Context
Manganese (Mn) contamination of water is causing cancer in the Gangetic plains of Bihar, a study by a team of scientists from Patna-based Mahavir Cancer Sansthan has claimed.
About Manganese (Mn)
- 5th most abundant metal on Earth.
- Found in the form of oxides, carbonates, and silicates.
- Present in food, water, soil, and rock as a naturally occurring component.
- Properties of Manganese
- Brittle in its pure form, mainly used in alloys (e.g., steel).
- Common manganese minerals:
- Pyrolusite (manganese dioxide).
- Rhodochrosite (manganese carbonate).
- Chemical activity: Resembles iron.
- Oxidizes in air and rusts in moist air.
- Burns in air or oxygen at high temperatures, decomposes water slowly when cold, rapidly when heated.
- Obtained by reducing oxide with sodium, magnesium, aluminium, or by electrolysis of manganese sulfate.
- Manganese and Its Biological Role
- An essential trace element for body homeostasis.
- Plays a role in enzyme activation in living organisms.
- Excess consumption can cause toxicity and health issues.
- Uses of Manganese
- Iron and steel industry: Used as steel alloys.
- 6 kg of manganese ore needed for producing 1 tonne of steel.
- Used in manufacturing bleaching powder, insecticides, paints, and batteries.
- Iron and steel industry: Used as steel alloys.
Manganese Contamination and Toxicity
- Manganese toxicity linked to carcinogenesis (cancer development).
- Bihar: High levels of Mn contamination in groundwater leading to cancer in Gangetic plains.
- Study revealed a significant correlation between Mn levels in blood and hand pump water.
- Cancer cases in Bihar show increased levels of Mn in Stage III and IV patients.
- Types of cancers include breast, liver, cervical, and other cancers (oral, nasal, etc.).
- Manganese poisoning: Symptoms include aches, weakness, emotional instability, difficulty in gait.
Manganese Ore Distribution and Reserves
- India: Second-largest reserves of manganese in the world (430 million tonnes).
- Top manganese-producing states: Maharashtra (largest producer), Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka.
- Reserves by state: Odisha (44%), Karnataka (22%) Madhya Pradesh (13%), Maharashtra (8%) Andhra Pradesh (4%)
Source: DTE
Previous Year Question
With reference to polyethylene terephthalate, the use of which is so widespread in our daily lives, consider the following statements:
1. Its fibres can be blended with wool and cotton fibres to reinforce their properties.
2. Containers made of it can be used to store any alcoholic beverage.
3. Bottles made of it can be recycled into other products.
4. Articles made of it can be easily disposed of by incineration without causing greenhouse gas emissions.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2 and 3
Answer: (a)