Which of the following is a true statement with respect to groundwater and pesticides?

Groundwater can be particularly vulnerable to pesticide contamination, especially when it is shallow. Shallow groundwater is located closer to the surface where pesticides may be applied. Factors such as the type of pesticide, application method, soil characteristics, and rainfall can all influence the potential for these chemicals to leach into groundwater. Unlike surface water, which can dilute and disperse contaminants quickly, groundwater can retain these substances for extended periods, making it crucial to manage pesticide applications carefully to avoid groundwater contamination.

Other options present misconceptions about groundwater and its relationship with pesticides. Stating that groundwater will always remain uncontaminated is inaccurate, as it does not account for the various pathways through which pesticides can infiltrate. Claiming that only surface water can be contaminated ignores the reality that many pesticides can indeed reach groundwater, particularly through runoff and leaching. Finally, the idea that groundwater contamination is short-lived misrepresents the persistence of certain pesticides in groundwater, which can last much longer than in surface water, leading to longer-term ecological and health concerns.