♻️ap environmental science review

Pollutants

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Pollutants are harmful substances that contaminate the environment, causing damage to ecosystems and living organisms. They can come from various sources such as industrial waste, vehicle emissions, or agricultural runoff.