Contaminant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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contaminant
[kənˈtæmɪnənt ]
Definitions
environmental pollution
A contaminant is a substance that makes something impure by polluting or infecting it. These substances can be found in air, water, soil, food, or other materials.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The factory released contaminants into the river, causing harm to the ecosystem.
- Contaminants in the soil can affect the quality of crops grown in that area.
chemistry
In chemistry, a contaminant refers to any substance that is unintentionally present in a sample or material, affecting the purity of the desired compound.
Synonyms
foreign substance, impurity.
Examples of usage
- The presence of contaminants in the drug sample affected the results of the experiment.
- It is important to remove contaminants from laboratory equipment to ensure accurate testing.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Environmental Science
- Contaminants can be chemicals, microorganisms, or physical substances that pollute air, water, or soil.
- Heavy metals like lead and mercury are common contaminants found in industrial waste.
- Microbial contaminants, such as bacteria and viruses, are often responsible for foodborne illnesses.
Health and Safety
- Exposure to certain contaminants can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory illnesses and cancers.
- Regulatory bodies, like the EPA, set limits on the amount of particular contaminants allowed in drinking water.
Pop Culture
- Movies often portray environmental disasters caused by contaminants, highlighting their dangerous effects on communities.
- Documentaries about pollution raise awareness about the need for cleaner environments and reduced contamination.
Literature
- Many novels and poems explore themes of contamination, both literally in environments and metaphorically in society.
- Works discussing dystopias often feature societies dealing with the repercussions of unchecked contamination.
Origin of 'contaminant'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'contaminare,' which means 'to make unclean.'
- It was first used in English in the early 20th century, reflecting growing concerns about health and safety.
The word 'contaminant' originated from the Latin word 'contaminare', meaning 'to defile or make impure'. The concept of contaminants has been recognized throughout history as substances that can harm or degrade the purity of other materials. In modern times, with increasing concerns about pollution and environmental degradation, the term 'contaminant' has gained significant importance in discussions around sustainability and health.