Which of the following does NOT affect the environmental release of pesticides?

The correct answer is based on the understanding of the various factors that influence the environmental release of pesticides. Degradation, bioaccumulation, and soil erosion all have a direct impact on how pesticides behave in the environment.

Degradation refers to the breaking down of pesticides through chemical, biological, or physical processes, which can lessen their harmful effects over time. Bioaccumulation involves the accumulation of pesticides in living organisms, which can lead to higher concentrations in predators and can affect the entire ecosystem. Soil erosion can lead to the physical movement of pesticides from one area to another, thus influencing how and where pesticides are released into the environment.

In contrast, temperature itself does not directly impact the release of pesticides in the same way as the other factors listed. While temperature can affect the rate of degradation and could indirectly play a role in pesticide behavior, it does not inherently change the processes of release or movement in the environment. Therefore, temperature is not a critical factor in the environmental release of pesticides compared to the other choices.