What is the process called when a chemical moves into plants, animals, microorganisms, or soil?

The process referred to when a chemical moves into plants, animals, microorganisms, or soil is known as absorption. This phenomenon occurs when substances are taken up by organisms or materials from their surroundings. In the context of plants, for example, absorption involves the uptake of water and nutrients from the soil through their roots. In animals, it can relate to the consumption of food and the subsequent uptake of chemicals within metabolic processes.

Absorption is a crucial concept in understanding how pesticides and other chemicals can interact with various biological and environmental systems. When a chemical is absorbed, it can lead to bioavailability, which is the extent to which the substance can be taken up and utilized by living organisms. This process plays a significant role in the movement and effectiveness of pesticides within ecosystems.

In contrast, excretion refers to the removal of waste products from a body, while adsorption involves the adhesion of molecules to a surface, such as a solid or liquid. Evaporation is the transformation of a substance from a liquid to a gas. Understanding these distinctions reinforces why absorption is the correct term for the movement of chemicals into biological and environmental entities.