Physiochemical Characteristics and Effect of Leachate from Automobile Dumpsite at Nearby Borehole Water on Some Biochemical Parameters of the Liver in Wistar Rats at Ikoku, Port Harcourt Metropolis, River State, Nigeria

Open dumpsites are the most common method of municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal in developing countries such as Nigeria. Studies have revealed that leachates from these dumpsites may have harmful effects on the ecosystem and human health. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the physiochemical characteristics and effect of leachate from Automobile Dumpsite at nearby borehole water on some Biochemical Parameters of the Liver in Wistar Rats at Ikoku, Port Harcourt Metropolis, River State, Nigeria using various standard methods. Physicochemical examination showed that the leachate and borehole water contained high levels of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), total hardness, and heavy metals when compared with bottled water. The LD₅₀ of the leachate was 1.5 ml per body weight, indicating it is unsafe for consumption. Statistical analysis using ANOVA at p < 0.05 revealed significant changes in the liver biochemical parameters of rats exposed to IADL and NBW. This study shows a significant increase (P < 0.05) in aspartate transferase, AST (u/l): 66.6±1.36, 73.4±0.81, 75.0±0.74, 89.0±0.71, 90.0±1.58, alanine transferase, ALT (u/l): 5.79±0.66, 11.32±0.30, 11.46±0.50, 13.51±0.70, 19.54±0.42 and alkaline phosphatase, ALP (u/l): 340.2±1.24, 67.8±11.56, 59.2±1.69, 63.2±1.30, 96.0±1.28 activities and bilirubin level (mg/dl): 2.86±0.46, 10.40±0.39, 10.94±0.40, 8.64±0.52, 14.20±0.44 in all groups (group 2, 3, 4 and 5) compared to the control (Group 1). This study also revealed significantly reduced level of total protein in rats exposed to IADL (10.21±1.70) compared to the control (15.4±2.69) (P < 0.05). The study concludes that exposure to Ikoku Automobile Dumpsite Leachate and Nearby Borehole Water may cause harmful effects on liver function.