Question

Case study on Minamata Incident
The Minamata Incident marked one of the worst cases of water pollution
In 1932, a factory in Minamata City, Japan began dumping its industrial effluent – Methylmercury, into the surrounding bay and the sea. Methylmercury is incredibly toxic to humans and animals alike, causing a wide range of neurological disorders.
Its ill-effects were not immediately noticeable. However, this all changed as methylmercury had started to bioaccumulate inside shellfishes and fish in the Minamata Bay. These affected organisms were then caught and consumed by the local population. Soon, the ill-effects of methylmercury was becoming apparent.
Initially, animals such as cats and dogs were affected by this. The city’s cats would often convulse and make strange noises before dying – hence, the term “dancing cat disease” was coined. Soon, the same symptoms were observed in people, though the cause was not apparent at the time.
Other affected people showed symptoms of acute mercury poisoning such as ataxia, muscle weakness, loss of motor coordination, damage to speech and hearing etc. In severe cases, paralysis occurred, which was followed by coma and death. These diseases and deaths continued for almost 36 years before it could be officially acknowledged by the government and the organisation.
Since then, various control measures of water pollution have been adopted by the government of Japan to curb such environmental disasters in the future.
Questions for discussion:
1. What was the main cause of Minamata incidence?
2. Explain impact of Minamata incidence with suitable example.
3. Suggest suitable measure to prevent occurring of such incidence in future.

Answer 1

Answer:

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Explanation: