What do we call the length of time a pesticide or its byproducts remain active in the environment?

The term used to describe the length of time a pesticide or its byproducts remain active or effective in the environment is referred to as persistence. This concept encompasses the duration that a chemical remains unchanged and active after application, which can impact its effectiveness and potential environmental risks. A pesticide's persistence is critical for understanding how long it can affect target organisms, as well as non-target species, and influences management practices to mitigate potential environmental contamination.

While half-life refers specifically to the time it takes for half of the pesticide concentration to degrade, it is a specific aspect of persistence and does not encompass the total timeframe that a pesticide may remain in the environment. Potency generally relates to the effectiveness of a pesticide at a given concentration, and stability refers to the chemical's ability to maintain its structure or effectiveness under environmental conditions but does not specifically address the whole duration of activity.