Pollutant vs. Contaminant

Pollutantnoun

A foreign substance that makes something dirty, or impure, especially waste from human activities.

Pollutantnoun

waste matter that contaminates the water or air or soil

Pollutant

A pollutant is a substance or energy introduced into the environment that has undesired effects, or adversely affects the usefulness of a resource. A pollutant may cause long- or short-term damage by changing the growth rate of plant or animal species, or by interfering with human amenities, comfort, health, or property values.

Contaminantnoun

That which contaminates; an impurity; foreign matter.

Contaminantnoun

a substance that contaminates