pollutants

[pəˈluːtənts]
nounpl: pollutants
poluentes
1. Substances or agents that contaminate air, water, soil, or the environment, causing harm to living organisms or ecosystems
Industrial pollutants are released into the atmosphere daily.
Os poluentes industriais são liberados na atmosfera diariamente.
2. Chemical, biological, or physical agents introduced into the environment in concentrations that cause adverse effects
Water pollutants such as heavy metals threaten aquatic life.
Poluentes da água, como metais pesados, ameaçam a vida aquática.
In Brazil, concerns about pollutants have intensified with industrial growth and urbanization, particularly regarding air quality in São Paulo and water pollution in major rivers. Environmental agencies (IBAMA, CETESB) regularly monitor pollutant levels. In the USA, the EPA regulates pollutants under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, making this a politically and scientifically significant term in public discourse.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
contaminantstoxinsimpuritiesemissionswaste products
Antonyms / Antônimos
purifierscleanersclean airclean water

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
poluentes
Most common term used in environmental discourse
Rio de Janeiro
poluentes
Standard usage, particularly regarding air and water quality in the metropolitan area
São Paulo
poluentes
Heavily used in discussions of industrial and automotive pollution
Portugal
poluentes
Identical to Brazilian Portuguese; used in European environmental policies and discussions

Related Words

pollutioncontaminationemissionsenvironmental degradationgreenhouse gasesair qualitywater quality

Related Idioms & Phrases

chemical pollutants
air pollutants
water pollutants
toxic pollutants
indoor pollutants
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →