Question

Minamata disease is a pollution-related disease, which is caused due to:

• A. The release of human organic waste into drinking water.
• B. The release of industrial waste containing mercury into water containing aquatic animals.
• C. Accumulation of arsenic into atmosphere.
• D. Oil spills into the sea.

Answer 1

The correct option is B

The release of industrial waste containing mercury into water containing aquatic animals.

Minamata disease is a pollution-related disease, which is caused due to the release of industrial waste mercury into water bodies. The paper industries use mercury for bleaching paper and other chemical industries release large amounts of mercury into the water. A form of poisoning, Minamata disease is a disease of the central nervous system, caused by the consumption of fish and shellfish contaminated with methylmercury compounds discharged into the environment as factory waste etc., and then accumulating in the marine life.