Q39. Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution:
1. Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world.
2. Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution
3. There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury
How many of the above statements are correct?
a. Only one
b. Only two
c. All three
d. None
Question from UPSC Prelims 2023 GS Paper
Explanation :
Correct Answer b. Only two
1. Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world because mercury is used to extract gold from the ore. The process involves mixing mercury with the gold-containing materials, forming an amalgam. The amalgam is then heated, evaporating the mercury and leaving behind the gold. This process releases mercury vapor into the air and leaves behind mercury-contaminated waste.
2. Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution because coal contains trace amounts of mercury. When coal is burned in power plants, the mercury is released into the atmosphere. This airborne mercury can travel long distances and eventually settle in soil and water, where it can enter the food chain and accumulate in fish and other aquatic organisms.
3. Incorrect, Consider it like radiation from cell tower, low level does not cause too much or visible damage but high levels can.
Fish Mercury Calculator – How Much is Safe? (omnicalculator.com)