Which of the following refers to the degradation of pesticides involving a reaction with chemical substances?

The term that refers to the degradation of pesticides through a reaction with chemical substances is chemical degradation. This process involves the breakdown of pesticide molecules into less harmful or inactive substances due to chemical reactions. These reactions can occur due to interactions with various environmental factors, including other chemicals present in the soil, water, or atmosphere.

Chemical degradation is significant because it affects the effectiveness and persistence of pesticides in the environment. Understanding this process helps pesticide applicators manage pesticide usage more effectively and reduce potential ecological impacts.

Microbial action, while related to the degradation of pesticides, specifically involves living organisms (microbes) breaking down the chemicals rather than chemical reactions with other substances. Photodegradation refers to the breakdown of pesticides through exposure to light, particularly ultraviolet light, and is a different mechanism than chemical degradation. Volatility pertains to how easily a substance can evaporate into a gas; while it can affect pesticide behavior, it does not directly refer to degradation via chemical reactions.