Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumSoil Pollution, Pesticides, Heavy Metals, and Waste Management

Organophosphate pesticides persist in agricultural soils for significantly longer periods than organochlorine insecticides because organophosphates resist chemical hydrolysis and microbial degradation.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False
The correct evaluation is False. Organochlorines contain non-polar carbon-chlorine bonds that resist chemical hydrolysis and biological breakdown, causing them to persist in agricultural soils and bioaccumulate up the food chain. Organophosphates possess ester linkages that hydrolyze relatively quickly in moist soil, resulting in much shorter environmental persistence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the chemical bonding and functional groups present in organochlorines vs organophosphates.
Organochlorines feature stable C-Cl bonds, while organophosphates contain reactive phosphate ester bonds.
Bond strength and polarity determine susceptibility to chemical and biological degradation pathways in soil.
2
Evaluate degradation mechanisms and environmental persistence in soil.
Organophosphates undergo rapid hydrolysis and microbial enzymatic cleavage in moist soil, whereas organochlorines resist weathering and remain in soil for long periods.
Ester linkages in organophosphates are easily cleaved by soil moisture and enzymes, unlike non-polar chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Key Concept

Chemical stability, environmental persistence, and bioaccumulation pathways of organochlorine vs organophosphate pesticides in soil
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Soil Pollution, Pesticides, Heavy Metals, and Waste Management

More questions from this topic