Histological alteration of the pulmonary alveoli, renal cortex and spleen following exposure to open refuse dump site

Abstract

Background: Wastes are mainly unwanted products from domestic and industrial sources, which increases due to accelerated industrialization, urbanization, and population growth. Open refuse dumping is the predominant form of waste disposal method in Nigeria and presents huge environmental and health challenges. Hence, this study investigated the effects of long‑term exposure of rats to refuse dump sites on histological and serum analysis in three organs; kidney, lungs, and spleen. Materials and Methods: Twelve Wistar rats of both sexes were divided into two groups made up of 6 rats in each group. Group A was the controls and group B was the experimental. The experimental rats were exposed to refuse dump fume by keeping them in a research hut built in a refuse dump site for 8 months while the control rats were keep in the Department of Human Anatomy, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State. Results: There was loss of the elastic tissue support for bronchioles, alveolar wall and coalescence of adjacent alveoli as compared with the control. Serum urea concentrations were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in exposed rats (9.08 ± 1.58) compared with control rats (5.00 ± 0.32). Similarly, serum creatinine concentrations were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in exposed rats (106.20 ± 14.94) compared to Control rats (53.67 ± 5.68). All measured serum electrolytes were significantly altered (P < 0.05). Sodium ions (Na⁺) (90.17 ± 7.68) and bicarbonate ions(HCO3⁻) (2.33 ± 0.33) were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) while potassium ions(K⁺) (61.83 ± 6.70) and chloride ions (Cl⁻) (117.2 ± 3.08) were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results revealed histological distortion in experimental animals due to exposure to refuse dump site.