Question

Minamata disease is caused due to the presence of \(\ldots \ldots\) in water. (a) \(\mathrm{Hg}\) (b) \(\mathrm{Pb}\) (c) \(\mathrm{Cd}\) (d) As

Short answer

Minamata disease is caused by the presence of mercury (Hg) in water.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Minamata Disease

Minamata disease is a neurological syndrome that was first discovered in Minamata city in Japan in 1956. It caused severe neurological issues and deaths in the local population.

Identifying the Cause of Minamata Disease

The disease was linked to industrial wastewater from a chemical factory. This wastewater contained a specific toxic chemical element that affected fish and shellfish, which were then consumed by the local populace, leading to the disease.

Recognizing the Toxic Element

The toxic element responsible for Minamata disease is methylmercury. This is a compound containing mercury (Hg). Mercury contaminates the water, is absorbed by aquatic life, and therefore enters the human diet.

Answering the Question

Based on the information gathered, it can be concluded that the presence of mercury (Hg) in the water was responsible for causing Minamata disease. Therefore, the correct option is (a) Hg.

Key concepts

Neurological Syndrome

Minamata disease is categorized as a neurological syndrome, which means it primarily affects the nervous system. When this syndrome occurs, various parts of the brain and nerves can be damaged. People suffering from neurological syndromes often exhibit symptoms such as muscle weakness, impaired vision, and difficulty with coordination. In severe cases, it can even lead to paralysis or death.

Symptoms may vary from mild to life-threatening, and the brain's ability to send signals to the rest of the body can be severely disrupted. Understanding the mechanism of a neurological syndrome can help us appreciate the gravity of diseases, like Minamata disease, and how debilitating they can be. Proper diagnosis and intervention are crucial to manage or mitigate symptoms.

Methylmercury

Methylmercury is a highly toxic form of mercury that is easily absorbed by living organisms. This compound can accumulate in fish and shellfish that live in contaminated water. When humans eat these contaminated creatures, they ingest methylmercury, which can have dire health consequences.

What makes methylmercury particularly dangerous is its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, a membrane that typically protects our brain from harmful substances. Once it enters the nervous system, it can lead to the aforementioned neurological damage.

• Methylmercury can remain in the body for a long time, further increasing its potential for harm.
• It has no known useful function in the human body, meaning any level of exposure can potentially be dangerous.

It's important to understand the pathways of exposure to methylmercury to better manage and prevent health risks.

Water Contamination

Water contamination occurs when harmful substances enter water bodies, making the water unsafe for human consumption and the ecosystem. In the case of the Minamata disease, the water was contaminated with methylmercury, a potent toxin. This contamination primarily occurred due to industrial activities where wastewater containing pollutants was discharged into the water systems.

Contaminated water affects the health of the aquatic life and, consequently, the humans who consume these water-dependent organisms.

• Contamination can also affect drinking water supplies, increasing the risk of human exposure.
• It is not limited to industrial discharge, as agricultural and domestic waste also contribute.

Addressing water contamination involves monitoring and managing waste disposal practices to protect both the environment and human health.

Industrial Pollution

Industrial pollution is a major contributor to environmental damage and public health crises. It refers to the release of harmful chemicals and waste materials into the environment due to industrial activities. In Minamata, Japan, industrial pollution was responsible for introducing methylmercury into the local water systems.

Industrial processes often generate waste products that can be toxic and, if not properly managed, can easily contaminate air, land, and water sources. This type of pollution impacts all forms of life, from plants to animals, and severely compromises ecosystems.

• Regulations and guidelines are essential to limit industrial pollution and protect public health.
• Continuous monitoring and technological innovation can help in mitigating such environmental impacts.

Responsible manufacturing practices and waste management are crucial in reducing the effects of industrial pollution.