persistence(The capacity of a substance to remain chemically stable. This is an important factor in estimating the environmental effects of substances discharged into the environment. Certain toxic substances (e.g., cyanides) have a low persistence, whereas other less immediately toxic substances (e.g., many organochlorines) have a high persistence and may therefore produce more serious effects)
persistence of pesticides(The ability of a chemical to retain its molecular integrity and hence its physical, chemical, and functional characteristics in the environment through which such a chemical may be transported and distributed for a considerable period of time)