RESUMO
Correlational study and evaluation of pollution indices of toxic metals distribution in soil and crops of a population are imperative for assessing the risk of chronic diseases associated with these metals. Correlational analysis for the distribution of; lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and mercury (Hg) in soil (S), bean (B) and maize (M) was conducted around Bunkure (BKR), Danbatta (DBT), Gwarzo (GRZ), Ungogo (UGG) and Wudil (WDL) as sampling zones around Kano State, Nigeria. The samples were collected from farm harvests in each of the sampling zones. The metal concentration was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Results in mg/kg across the local governments indicate respective ranges for Hg, Pb, Cd, and Cr of; 0.33 - 3.13, 0.14 - 0.84, 0.02 - 0.05 and 0.01- 0.49 in soil, 0.04-4.23, 0.06-0.23, 0.02-0.04 and 0.00-0.10 in maize and 0.20-4.23, 0.16-0.19, 0.03-0.04 and 0.00-0.03 in beans. Although with the exception of mercury, the ranges of the toxic metals are within the tolerable range set by International Standard Tolerable Limits and European Regulatory Standard. Potential hazard may be speculated because the detected levels are on higher tolerable ranges. A higher level of mercury in almost all the samples indicates potential hazards associated with human activities in those areas. A strong positive correlation between soils samples in respect to the level of some of the toxic metal may suggest a common nature of the soil, while the negative correlation may be due to variation in agrochemicals in-use. For the pollution load index, Wudil had the highest soil pollution load index for Hg (3.13 ± 0.16), Cd (1.6×10-2 ± 0.01) and Cr (4.9×10-3 ± 0.01), while Ungogo had the highest pollution load for Pb. Also, all grains within the study zones exhibited a positive transfer factor, except Cr in Bunkure, Danbatta and Gwarzo. It may be concluded that crops grown in those areas may bioaccumulate some of these toxic metals, thereby incorporating them into the food chain, hence potential health risk.
RESUMO
Aim: The protective effect of some selected vegetables {Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)} against hepatocardio toxicity of halofantrine (an antimalarial drug) was evaluated in 72 albino rats. Study Design: The rats were grouped into eight of nine rats each. Three different doses; 7.1, 14.2 and 21.3mg/Kg of halofantrine were given to group II, III and IV respectively. Group V was co-administered with halofantrine and moringa extract 7.1 and 0.20mg/Kg respectively, Group VI co-administered with halofantrine and cabbage extract 7.1 and 0.10mg/Kg respectively, Group VII co-administered with halofantrine and Tomato extract 7.1 and 0.20mg/Kg respectively and Group VIII co-administered with halofantrine, moringa, cabbage and tomato extracts 7.1, 0.20, 0.10 and 0.20mg/Kg respectively). Group I was neither given the drug nor the vegetable extract serving as normal control. Methodology: The liver and heart function indices were evaluated using standard methods. Results: Serum liver enzymes, heart marker enzymes and concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed after 16, 96 and 192 hours of oral administration. Halofantrine administration caused significant increase (p<0.05) in the activities of all the enzymes with a peak at the 16th hour. Malondialdehyde had a peak at the 192 hours. The oral co-administration of vegetables extract showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the enzyme activities and concentration of malondialdehyde as compared sole administration of halofantrine. The result showed that Moringa, Cabbage and Tomato may have hepato and cardio protective effects against halofantrine toxicity. It may be concluded that consumption of vegetables may be beyond the nutritional needs but also for protective purposes.