Research Article

Geochemistry of Three Evaporites Utilities in Nigeria and their Consequences on the Liver of Wistar Rats

Abstract

The health hazards on different organs of the body from the long continuous use of Trona have been the major concern in recent times in Nigeria. This study is to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze three types of Trona to determine their geochemistry and their effects on the liver. Jakanwa, Kanwa Balma and Kanwa Manda samples were derived from Local market in Ekpoma, Edo State and Katsina, katsina state. Twenty-four (24) rats of both sexes, with average weight of 200g were randomly assigned into three treatment groups (B, C and D) and Control group (A), each group containing six (6) rats. Each treatment groups received 12g, 36g and 60g of trona mixed growers mash respectively for three weeks while the rats in the control received animal feeds only. The rats were given the water liberally for these periods and sacrificed by cervical dislocation on the first and third week of the experiment. The Liver was carefully dissected out and quickly fixed in 10% formal saline for histological study in pre-acute and acute phases. The result of the analysis showed that sodium was predominant metal and constitutes about 70% of the total composition of the potash samples. Other elements present in the samples include K+, Fe2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, CO3 2– , HCO3 – , Cl– and SO4 2 – . The pH ranges from (10-10.3) in the three trona samples revealing an alkaline rock mineral. Trona occurrence as polyhalite considering the concentration and combinations of these cations and anions in their different compounds: indicated a compound salt as the rock salt which include: carnalite, sylvite, trona and natron. The histological results indicate the rats in groups B, C and D showed some varying degree of distortion and disruption of the Liver structure. There were observable pathologic conditions which include vacuolations, cellular necrosis, haemorrhage, vascular carbon deposit, wavy cardiac myofibrils, mild fibrolysis, cardiac infarction with deposit of carbon as well as mild Oedema in both the pre acute and acute phases when compared to the control group. Although the level of trona (kanwa) consumed in most homes may not be toxic until it is been taken continuously or repeatedly beyond human tolerant level. Thus, continuous consumption should be discouraged as accumulation of high-level potash could cause serious harmful effects to human health.