Which statement lists factors that affect potential toxicity of aquatic pesticides?

• A. Water temperature and sunlight
• B. Mode of action; concentration; exposure duration
• C. Legal status of the product
• D. The color of the formulation

Answer: (B)

Toxicity to aquatic life is shaped by how the chemical acts on biological systems, how much of it is taken up, and how long organisms are exposed. The mode of action tells you what the pesticide does at a cellular or physiological level and which organisms are likely to be affected, helping predict which non-target species might be at risk. The concentration represents the dose—the higher the dose, the greater the potential for harmful effects. Exposure duration matters because longer contact with the chemical can lead to a greater cumulative dose, increasing the chance and severity of toxicity.

Environmental conditions like water temperature and sunlight can influence how a pesticide behaves or how sensitive organisms are, but they don’t define the pesticide’s inherent toxic potential. Legal status and the color of the formulation don’t determine toxicity either.