Comparative study of heavy metals residues and histopathological alterations in large ruminants from selected areas around industrial waste drain

Abstract

Heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb, Fe, Mg, Mn and Ni) residual concentration as well as histopathological changes in intestine, kidney, liver and muscles of slaughtered large ruminants i.e cows and buffaloes (n=5 from each specie) were carried out at 2 different sites near industrial zone drain. Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) was used to determine residual concentrations of heavy metals in organs. Results exhibited that organs were found higher in fixation of heavy metals as assimilate to the maximum permissible limits. The levels of heavy metals in the intestine, kidney, liver and muscles of large ruminants were ranged from Cr; 0.82±0.36 to 6.47±0.68, Cu;10.58±1.50 to 40.52±10.71, Zn; 19.60±0.84 to 36.72±0.75, Pb; 0.40±0.17 to 2.49±0.30, Fe; 40.22±0.29 to167.13±9.47,Mg;123.73±4.45 to 135.74±0.93, Mn;1.54±0.30 to 8.49±0.88 and Ni; 0.73±0.49 to36.72±0.75. The concentrations of all the metals in the intestine, liver, kidney and muscles were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05) except few results. Hence, the concentrations of Cr and Pb were higher than 1 mg/kg permissible limit set by FAO/WHO. Prolonged and persistent use of such water for irrigation of agricultural lands and as feeding source for animals and humans might have toxic effects. Residual effects of selected organ samples of selected animals were high in heavy metal concentrations and sever histopathological alterations were also noticed in organs of selected area which were closer to industrial drainage. These selected organs were not fit for human consumption.