Which of the following element was responsible for Minamata epidemic caused in Japan?

The correct option is Hg.

Key Points

•  The element responsible for the Minamata epidemic caused in Japan is Hg.
• Hg is the symbol of Mercury metal.
• Methyl mercury is the chemical compound basically caused Minimata disease.
• Minimata disease is caused due to the intake of fish and other sea foods. 
• The fish and shellfish get contaminated by methylmercury.
• If a person eats contaminated fish, then the person will suffer from mercury poisoning.
• This disease was first observed in the Minimata Bay of Japan.

Additional Information

•  Au is the symbol of Gold metal.
• It is not much poisonous to the human body.
• There is no such severe disease caused by gold metal.
• Pt is the symbol of platinum metal.
• Platinum can cause bronchitis and asthma if inhaled in more concentration.
• Ag is the symbol of silver metal.
• Silver metal is also not much poisonous to human health.
• All the Au, Pt, and Ag metals are comes under the heavy metal.