Question

What is the difference between pollutant and contaminant?

Answer 1

	Pollutant	Contaminant
1.	A pollutant is a substance that causes pollution and produces harmful effects on the environment.	A contaminant is an unwanted or undesirable substance present in the environment that makes it impure.
2.	It generally causes harmful changes in the environment.	It may make the environment impure but may not necessarily cause harmful effects.
3.	Example: Sulphur dioxide (SO2), pesticides, plastic waste.	Example: Dust, harmless chemicals or microorganisms present in an unwanted place.