Explain the difference between contaminant and pollutant?

Contaminant and pollutant are two terms often used in discussions related to environmental science, ecology, and public health. While they are related concepts, there are distinct differences between them:

Contaminant:

A contaminant refers to any substance that is present where it should not be, regardless of its potential harm.
Contaminants can be natural or human-made and may or may not pose a threat to the environment or human health.
For instance, if oil is found in a water body where it does not naturally occur, it is considered a contaminant.
Pollutant:

A pollutant specifically refers to a substance that has been introduced into the environment, primarily by human activity, and has the potential to cause harm to living organisms or the environment.
Pollution often results from the release of pollutants into the air, water, or soil in concentrations that exceed natural levels and can lead to adverse effects.
Examples of pollutants include carbon monoxide from car emissions, pesticides in agricultural runoff, and heavy metals discharged from industrial processes.
In summary, while all pollutants are contaminants, not all contaminants are pollutants. Contaminants encompass any substance found where it shouldn't be, while pollutants specifically denote substances that are harmful to the environment or living organisms due to human activities.