pollutant
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pollutant
A substance that is harmful to the environment, humans, or animals. Pollutants can occur in the air, water, or soil and lead to health problems or ecological damage.
Die neue Verordnung soll den Ausstoß von Schadstoffen durch Autos weiter reduzieren.
The new regulation is intended to further reduce the emission of pollutants by cars.
The word is composed of 'Schaden' (damage/harm) and 'Stoff' (substance/material). A 'Schadstoff' (pollutant) is therefore literally a 'substance that causes harm.'
Industrieanlagen müssen ihre Schadstoffe filtern.
Industrial plants have to filter their pollutants.
Although the singular exists, the word is very often used in the plural, 'Schadstoffe' (pollutants). This is because people are usually talking about a mixture of various harmful substances.
Die Schadstoffe in der Luft können Atemwegserkrankungen verursachen.
The pollutants in the air can cause respiratory diseases.
In environmental and health contexts, 'Schadstoff' (pollutant) is often combined with certain verbs. Typical phrases are 'Schadstoffe ausstoßen' (to emit pollutants), 'Schadstoffe reduzieren' (to reduce pollutants), or 'Schadstoffe freisetzen' (to release pollutants).
Moderne Autos stoßen weniger Schadstoffe aus als alte Modelle.
Modern cars emit fewer pollutants than old models.
poison
“Das Gift” and “der Schadstoff” can both refer to a harmful substance in water. “Das Gift” particularly emphasizes the toxic effect on a living organism, while “der Schadstoff” highlights pollution and the possible impact on the environment or health. Use “Gift” when focusing on the effect on people and “Schadstoff” when focusing on pollution in the water.
Der Schadstoff im Wasser belastet die Umwelt und muss entfernt werden.
The pollutant in the water is harming the environment and must be removed.
Das Gift im Wasser kann Menschen und Tiere schwer krank machen.
The poison in the water can make people and animals seriously ill.
