With reference to mercury pollution, which of the following statements are correct? 1. Once released into environment, mercury can turn into methyl mercury. 2. Mercury can enter the human body through inhalation. 3. As regards the entry and accumulation of mercury in humans, contaminated fish is an important source. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Mercury Pollution: Key Facts Analysis
This question concerns the environmental fate and human exposure routes related to mercury pollution. Let's analyze each statement:
Statement 1: Methyl Mercury Formation
When mercury compounds are released into the environment, particularly in water bodies, microbial processes can convert them into methylmercury (CH3Hg+). Methylmercury is an organic form of mercury that is more easily absorbed by organisms and is highly toxic.
Conclusion: Statement 1 is correct.
Statement 2: Inhalation Exposure
Mercury exists in several forms. Elemental mercury (Hg), commonly found in thermometers and barometers, can vaporize at room temperature. Inhaling mercury vapor is a significant route for it to enter the human bloodstream and nervous system, especially from sources like industrial emissions or dental amalgam. Other mercury compounds can also be inhaled as dust or aerosols.
Conclusion: Statement 2 is correct.
Statement 3: Contaminated Fish as a Source
Methylmercury bioaccumulates and biomagnifies in aquatic food chains. Fish absorb methylmercury from the water and their diet. As larger predatory fish consume smaller fish, the concentration of methylmercury increases. Consuming contaminated fish, especially certain types like tuna, swordfish, or shark, is recognized as the primary pathway for mercury exposure in the general human population.
Conclusion: Statement 3 is correct.
Overall Conclusion
Since all three statements accurately describe important aspects of mercury pollution, its environmental transformation, and pathways into the human body:
- Statement 1 is correct (Methyl mercury formation).
- Statement 2 is correct (Inhalation route).
- Statement 3 is correct (Contaminated fish source).
Therefore, all statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct.
Important Questions from Chemical Poisoning
- The toxic effects of aluminium phosphide is due to the release of:
Consider the following statements regarding organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy (OPIDN) :
1. It is a rare complication and occurs 2 - 3 weeks after acute exposure.
2. It is a feature of poisoning with certain organophosphorus compounds such as triorthocresyl phosphate.
3. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase causes motor polyneuropathy with no evidence of sensory loss.
4. There is no specific therapy although regular physiotherapy may limit deformity caused by muscle wasting.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A young female of 22 year old presented to the medical emergency with complaints of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and convulsions along with methaemoglobulinemia. What is the likely diagnosis ?
Which of the following parts of the human body can be used as a sample/samples for the presence of mercury?
1. Blood
2. Hair
3. Nail
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Consider the following statements:
1. All organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) enter the human bodies through food chain only.
2. Some of the OCPs are categorized as Persistent Organic Pollutants.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
