persistence in the environment

Persistence in the environment refers to how long a substance remains in the air, water, or soil before breaking down or being removed. Some chemicals, like certain pesticides or pollutants, can last for years, slowly degrading or accumulating. This means they can continue to affect ecosystems and human health long after initial release. Persistent substances are more challenging to manage because they don't easily disappear and can spread widely, highlighting the importance of understanding their lifespan and impact for environmental protection and safety.