Which of the following is NOT a process of pesticide degradation in the environment?

Gas escape is a process that does not fall under the typical categories of pesticide degradation in the environment. When pesticides enter the environment, they can undergo various degradation processes that reduce their toxicity and alter their chemical structure.

Microbial degradation involves the breakdown of pesticides by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, effectively metabolizing these compounds into less harmful substances. Chemical degradation refers to the chemical reactions that result in the transformation of pesticides, often through hydrolysis or oxidation processes. Photodegradation occurs when pesticides are broken down by sunlight, specifically by the action of ultraviolet light on the chemical structure.

In contrast, gas escape refers to the release of pesticides into the atmosphere as gases, which does not constitute degradation but rather a physical process where the pesticide is removed from the environment. This distinction highlights that effective degradation typically involves altering the pesticide's chemical structure, rendering it less harmful, rather than merely allowing it to evaporate or escape into the air.