind

81
Q

Use of models:

A

Models are crucial for estimating pesticide exposure in the environment. They help interpret field studies, extrapolate findings to different conditions, compare pesticides, and evaluate sources of uncertainty. Models are cost-effective alternatives to extensive field or laboratory studies.

82
Q

Convection

A

involves the movement of heat through fluids (air or water), affecting how substances like pesticides can be distributed within these mediums.

83
Q

Advection

A

is the process of transporting a substance by the bulk movement of water, such as the flow of pollutants in a river.

84
Q

Dispersion

A

describes the spread of matter from high to low concentration areas, crucial for understanding how pollutants disperse in water bodies.

85
Q

Diffusion

A

is the process where particles spread out, leading to a uniform distribution within a medium, such as water.

86
Q

Convection–diffusion equation

A

Combines diffusion and convection processes, providing a framework for modeling the transport of particles, energy, or other quantities in a system.

87
Q

Pesticide modeling and mass balance concepts emphasize

A

that the total mass of pesticides within a model system remains constant, adhering to the law of conservation of mass. This principle is critical for accurately modeling pesticide behavior in the environment.

88
Q

Environmental fate parameters such as

A

molecular weight, solubility, and adsorption/desorption characteristics are key to understanding how pesticides interact with different environmental compartments and their potential for movement and transformation.

89
Q

Pesticide degradation

A

is an essential aspect of modeling, with various processes (such as photolysis and microbial degradation) influencing how quickly pesticides break down in the environment.

90
Q

What are the main pathways through which pesticides enter drinking water sources?

A

Agricultural runoff, soil erosion, leaching into groundwater, and drift from aerial and ground application methods.

91
Q

What is the primary factor affecting pesticide movement in the environment?

A

Water flow.

92
Q

Why are models used to estimate pesticide exposure in the environment?

A

To interpret field studies, extrapolate to different conditions, compare pesticides, evaluate uncertainty, and as a cost-effective alternative to field/laboratory studies.

93
Q

At what scales is the hydrologic cycle crucial for understanding pesticide transport?

A

Watershed and field scale.

94
Q

What role does convection play in the distribution of pesticides in the environment?

A

It involves the movement of heat through fluids (air or water), affecting pesticide distribution.

95
Q

What is advection in the context of environmental science?

A

The transport of a substance by the bulk movement of water, crucial for understanding pollutant flow in rivers.

96
Q

How does dispersion affect pollutant distribution in water bodies?

A

It describes the spread of matter from high to low concentration areas, essential for understanding pollutant dispersal.

97
Q

What does the diffusion process entail in environmental studies?

A

The spread of particles leading to a uniform distribution within a medium like water.

98
Q

What does the convection–diffusion equation model in environmental studies?

A

The combined effects of diffusion and convection in transporting particles or energy in a system.

99
Q

Why is sediment transport significant in surface water exposure modeling for pesticides?

A

It influences how pesticide particles attached to soil are moved by water into surface waters.

100
Q

What does the principle of mass conservation state regarding pesticide modeling?

A

The total mass of pesticides remains constant within a model system, adhering to the law of conservation of mass.

101
Q

Which environmental fate parameters are crucial for understanding pesticide behavior?

A

Molecular weight, solubility, and adsorption/desorption characteristics.

102
Q

What processes influence pesticide degradation in the environment?

A

Photolysis, microbial degradation (aerobic and anaerobic metabolism), hydrolysis, and volatility.

103
Q

How does hydrology contribute to pesticide movement and distribution?

A

Hydrology determines water flow patterns, which are primary carriers of pesticides in the environment.

104
Q

What natural forces are primarily responsible for pesticide movement in the environment?

A

Water and wind.

105
Q

What is the purpose of the SETBACK model in pesticide application?

A

To estimate the setback distance from drinking water intakes and minimum holding period for aquatic herbicide applications.

106
Q

How do pesticides interact with soil particles through adsorption/desorption processes?

A

Pesticides are dispersed between solid matter and water, influenced by the soil’s organic matter content.

107
Q

How does a pesticide’s solubility affect its environmental fate and transport?

A

Water-soluble pesticides tend to remain at the surface, while insoluble ones penetrate into the soil’s hydrophobic interior.

108
Q

Why is organic matter significant in the sorption of pesticides to soil?

A

It acts as a major retention site, influencing the distribution between soil and soil water.

109
Q

What is the significance of modeling pesticide degradation in environmental fate studies?

A

To predict how quickly pesticides break down in the environment, affecting their longevity and potential for contamination.

110
Q

Why is pesticide volatility important in assessing environmental fate?

A

High volatility pesticides can evaporate into the atmosphere, affecting their distribution and degradation pathways.

111
Q

What are some methods through which pesticides are applied that can affect their environmental dispersion?

A

Aerial application, ground spraying, orchard airblast, and chemigation.

112
Q

How does hydrolysis contribute to pesticide degradation in the environment?

A

It involves a chemical reaction with water to break down pesticide molecules, often dependent on pH levels.

113
Q

How does wind influence pesticide application and potential environmental contamination?

A

Wind can carry pesticides away from target areas, leading to unintended exposure and drift into sensitive environments.

114
Q

Why is the content of organic matter in soil crucial for pesticide fate modeling?

A

Organic matter content influences pesticide adsorption, affecting mobility and degradation rates in soils.

115
Q

What factors contribute to pesticide leaching into groundwater?

A

Soil permeability, pesticide solubility, and the presence of preferential flow paths such as macropores.

116
Q

What role does photolysis play in the degradation of pesticides in the environment?

A

Photolysis involves the breakdown of pesticides by sunlight, affecting degradation rates on soil surfaces and in water.

117
Q

How are pesticide sorption coefficients (Kd and Koc) used in environmental fate studies?

A

They quantify the extent to which pesticides bind to soil particles, influencing mobility and bioavailability.

118
Q

How does climate affect the transport and transformation of pesticides in the environment?

A

Temperature and precipitation patterns influence volatilization, degradation rates, and the potential for runoff and leaching.

119
Q

Why is understanding pesticide transport and degradation important for resistance management?

A

It helps predict environmental concentrations over time, informing strategies to mitigate resistance development in target pests.

120
Q

What is biodegradation, and why is it significant for pesticide fate in the environment?

A

Biodegradation is the breakdown of pesticides by living organisms, significant for reducing pesticide persistence and potential toxicity in the environment.

121
Q

What does the term “half-life” refer to in the context of pesticides in the environment?

A

The time required for the concentration of a pesticide to decrease by half through degradation processes.

122
Q

What do pesticide adsorption isotherms describe?

A

The relationship between the concentration of pesticides in the soil solution and the amount adsorbed by the soil at equilibrium.

123
Q

How does Integrated Pest Management (IPM) reduce the need for chemical pesticides?

A

IPM uses a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to manage pests in an environmentally and economically sustainable way, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.

124
Q

How does the formulation of a pesticide influence its environmental fate?

A

The formulation affects solubility, volatility, and adsorption properties, thereby influencing its mobility, persistence, and degradation patterns.

125
Q

Why is the study of pesticides’ effects on non-target species important?

A

To assess and mitigate unintended impacts on biodiversity, including beneficial insects, aquatic organisms, and wildlife.

126
Q

What impact does pesticide runoff have on surface water quality?

A

Pesticide runoff can lead to contamination of rivers, lakes, and streams, affecting aquatic life and potentially entering human drinking water sources.

127
Q

How do pesticide regulations contribute to environmental safety?

A

Regulations ensure the safe use, storage, and disposal of pesticides to minimize environmental contamination and protect human health.

128
Q

What is the purpose of monitoring pesticide residues in the environment?

A

To track the presence and concentration of pesticides in various environmental compartments, assessing compliance with safety standards and identifying potential risks.

129
Q

How does Integrated Pest Management (IPM) reduce the need for chemical pesticides?

A

IPM uses a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to manage pests in an environmentally and economically sustainable way, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.

130
Q

What are the environmental implications of pesticide resistance?

A

Resistance can lead to increased pesticide use, greater environmental contamination, and loss of biodiversity as more potent chemicals or increased quantities are required to control resistant pests.

131
Q

How does soil pH affect pesticide degradation?

A

Soil pH can influence the microbial activity and chemical reactions responsible for pesticide breakdown, affecting degradation rates.

132
Q

What is the Pesticide Mobility Index (PMI), and why is it important?

A

PMI predicts a pesticide’s potential to move within the soil profile and reach groundwater, helping assess environmental contamination risk.

133
Q

What role do buffer zones play in pesticide application?

A

Buffer zones protect sensitive areas (e.g., water bodies, residential areas) from pesticide drift and runoff, reducing environmental and human health risks.

134
Q

What is bioaccumulation, and how does it relate to pesticides?

A

Bioaccumulation refers to the buildup of pesticides in an organism’s tissues, often through the food chain, leading to potential toxic effects.

135
Q

How can pesticides impact soil microbiota?

A

Pesticides can alter the diversity and function of soil microbial communities, affecting nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and ecosystem health.

136
Q

How does the depth of the water table influence pesticide leaching risks?

A

Shallow water tables are at higher risk for pesticide contamination from leaching, especially in permeable soils or with highly soluble pesticides.

137
Q

Why is pesticide use reporting important for environmental monitoring?

A

Reporting enables tracking of pesticide application rates and patterns, informing risk assessments and mitigation strategies for environmental protection.

138
Q

What techniques are used for pesticide remediation in contaminated environments?

A

Techniques include bioremediation, phytoremediation, and advanced chemical treatments to reduce or eliminate pesticide residues.

139
Q

What are endocrine-disrupting pesticides, and why are they a concern?

A

These pesticides can interfere with hormone systems in wildlife and humans, causing developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune issues.

140
Q

What are sustainable practices for pesticide disposal?

A

Sustainable practices include proper containment, degradation, recycling of containers, and following guidelines to minimize environmental impact.

141
Q

FFDCA

A

Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

142
Q

FEPCA

A

Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act

143
Q

FIFRA

A

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act

144
Q

PRIA

A

Pesticide Registration Improvement Act

145
Q

FQPA

A

Food Quality Protection Act

146
Q

FIA

A

Federal Insecticide Act

147
Q

RCR

A

Risk Characterization Ratio – ratio of the exposure estimate to the DNEL

148
Q

NOAEL

A

No Observed Adverse Effect Level

149
Q

DNEL

A

Derived No-Effect Level

150
Q

NOEC

A

No Observed Effect Concentration

151
Q

REACH

A

Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals

152
Q

GHS

A

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals

153
Q

NOAEL

A

No Observed Adverse Effect Level

154
Q

RQ

A

Risk Quotient = EEC / Ecotoxicity Effect Endpoint

155
Q

EEC

A

Estimated Environmental Concentration

156
Q
A
157
Q
A
158
Q
A
159
Q
A
160
Q
A
161
Q
A
162
Q
A
163
Q
A