Which process would help prevent groundwater or surface water contamination?

Selecting pesticides that tightly absorb to soil and are not persistent is crucial for preventing groundwater or surface water contamination. Pesticides that have high soil absorption typically remain in the upper layers of the soil, reducing the likelihood of leaching into groundwater or being carried off by surface runoff. This characteristic helps contain the pesticide within the treated area, minimizing environmental exposure.

Additionally, pesticides that are not persistent break down more quickly in the environment, further decreasing the chance of them entering water sources over time. This combination of strong soil adsorption and low persistence effectively limits the potential for contamination of both groundwater and surface water.

In contrast, options that involve highly volatile pesticides, larger volumes for dilution, or low toxicity do not address the core issue of environmental contamination. Volatile pesticides can evaporate and travel with wind, while using larger volumes may increase the amount of pesticide that could potentially run off or leach, and low toxicity does not necessarily relate to how a pesticide interacts with soil or water.