It's difficult to pinpoint the first scientist who used the term "pollution" because the concept has been around for centuries, and the term has evolved over time. However, here's a breakdown of important figures:

* Early Concepts: Ancient civilizations understood the concept of environmental contamination. The Romans had laws regulating waste disposal, and the ancient Greeks spoke of "miasma" (harmful vapors) that could cause disease.

* 17th Century: The term "pollution" likely emerged during this time, with early uses often linked to religious or spiritual concepts.

* 18th and 19th Centuries: The Industrial Revolution spurred increasing awareness of air and water pollution. Scientists like John Evelyn (1620-1706) and John Snow (1813-1858) investigated the effects of pollution on public health.

* 20th Century: Rachel Carson (1907-1964) is considered a pivotal figure in modern environmentalism. Her book "Silent Spring" (1962) exposed the dangers of pesticides and popularized the term "pollution" in its modern context.

It's important to note that:

* The term "pollution" itself is often used in different ways, referring to contamination of the environment, water, air, soil, or even noise.

* The concept of pollution has evolved alongside scientific understanding of its causes and effects.

So, while pinpointing the "first" scientist to use the term is difficult, the understanding of pollution has a long and fascinating history.