Final answer:
The Minamata Bay disaster in the 1950s was caused by industrial mercury discharges from a chemical factory, resulting in severe mercury poisoning among local residents who consumed contaminated fish, leading to over 2,000 deaths.
Step-by-step explanation:
The environmental problem that occurred at Minamata Bay in the 1950s was a severe case of mercury poisoning, which is historically referred to as 'Minamata Disease.' This tragedy was the result of industrial discharge by a chemical factory operated by the Chisso Corporation. The waste contained high levels of mercury (Hg), which accumulated in the fish living in the bay.
The local population, who relied on fishing as a staple of their diet, consumed the contaminated fish, resulting in widespread poisoning. This environmental catastrophe caused severe health issues and over 2,000 deaths, representing one of the most devastating examples of industrial negligence leading to environmental and public health crises.
Despite the severity of the poisoning, both the responsible company and the national government were criticized for their inadequate response to the disaster. It wasn't until years later that the issue was fully acknowledged and the victims were provided with some form of redress.