contaminada

Contaminada is the feminine singular form of the adjective contaminado in Spanish and Portuguese, used to describe something that has been contaminated by an unwanted substance, pathogen, or impurity. The term denotes a state in which safety, quality, or compliance is compromised, and it can refer to materials, environments, or processes rather than to individuals.

In both languages, contaminada agrees with a feminine noun, as in agua contaminada (contaminated water) or superficie contaminada (contaminated surface). The masculine form contaminado and the corresponding nouns for the concept—contaminación in Spanish and contaminação in Portuguese—are used in parallel contexts.

Common domains include environmental science, public health, food safety, and industrial hygiene. Contaminada conditions may arise from chemical pollutants, biological agents, radiological materials, or physical impurities. Well-known examples include water contaminated with pathogens, soil contaminated by heavy metals, and food contaminated with toxins or allergens.

Assessment typically relies on sampling and laboratory analysis to determine contaminant levels relative to regulatory thresholds. If contamination is confirmed, actions may include exclusion from use, remediation and cleanup, containment, or decontamination of affected areas. Prevention measures focus on controlling sources, improving handling practices, and ongoing monitoring.