Biomonitoring and biomarker response of fish smokers to poly aromatic hydrocarbons in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

A study was carried out on 40 volunteer fish smokers, 10 from each Station. Station 1 (Alakahia market), Station 2 (Choba Market), Station 3 (Choba main market) and Station 4 (Rumosi Market) all in Obio/akpor Local government of Rivers state, Nigeria. The study was carried out for a period of 12 weeks, to evaluate the health status of exposed individuals to poly aromatic hydrocarbons gotten from smokes, using haematological parameters and urine analysis. The cyanohaemoglobin method was used to determine haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) was determined by micro haematocrit method, Red blood cell (RBC) was determined with the improved Neubauerhaemaocytometer, WBC was determined with the improved Neubauer counter, Neutrophils, lymphocytes and Eosinophils were determined on blood film stained with mayGrunwald-Giemsa stain while Gas Chromatography was used for urine samples.PCV from station 1, 2, 3 and 4 had a mean value of 38.33, 38, 33.33 and 35.00 respectively with significant difference (P<0.05) occurring in station 3 when compared to the other stations and within stations 2, 3 and 4. Hb had a mean value of 12.8, 12.67, 11.13 and 11.67 in stations 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively also with significant difference (P<0.05) occurring in station 3 when compared to the other stations and within stations 2,3 and 4. WBC had a mean value of 4.77, 6.23, 5.93and 4.83 in stations 1, 2, 3 and 4 with no significant difference (P>0.05), the RBC had a mean value of 4.40, 4.33, 3.60 and 3.90 in stations 1, 2, 3 and 4, Neutrophil had a mean value of 36.67, 46.0, 41.0 and 41.0 in stations 1, 2, 3 and 4. Stations 1, 2, 3 and 4 had a mean value of 58.33, 47.67, 57.67 and 57.33 for lymphocytes and 5.0, 9.33, 1.33 and 1.67 for Eosinophil. It was recorded that the different stations had no statistically significantly difference (P>0.05) for RBC, Neutrophil, Lymphocyte and Eosinophil. The urine analysis revealed that station 1 had a total PAH of 0.1726, station 2 had a total of 0.058 while station 3 and 4 had a total of 0.088 espectively. The results reveal that the smokers have PAHs in their body with increases risk of Kidney disease, Anaemia, Bronchitis and other lung diseases.