Question

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

Short answer

Minamata disease is caused by mercury, option (a)
0.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Minamata Disease

Minamata disease is a neurological syndrome. To solve the exercise, we need to understand which element causes this syndrome by contaminating water sources.

Identify the Element

Minamata disease is caused by the industrial release of methylmercury into the water system, which is a compound of mercury (
0). Thus, we are looking for an option related to mercury.

Analyze the Options

Examine the options provided: (a)
0 (b) 7 (c) 8 (d) 3. Mercury's symbol is
0.

Select the Correct Option

The correct answer is (a)
0, as it represents mercury, the element responsible for Minamata disease.

Key concepts

Neurological Syndrome

Minamata disease is a serious neurological syndrome that affects the nervous system. It was first discovered in Minamata, Japan, in the 1950s and is named after this region. The condition is primarily characterized by symptoms like numbness in the hands and feet, muscle weakness, and damage to hearing and speech. In severe cases, patients may experience paralysis, coma, and even death. This syndrome occurs when the nervous system is disrupted, particularly by toxic substances like methylmercury.

• Symptoms affect the central nervous system and can vary greatly in severity.
• Early detection and treatment are crucial for minimizing long-term effects.
• This disorder highlights the impact of environmental toxins on human health.

Understanding the connection between environmental factors and neurological health is vital, as it helps prevent similar tragedies by preventing exposure to harmful substances.

Methylmercury

Methylmercury is an extremely toxic compound of mercury, an element denoted by the chemical symbol Hg. It is a potent neurotoxin that can easily accumulate in living organisms. This compound is highly dangerous as it can cause severe neurological damage when ingested by humans or animals. Methylmercury forms when mercury is released into the environment and then transformed by bacteria.

• Easily absorbed into the bloodstream, it crosses the blood-brain barrier.
• Bioaccumulation occurs in fish and shellfish, which are often eaten by humans.

Chronic exposure to methylmercury can lead to significant health challenges. Therefore, recognizing the source and mitigating exposure can prevent mercury poisoning and associated diseases.

Water Contamination

Water contamination occurs when harmful substances enter water bodies, making them toxic to humans, animals, and plants. In the case of Minamata disease, water contamination was caused by methylmercury. Contaminants can enter water sources from a variety of routes including industrial waste, sewage, agricultural runoff, and natural disasters.

• Contaminated water affects entire ecosystems, disrupting food chains.
• Ensures that drinking water is monitored to prevent health hazards.
• Sustainable waste management practices are necessary to prevent pollution.

By understanding how contamination occurs, we can implement more effective controls and precautions to ensure clean and safe water for all.

Industrial Pollution

Industrial pollution refers to the byproducts of industrial activity that pollute the environment. Pollution can take many forms, such as air emissions, wastewater, and solid waste. In the context of Minamata disease, industrial pollution specifically refers to the release of methylmercury into the water system from a chemical factory in Minamata, Japan.

• Regulation and treatment of industrial waste are critical to reducing pollution.
• Industrial processes need checks and balances for safe environmental practices.
• Communities need to advocate for policies that protect the environment.

Adopting cleaner technologies and enforcing stricter regulations can greatly reduce the risk of pollution-related health issues and safeguard ecological well-being.