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After reading the text, write a few sentences in which you explain how methylmercury reached the human population in Minamata, Japan in the 1950s. Support your discussion with evidence from the text and use the following terms: biomagnification, toxin/contaminant, food chain.

After reading the text, write a few sentences in which you explain how methylmercury reached the human population in Minamata, Japan in the 1950s. Support your discussion with evidence from the text and use the following terms: biomagnification, toxin/contaminant, food chain.

Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
9th Edition
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Chapter1: The Study Of Minerals
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1LR
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After reading the text, write a few sentences in which you explain how methylmercury reached the human population in Minamata, Japan in the 1950s.

Support your discussion with evidence from the text and use the following terms: biomagnification, toxin/contaminant, food chain.  

A significant example of mercury exposure affecting public health occurred in Minamata, Japan, between 1932 and 1968, where a factory producing acetic acid discharged waste liquid into Minamata Bay. The discharge included high concentrations of methylmercury. The bay was rich in fish and shellfish, providing the main livelihood for local residents and fishermen from other areas. For many years, no one realised that the fish were contaminated with mercury, and that it was causing a strange disease in the local community and in other districts. At least 50,000 people were affected to some extent and more than 2,000 cases of Minamata disease were confirmed. Minamata disease peaked in the 1950s, with severe cases suffering brain damage, paralysis, incoherent speech and delirium.
Transcribed Image Text:A significant example of mercury exposure affecting public health occurred in Minamata, Japan, between 1932 and 1968, where a factory producing acetic acid discharged waste liquid into Minamata Bay. The discharge included high concentrations of methylmercury. The bay was rich in fish and shellfish, providing the main livelihood for local residents and fishermen from other areas. For many years, no one realised that the fish were contaminated with mercury, and that it was causing a strange disease in the local community and in other districts. At least 50,000 people were affected to some extent and more than 2,000 cases of Minamata disease were confirmed. Minamata disease peaked in the 1950s, with severe cases suffering brain damage, paralysis, incoherent speech and delirium.
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