What impact do pesticides with longer persistence have on aquatic life?

Pesticides with longer persistence refer to those that remain in the environment for an extended period after application. This characteristic can significantly increase the risk they pose to aquatic life. When such pesticides enter water bodies, their prolonged presence means that aquatic organisms, including fish, amphibians, invertebrates, and other wildlife, are subject to extended exposure.

This prolonged contact can lead to a range of harmful effects, including toxicity, disruption of reproductive systems, and alterations in behavior. The impact can cascade through the aquatic ecosystem, affecting food webs and potentially leading to declines in sensitive species. As a result, pesticides that are highly persistent can pose a significant hazard to aquatic ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and ecological balance.

In contrast, options suggesting that these pesticides are less hazardous, increase fish populations, or completely dissolve in water do not align with the known effects of persistent chemicals on aquatic environments. Pesticides that remain longer in the environment generally result in increased hazard levels, hence making choice C the correct understanding of their impact on aquatic life.