Effect of Chronic Exposure to Petroleum Hydrocarbon Pollution on Renal and Some Haematological Parameters of the Native Fowl (Gallus domesticus)

Aims: To investigate the effect of chronic exposure to petroleum hydrocarbon pollution on renal and some haematological parameters of the native fowl (Gallus domesticus), reared in an environment known to be polluted with petroleum hydrocarbon.
Study Design: Randomized controlled animal experiment using twenty-four male native fowls (12 each from the experimental areas).
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, between November 2009 and November 2010.
Methodology: Standard methods for haematological and renal function assessment were adopted.
Results: The study showed that there was no significant (p>0.05) difference in the electrolyte concentrations (K+ and HCO3- ions ) in the serum of fowls from both environments, but a significant decrease (p>0.05) in Na+ and Cl- ion concentrations in the serum of fowls from Mbaise when compared to those from Egbema. The effect of the pollution significantly (p<0.05) reduced serum concentrations of total bilirubin, urea and creatinine. The haematological parameters: [white blood cell (wbc) and red blood cell (rbc) counts were significantly (p<0.05) affected, percentage haemoglobin (Hb) and haemoglobin/ methaemoglobin (Hb/metHb) ratio] were not significantly (p>0.05) affected.
Conclusion: Petroleum hydrocarbon pollution is suggested to possess the potential to affect certain haematological parameters, total bilirubin and renal function.