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.
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
'die Belastung' and 'die Verunreinigung' can both describe harmful or unwanted substances being present in something. 'Belastung' more often means the extent or effect of such substances, for example in air, water, or the body. 'Verunreinigung' focuses more on the contamination itself or the substance that contaminates something. They can be confused because both occur in environmental and health topics. 'Belastung' fits well when talking about measured values or risks; 'Verunreinigung' fits when something is no longer clean or pure.
Im Trinkwasser wurde eine Verunreinigung durch Öl gefunden.
Contamination from oil was found in the drinking water.
Nach dem Brand wurde die Belastung der Luft in der Umgebung gemessen.
After the fire, the contamination of the air in the surrounding area was measured.