Question

The plants in the Minimata valley were infected from-

• A. Methyl Mercury
• B. Lead
• C. Zinc
• D. Methyl Orange

Hint:

Methyl mercury is a potent neurotoxin, and its contamination in water bodies can cause widespread environmental damage, as seen in the Minamata disaster.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The Minamata disease outbreak in Japan was caused by the release of Methyl Mercury into the bay from industrial wastewater. The plants and animals in the region were contaminated with this toxic substance, which later entered the food chain, causing neurological damage in humans and animals. Methyl mercury is highly toxic and can cause severe environmental and health problems.
Step 1: Analyze the options.
(A) Methyl Mercury: This is the correct answer. The contamination of the Minamata Valley was due to methyl mercury poisoning from industrial pollution.
(B) Lead: Lead is another toxic substance, but it was not the primary cause of the Minamata outbreak.
(C) Zinc: Zinc is an essential trace element for plants but was not responsible for the Minamata disease.
(D) Methyl Orange: Methyl orange is a pH indicator dye and is not related to the Minamata disease outbreak.
Step 2: Conclusion.
The plants in the Minamata Valley were primarily infected by Methyl Mercury, making (A) the correct answer.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{(A) \, \text{Methyl Mercury}} \]