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Question

Difficulty: EasyEnvironmental Pollution: Types, Causes and Control Measures

Minamata disease, a severe neurological disorder caused by industrial water pollution, is primarily associated with the consumption of seafood contaminated by which of the following heavy metals?

  1. MercuryAnswer
  2. B
    Cadmium
  3. C
    Arsenic
  4. D
    Lead

Answer

Mercury
Minamata disease is a neurological syndrome resulting from severe mercury poisoning. It was first discovered in Minamata City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, where industrial wastewater containing methylmercury was discharged into Minamata Bay, contaminating fish and shellfish consumed by the local population.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the heavy metal pollutant associated with Minamata disease.
Minamata disease is caused by chronic methylmercury poisoning.
Industrial effluents containing inorganic mercury are released into water bodies where bacteria convert them into methylmercury, which bioaccumulates in aquatic food chains.

Key Concept

Heavy Metal Water Pollution and Specific Environmental Diseases
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Environmental Pollution: Types, Causes and Control Measures