What is a potential consequence of pesticide runoff into bodies of water?

Pesticide runoff into bodies of water is a significant environmental concern, and one of its primary consequences is the harm to aquatic life and ecosystems. When pesticides enter water bodies, they can be toxic to various aquatic organisms, including fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. These chemicals can disrupt biological processes, lead to reduced populations, and even cause deaths among sensitive species.

Moreover, the introduction of pesticides into aquatic environments can upset the balance of the ecosystem. For example, when non-target organisms are affected, it can lead to a trophic cascade, where the effects of population changes impact the entire food web, ultimately influencing both aquatic and terrestrial species that depend on these organisms for food.

While other options suggest beneficial outcomes, such as improved water quality or enhanced growth of beneficial algae, these are misleading as pesticides typically have detrimental effects rather than positive ones on water quality and ecosystem health. Similarly, stating that pesticide runoff protects local wildlife contradicts the evidence that exposure can be harmful to various species, making this outcome highly unlikely. Thus, the correct recognition of the consequences of pesticide runoff centers around its damaging impact on aquatic life and the broader ecosystem.