Effect of Environmental Dust Pollution (Particulate Matter of Sawdust) on the Serum Heavy Metals of Adult Wistar Rats

Omigie M.I., Aihie E.O. and Odiase D.E.

 Department of Physiology, School Of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences,    University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

 Corresponding Author’s E-mail: Magdalene.omigie@uniben.edu

ABSTRACT

Wood dust is released into the atmosphere during processes of wood sawing, sanding, planning, routing etc and is common with carpenters, sawmillers and furniture making companies. A lot of wastes which include, wood off-cuts, sawdust, plain shavings, wood backs, wood rejects among others are produced in sawmills. Wood dust comprises of suspended particulate matters. These Particulate matters are the deadliest form of air pollutants due to their ability to infiltrate deep into the lung and blood stream. This study was done to investigate the effect of environmental dust pollution (particulate matter of sawdust) on Serum Heavy Metals of Adult Wistar rats exposed to sawdust. 30 Adult Wistar rats were used for this study. They were grouped into two (exposed and unexposed) of fifteen rats each. The exposed group was placed in the Sawmill for 3 months, while the unexposed placed distance away from the Sawmill. Analysis carried out includes measurement of Particulate matter of dust, and Blood for heavy metals. Statistical analysis was done using Graph pad prism, Version 5.0. The results were expressed as mean ± SEM and P<0.05 was considered significant. Experimental site: Particulate matter (PM_2.5) Average value =2.290mg/m³ ±0.003, PM (₁₀) Average value = 2.185mg/m³ ±0.04, Control site: (Pure water factory) PM_2.5 Average value = 0.013mg/m³ ±0.0004, PM(₁₀) Average value= 0.145mg/m³ ±0.012; Serum cadmium, lead and chromium level were significantly increased (P<0.05). In conclusion, sawdust’s particulate matter readily pollute the environment, prolonged exposure to it increases serum level of heavy metals.

CITE AS: Omigie M.I., Aihie E.O. and Odiase D.E. (2024). Effect of Environmental Dust Pollution (Particulate Matter of Sawdust) on the Serum Heavy Metals of Adult Wistar Rats. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND  EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES, 5(1):50-56. https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJSES/2024/10.5.15056