PUBLIC HEALTH EFFECT OF HEAVY METALS POLLUTION ON SOME BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN DOMESTIC BIRDS : CAMP2 VILLAGE IN AKAMKPA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF CROSS RIVER STATE

The Present study was carried out to assess the heavy metals concentration on domestic birds consumed in Camp2 Community of Akamkpa local government area of Cross river state (Nigeria). A total of twelve (12) local domestic birds (males) (6 from Camp2 and 6 from Ugep respectively) which were sexually mature (between 10-12 months of age) with normal feather, were obtained from local farmers, the blood samples were collected through the wing feather. Heavy metals analysis was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) after a wet digestion. Heavy metals such as Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), and Chromium (Cr), Arsenic (As), Nickel (Ni) in domestic birds? samples were determined. The results show that there was a significant increase in heavy metals concentration in Camp2 village compared to the control site. Hence, Ni, Pb, and Cd were found in higher levels more than the maximum limit recorded above. Also, the activities of serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) shows significant increase (p<0.05) in Camp2 birds compared to the control site. The concentrations of the electrolytes such as Na, K, Cl, Creatine, bicarbonate and bilirubin were significantly higher across the two study sites. There was also a significant increase in serum lipid concentration of domestic birds in the control site compared to the study site in camp2 village. Conclusion: The result could lead to the modification of the synthetic integrity of the cells and alteration membrane permeability leading to hepatocellular damage. Thus, it might also be as result of bioaccumulation due to long-term exposure to environmental contaminants. The report further suggests that the toxicological effect of heavy metals in the domestic birds could bring about negative impact in human health after a long time of consumption.