Effect Of Effluent From Port Harcourt Refining Company On Hepatic and Reproductive Functions Of Wistar Albino Rats.

Abstract

Many waste effluent substances have recently been demonstrated to have a toxic effect on the hepatic function. This study investigated the effect of effluent from the Port Harcourt Refining Company on the hepatic and reproductive function of wistar albino rats. The effluent was rated to be toxic based on the WHO maximum permission limit of PAH, TPH, THC in effluents.  The effluent was administered to the rats for a period of 14 days.  The rats showed symptoms of dullness, bulging of eyes, lacrimation and shivering. Hormonal and hepatic function test showed significant increase (P<0.05) in ALT, AST, ALP, FSH, LH and testosterone levels, indicating impaired reproductive hormonal function and hepatotoxicity. The histological examination of the hepatic cells indicated that the effluent induced proximal degeneration of the integrity of the hepatic cells, inflammation, hepatocyte degeneration, partial architectural distortion and hemorrhage.

Keywords: Effluent, Hepatotoxicity, Reproductive Hormonal function, Histological examination.