World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

IMPACT OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO LEAD ON LIVER AND KIDNEY FUNCTION INDICES OF ARTISANAL GOLD MINERS IN ZAMFARA STATE, NIGERIA

Muazu Gusau Abubakar, Sulaiman Rabiu*, Surajo Umar Muhammad and Abdulwahid Abdullahi Naibi

ABSTRACT

Background: The worldwide heavy metal contamination has been attributed to growing industrial, persistent mining activities and poor environmental laws especially in developing countries. Lead in particular, remains a significant threat to the environment and public health. The present study was designed to evaluate the impact of occupational exposure to lead on liver and kidney function parameters of artisanal gold miners in Zamfara State, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of sixty (60) artisanal gold miners who were apparently healthy were recruited in the study. Thirty (30) individuals who were not in any way exposed to lead were used as control subjects. The BLLs were assayed using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP- AES-Agilent 4210 USA). The biochemical indices for liver and kidney function were determined by standard methods. Results: The mean BLLs of the miners were higher than the recommended level (38.30±2.40?g/dL). The serum activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in miners increase significantly (p<0.05) compared to control subjects. The findings also indicated significant (p<0.05) increase in the serum levels of total protein and albumin in exposed miners compared to controls (p<0.05). However, there were no significant (p>0.05) changes in the serum levels of total and direct bilirubin, urea, creatinine and electrolytes of miners compared to controls. Conclusion: It is therefore, the study demonstrated that occupational exposure to lead is a potential risk for elevated BLLs, liver and kidney dysfunction.

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