IMPACT OF CRUDE OIL CONTAMINATION ON SELECTED BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN ALBINO RATS

Bio Chemistry

Crude oil exploration and production pose significant environmental and health risks, particularly in oil-producing regions like Ohaji Egbema, Imo State, Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the impact of crude oil contamination on selected biochemical parameters in Wistar albino rats, serving as experimental models. Twenty adult rats were divided into four groups: a control group (Group A) and three experimental groups (Groups B, C, and D) exposed to crude oil via contaminated feed, water, and air, respectively, for 21 days. Biochemical assays were performed to evaluate liver and kidney function, hematological parameters, serum antioxidant status, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Results revealed that exposure to crude oil led to elevated levels of liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), indicative of liver damage. Kidney function parameters, including urea and creatinine levels, were also significantly elevated in exposed groups. Moreover, hematological analysis demonstrated decreased hemoglobin levels, altered white blood cell counts, and reduced platelet counts in rats exposed to crude oil. Furthermore, exposure to crude oil resulted in decreased serum antioxidant levels, including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, indicating oxidative stress. In addition, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were markedly elevated in exposed groups compared to the control. These findings underscore the adverse effects of crude oil pollution on biological systems and highlight the importance of environmental monitoring and public health interventions in mitigating the risks associated with crude oil contamination.

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