Minamata disease is caused due to presence of ....... in water.

Options

A. Cadmium
B. Lead
C. Arsenic
D. Mercury

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Disease**: The question asks about Minamata disease, which is a specific health condition linked to environmental pollution.

2. **Locate the Origin**: Minamata disease is named after the city of Minamata in Japan, where the disease was first identified.

3. **Understand the Cause**: The disease is caused by the presence of a toxic substance in water. In the case of Minamata disease, this toxic substance is methyl mercury.

4. **Source of Methyl Mercury**: Methyl mercury is a by-product of industrial processes, specifically during the manufacturing of acetaldehyde, where mercury is used as a catalyst.

5. **Pathway of Contamination**: When methyl mercury is discharged into water bodies, it accumulates in aquatic life, particularly fish.

6. **Human Impact**: When humans consume contaminated fish, they are exposed to methyl mercury, leading to the health issues associated with Minamata disease.

7. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the presence of mercury in water is the cause of Minamata disease.

**Final Answer**: Minamata disease is caused due to the presence of **mercury** in water.

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