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Pesticide Drift, Runoff and Environment Questions (Free, with Answers)

10 free practice questions on pesticides in the environment for the pesticide applicator core exam: drift, temperature inversions, leaching, runoff, pollinators, and water protection. Every question has an explanation. These are original questions written from the federal core standard, not actual exam items.

1. A temperature inversion is a condition where:

Answer: D. During an inversion, still, cool air near the surface can hold fine spray droplets and carry them long distances. Inversions are common on calm, clear mornings and evenings.

2. Which conditions increase the chance of a pesticide leaching to groundwater?

Answer: B. Leaching is most likely with permeable soils, little organic matter, a shallow water table, and persistent, soluble, weakly adsorbed pesticides.

3. Pesticide drift is MOST likely to increase when:

Answer: A. Smaller droplets from high pressure or fine nozzles stay aloft longer and move off target more easily.

4. To reduce risk to honey bees, an applicator should generally:

Answer: A. Bee-toxic products should not reach flowering plants while bees are active. Labels may carry specific pollinator protection language.

5. Runoff is the movement of pesticide:

Answer: D. Runoff carries pesticides across the surface with water, especially on slopes, compacted soils, or after heavy rain.

6. A "point source" of pollution is:

Answer: D. Point sources are specific locations, such as spills, mix/load sites, or dumping, where contamination is concentrated.

7. Volatilization is:

Answer: B. Volatilization is evaporation of a pesticide into vapor. It generally increases with higher temperatures and low humidity.

8. A back-siphoning incident can contaminate a water source when:

Answer: D. Keep an air gap between the hose and the tank's liquid surface, or use an anti-backflow device, so mix can't be drawn back into the water source.

9. Before applying near a pond or stream, the applicator should:

Answer: D. Environmental hazard statements and buffer or setback requirements on the label protect aquatic life and water resources.

10. Which soil characteristic tends to HOLD pesticides and reduce leaching?

Answer: D. Organic matter and clay adsorb many pesticides, slowing movement through the soil.
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