Georgia Pesticide Applicators Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Preparation Guide

Water contamination is a significant potential environmental impact of pesticide use. When pesticides are applied to crops, they can wash off into nearby water bodies through rain or irrigation. This runoff can lead to the contamination of rivers, lakes, and groundwater, posing risks to aquatic life, drinking water sources, and ecosystems. Chemical residues from pesticides can disrupt the balance of aquatic ecosystems, harm fish and other wildlife, and affect human health through contaminated water supplies.

In contrast, while increased agricultural yields and improved soil quality could be seen as direct benefits of using pesticides, they do not encompass the potential environmental risks associated with pesticide use. Enhanced biodiversity is generally not a result of pesticide application; in fact, pesticide use can reduce biodiversity by harming non-target species, including beneficial insects and other organisms essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems.