Which of the following is an example of a chemical pollutant?

Pesticides are considered chemical pollutants because they consist of synthetic or naturally derived chemicals used to control pests, including insects, weeds, and fungi. These substances can contaminate the environment, particularly soil and water, and can have harmful effects on human health and ecosystems. Chemical pollutants like pesticides are characterized by their potential to accumulate in the food chain, degrade air and water quality, and contribute to harmful biological effects.

While carbon monoxide is also a chemical pollutant known for its role in air pollution and health risks when inhaled, the classification of pesticides as chemical pollutants emphasizes their specific purpose and broader environmental impact relating to agricultural practices. The other options, such as silt and noise, refer to physical pollutants rather than chemical ones; silt is a form of sediment that can affect water quality, and noise is an auditory pollutant that can impact human and animal health but does not involve chemical composition.