Which of the following issues can arise from microencapsulation in pesticides?

Microencapsulation can lead to persistent residues in the environment. This occurs because the microencapsulation process involves enclosing pesticide active ingredients within a protective coating that can delay their degradation. As a result, the encapsulated pesticides may remain in the environment for extended periods, increasing the likelihood of residues persisting in soil or water. This can lead to long-term exposure risks for non-target organisms and complicate environmental assessments.

While microencapsulation offers advantages such as controlled release and reduced volatility, the potential for persistent residues highlights an important environmental concern that must be managed. This contrasts with other issues that can arise from microencapsulation, such as increased non-target toxicity or formulation challenges, which, while relevant, do not directly address the specific concern of long-lasting impacts in the environment like persistent residues do.