What are the derived products of pesticides that remain after application called?

The term used to describe the derived products of pesticides that remain after application is "residual compounds." These are substances that remain in the environment, typically as a result of the chemical breakdown or the degradation process of the pesticide. Understanding the nature and behavior of residual compounds is crucial for evaluating the environmental impact of pesticide use, as these residuals can persist in soil, water, or plant material and affect non-target organisms and ecosystems.

Active ingredients refer to the specific chemicals in pesticides that are intended to control pests, not the leftover products after application. Breakdown products are essentially similar to residual compounds, but the term is often used in a different context, specifically to indicate substances resulting from decomposition or transformation of the active ingredient rather than emphasizing their residual presence. Lastly, the term "residual pesticides" typically implies the presence of pesticides that may still exert activity, but does not specifically capture the concept of compounds derived from their breakdown. Thus, the correct term that encapsulates these remaining substances is "residual compounds," highlighting their persistence in the environment post-application.