Which of the following is an environmental impact of pesticide use?

The contamination of water resources is a significant environmental impact of pesticide use. When pesticides are applied to crops, they can run off into nearby water bodies during rainfall or irrigation, leading to the pollution of rivers, lakes, and groundwater. This contamination can have serious implications for aquatic ecosystems, affecting the health of fish and other wildlife, and may also pose risks to human health if these water sources are used for drinking or recreation.

In contrast, while increased crop yields, improved soil health, and reduction in pest populations are all potential benefits of pesticide use in agricultural practices, they do not encompass the negative environmental consequences linked to pesticide application. These other options focus on the advantages that pesticides can bring to agriculture rather than the environmental harm they can cause, particularly in terms of water quality. It's essential to balance the benefits of pest control with the responsibility to protect environmental resources.