Heavy metal content in crabs obtained from bodo City and its effect on Liver function markers of albino rats

Abstract

Crabs are aquatic food which is widely consumed in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. They are particularly sensitive to heavy metals and xenobiotics. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the heavy metal concentration and its effect on the liver following the consumption of heavy metals contaminated crabs from Bodo City, Nigeria. In this experimental study, 16 albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 4 rats each, including the Control (given normal saline), Low Dose (0.075ml of stock), High Dose (0.13ml of stock) and Very High Dose (0.7ml of stock) groups. The test doses were selected based on serial dilution of the stock solution, where 100g of fresh crab was homogenized, dissolved in 100ml of saline and centrifuged. The supernatant was filtered, forming the stock solution(1g/ml). The doses were administered orally for 5 weeks. Blood samples of the animals was collected via cardiac puncture for the determination of the various liver biomarkers. Data were compared statistically between groups using ANOVA at p≤0.05, indicating significant difference. The order of average heavy metal concentrations in crab samples was Fe>Cr>As>Pb>Cd. From the obtained results, the levels of some metals such as Fe, As, Pb, Cr were higher than the acceptable values for human consumption designated by World Health Organization (WHO). The comparison of the result with WHO standard showed that crab have been contaminated with heavy metals. The results from the liver function test, showed a significant increase in AST, ALT and ALP level in all the groups when compared to the control. Total protein, Albumin and total bilirubin concentrations showed no significant difference between the control and the experimental rats. The occurrence of high levels of Fe, As, Pb and Cr in the aquatic environment is thought to be a result of industrial and maritime traffic in Bodo City. The high level of heavy metals would have contributed to the increase of the liver function enzymes and could have some negative effect on the liver.