contamination / impurity
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contamination
The process by which something is polluted or reduced in quality by harmful or unwanted substances; contamination.
Die Verunreinigung des Grundwassers durch Chemikalien ist ein ernstes Problem.
The contamination of groundwater by chemicals is a serious problem.
impurity
A material or substance that pollutes or contaminates something.
Bei der Laboranalyse wurden verschiedene Verunreinigungen im Trinkwasser gefunden.
During the laboratory analysis, various impurities were found in the drinking water.
The word is made up of the prefix 'ver-' (which often indicates something negative or wrong), the adjective 'unrein' (impure), and the ending '-ung', which forms a noun. It therefore describes the state or process of 'becoming impure.'
Die Verunreinigung der Meere ist eine globale Herausforderung.
The contamination of the oceans is a global challenge.
The meaning often depends on the number. In the singular ('die Verunreinigung'), it usually refers to the abstract process. In the plural ('die Verunreinigungen'), it refers to the specific harmful substances.
Die Verunreinigung des Flusses schreitet voran.
The contamination of the river is progressing.
When the cause of the pollution is mentioned, it often appears in the sentence with the preposition 'durch' (by/through). When the polluted medium is mentioned, it often appears in the genitive or with 'von' (of/from).
Die Verunreinigung durch Plastikmüll ist sichtbar.
The contamination by plastic waste is visible.
When referring to the specific substances, the word is often combined with adjectives such as 'chemisch' (chemical), 'bakteriell' (bacterial), or 'industriell' (industrial), or with verbs such as 'entfernen' (to remove), 'nachweisen' (to detect), or 'analysieren' (to analyze).
Diese Filter können selbst kleinste Verunreinigungen aus dem Wasser entfernen.
These filters can remove even the smallest impurities from the water.
burden / load
Verunreinigung refers to contamination by unwanted substances. Belastung describes the state resulting from harmful substances being present and often emphasizes their level. Verunreinigung is appropriate when establishing that something is contaminated; Belastung is particularly suitable for quantities such as low or high levels.
Die Untersuchung zeigt eine Verunreinigung des Bodens mit Blei.
The test shows lead contamination in the soil.
Die Untersuchung zeigt eine hohe Belastung des Bodens mit Blei.
The test shows a high level of lead contamination in the soil.
