Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Heavy metal pollution status and risk assessment on area with artisanal mining activities","authors":"U. Stephen, Mbamalu Maryann","doi":"10.5897/JTEHS2020.0456","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5897/JTEHS2020.0456","url":null,"abstract":"This study was undertaken to re-evaluate the heavy contamination level of Bagega community which recorded acute lead poisoning in 2010 and was reclaimed between 2010 and 2012. The levels of the following heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Hg, As and Cd) was measured in sixteen sampling sites around Bagega and its environs using Varian AA240 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The assessment of pollution was achieved using the Effect Range Low (ERL) and Effect Range Median (ERM), pollution index (PI) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo). The result revealed that the soil samples within Bagega community recorded concentration below the geochemical background for analyzed heavy metals. Soils around abandoned gold mine fields show high concentration of Pb, Cd, Hg and As. Based on the ERL and ERM values, Bagega and Topeki communities recorded low to high contamination of heavy metals, while abandoned mine fields and within farmland recorded moderate to very high contamination. Pollution index analysis show insignificant contamination within Bagega and Topeki communities while farmland and abandoned mining axis recorded significant contamination of Pb, Hg and As. The Igeo indicates that relatively higher levels of Pb, Cd and Hg was recorded; suggesting heavy metalcontamination. Generally, soils around Bagega community were found to range from uncontaminated to moderately contaminated. Though land reclamation within Bagega community may have reduced heavy metal levels, the study reveals high risk of heavy metals toxicity to inhabitants due to farming of arable land around mining areas. \u0000 \u0000 Keywords: Lead poisoning, risk, toxicology, effect range low, effect range median, pollution index, geoaccumulation.","PeriodicalId":17507,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences","volume":"69 1","pages":"10-21"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87188330","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study of pesticides use conditions in cashew production in Cte dIvoire","authors":"K. Y. S. ephane, K. J. Halbin, S. Joseph, J. E. Assanvo","doi":"10.5897/JTEHS2018.0427","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5897/JTEHS2018.0427","url":null,"abstract":"This work aims to promote the rational use of agrochemicals in cashew cultivation by evaluating health prevention culture and environmental preservation levels in cashew producers’ practices in Cote d’Ivoire. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2017 to August 2018 in the 3 main cashew production areas (Mankono, Dabakala and Bondoukou). A total of 386 cashew farmers randomly selected were interviewed using the face-to-face technique with an anonymous structured questionnaire. Our results revealed that 68.9% (n=266) of the producers surveyed used agrochemicals but were essentially illiterate (66.04%) and relatively aged with 45 years in mean. Mankono represented the major site in pesticides use with mean of 10.6 L herbicide per hectare following Dabakala (2.5 l/ha). 70 different specialties were identified among them; 38.20% were not approved in Cote d'Ivoire. 11 active substances were identified. The controversy herbicide glyphosate was the most abundant active molecule used following 2,4-D amine salt. Several cases of acute intoxication (headache, nausea, etc.) were reported in 37.6% of producers who applied pesticides twice in every agricultural year for 2 to 4 h and in some cases (26%) within 1 and 4 pm without efficient protection. Concerning environment protection, 61.70% applicators abandoned pesticide packaging in the wild indicating poor environment regarding farmers’ practices. Taken together, our results suggested that the conditions of pesticide use were a real handicap for the sustainability of the cashew farming which could be improved by farmers training in safe use and rigorous control by the Ivorian Government. \u0000 \u0000 Key words: Pesticide-safe-use, cashew-nuts-production, agricultural-practices.","PeriodicalId":17507,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences","volume":"52 1","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85883931","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Safety assessment of Cymbopogon shoenanthus (L.) Spreng. (Poaceae) essential oils: Oral toxicity, dermal and eye irritancy investigations","authors":"Sylvain Ilboudo, Geoffroy G. Ou edraogo, Ignace Sawadogo, L. Belemnaba, Sylvin Ou edraogo, Roger Ch. H. N ebi e","doi":"10.5897/jtehs2019.0449","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5897/jtehs2019.0449","url":null,"abstract":"The side effects prediction is a regulatory requirement prior the effective use of a new product as drug or pesticide constituent is allowed. The handling hazards of Cymbopogon schoenanthus essential oils (CSEO) were determined by investigating their acute and subacute toxicities as well as irritancy potential for eye and skin in compliance with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines. In mice, the essential oils did not induce mortality at the limit single dose of 2000 mg/kg b.w., meaning that the test product estimated LD50 is 5000 mg/kg b.w. In the 28 days sub-acute oral toxicity study in rats, there was no mortality observed for all tested doses in both sex. Furthermore, besides body weight gain that slightly dropped, there was no significant difference observed in food and water consumption, relative organs weight, and blood biochemical profile in test animals, compared to the control. No eye irritant reaction was shown in the rabbits exposed to CSEO. To assess dermal irritation, rabbits were dermally exposed to CSEO for 4 h. The results showed that no adverse reactions such as erythema and edema were observed throughout the test. Based on these findings, CSEO do not cause either oral toxicity up to 28 days in repeated administration, nor dermal and eye irritation, and seems to be safe for animal in the study conditions. These results constitute a new scientific support for the safe use of C. scheonanthus essential oils as alternatives to synthetic pesticides. However, for further clinical relevance of the results and complete toxicological profile elucidation, toxicity studies must be extended to long term toxicity test as subchronic and chronic toxicities, reprotoxicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, and mutagenicity investigations. \u0000 \u0000 Key words: Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Wistar rat, essential oils, sub-acute toxicity, blood chemistry, naturel insecticide.","PeriodicalId":17507,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78799804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of lead on the activity of antioxidant enzymes and male reproductive hormones","authors":"S. Rabiu, M. Abubakar, D. M. Sahabi, M. Makusidi","doi":"10.5897/JTEHS2019.0442","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5897/JTEHS2019.0442","url":null,"abstract":"Environmental exposure to heavy metals such as lead is detrimental to male reproductive system. Lead induced oxidative stress is believed to contribute immensely to male infertility. The study was designed to investigate the influence of environmental lead exposure on the activities of antioxidant enzymes and male reproductive hormones levels in male individuals of Bagega and Kawaye villages of Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State Nigeria. Sixty male individuals (40 lead exposed and 20 controls) were recruited. Activities of antioxidant enzymes (serum superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT] and glutathione peroxidase [GPx]) and malondialdehyde [MDA] levels were determined using standard methods. Blood lead levels and reproductive hormones levels were measured with atomic absorption spectrophotometer and ELISA method, respectively. The lead exposed subjects had mean blood lead levels (BLLs) 208.72 ± 19.89 µg/dl and were within the reproductive age group (15-45 years). The activities of all the antioxidant enzymes were significantly (P<0.05) decreased in lead exposed subjects compared to controls while MDA levels were significantly (P<0.05) increased. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were significantly (P<0.05) increased in lead exposed subjects compared to controls but testosterone levels remained the same in both lead exposed and control subjects. The study also revealed negative correlation between blood lead levels and reproductive hormones. In conclusion, environmental exposure to lead distorts antioxidant enzymes activity and male reproductive hormones levels perhaps via lead-induced oxidative stress. \u0000 \u0000 Key words: Lead exposure, oxidative stress, reproductive hormones.","PeriodicalId":17507,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences","volume":"4 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81849094","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cellular energy budget in tropical freshwater fish following exposure to sublethal concentrations \u0000of cadmium","authors":"Ezeonyejiaku Chigozie Damian, Ifedigbo Ikem Innocent, Okoye Charles Obinwanne, Ezenwelu Chijioke Obinna","doi":"10.5897/JTEHS2019.0447","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5897/JTEHS2019.0447","url":null,"abstract":"Under stressful conditions (toxicity), organisms often try to detoxify by mobilizing available energy sources with costs to various metabolic functions, such as growth or reproduction. Cellular energy allocation (CEA) is a methodology used to evaluate the energetic status and which relates with organisms’ overall condition and response to toxic stress. It consists of the integration of the energy reserves available (Ea) and energy consumption (Ec). The effects of different sublethal concentrations (0.828, 0.0828, and 0.00828 mg/l) of cadmium (Cd) was evaluated on the total energy budget of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) juveniles over 56-day period of exposure. A total of 180 C. gariepinus were exposed under the static renewal assay, and parameters measured were the total energy reserves available (protein, carbohydrate and lipid budgets) and the energy consumption (based on electron transport system activity assay) being further integrated to obtain the CEA. The Bradford method, Phenol-sulphuric acid method and Bligh and Dyer method were used to evaluate the protein, carbohydrate, and lipid contents, respectively of the test animals. Significant changes (p<0.05) in energy reserves and energy consumption were observed upon Cd exposure. Among the three energy reserves obtained, carbohydrate offered the least energy fraction (0.23%), and followed by protein (20.27%). The highest energy fraction was offered by lipid (79.50%). The effect of cadmium brought about a tremendous decrease in Carbohydrate (from 0.04 kj/g in day 7 to 0.01 kj/g in day 28). Lipid always stepped up (from 9.84 kj/g on day 7 to 34.48 jk/g on day 28) to compliment energy loss whenever carbohydrate was exhausted. Protein was least affected (from 1.78 kj/g on day 7 to 1.23 kj/g on day 28) with mild reduction in its reserve. Increased energy consumption was recorded amongst the exposed groups, with the highest concentration (0.828 mg/l) offering the most Ec of 58.54 kj/g on day 56. Significant reduction in CEA occurred across the exposed groups as Ea and Ec dwindled.  These results have shown the adverse effects of Cd on the energy status of C. gariepinus and the sensitive effectiveness of CEA technique in assessing the toxic effects of metallic pollutants on freshwater animals. \u0000 \u0000 Key words: Clarias gariepinus, cellular energy allocation, energy available, electron transport system, biomarker, energy metabolism.","PeriodicalId":17507,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences","volume":"67 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89282243","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Therapeutic assessment of Idebenone versus Titanium dioxide nanoparticles induced pulmonary injury in adult albino Rats: Experimental study","authors":"D. Amin, Aisha A. Abohashem, S. A. Amer, Amany I. Ahmed, A. Moustafa","doi":"10.5897/JTEHS2019.0441","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5897/JTEHS2019.0441","url":null,"abstract":"Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are extensively used metal in cosmetics, sunscreens, food products, paints and drugs, producing oxidative stress and deoxyribonucleic acid damage. This study aimed to improve the overall (TiO2NP) use and decrease its related health hazards through the following objective among albino rates: To assess the TiO2NPs oral administration pulmonary induced toxic effect and to study the beneficial role of Idebenone as a novel agent protecting the human body against this toxic effect. An experimental trial conducted on 75 adult albino rats of both sex, rats were classified into; Group I, II: Negative, positive controls. Group III: Rats gavaged orally with 200 mg/kg b.w. Idebenone. Group IV: Rats received 250 mg/kg b.w. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Group V: Rats gavaged orally with Idebenone then Titanium dioxide nanoparticles with previous doses. The blood samples were withdrawn for estimating nitric oxide, reduced glutathione levels. Broncho-alveolar lavage fluid was collected for estimating oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α). Then histological examination and Comet assay from the lung tissues were done. The collected data were coded and analyzed using the suitable tests by the SPSS program. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles significantly decreased and increased in values of blood reduced glutathione and nitric oxide, respectively. In addition, it caused significant increase broncho-alveolar lavage fluid oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines with marked histo-pathological changes in the lung cells were observed with DNA damage. Upon supplementation of Idebenone with titanium dioxide nanoparticles produced normalization of the oxidative stress markers and partial protection of pulmonary histological changes with moderate protective effects against DNA damage. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles exposure causes toxic effects on the lung and administration of Idebenone offers protection against its damaging effects. \u0000 \u0000 Key words: Idebenon, nanotoxicity, titanium dioxide.","PeriodicalId":17507,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences","volume":"86 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79393356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spatial distribution and operations of petrol stations in the Kassena-Nankana district (Ghana) and associated health and safety hazards","authors":"N. B. Douti, S. K. Abanyie, S. Ampofo, E. Amuah","doi":"10.5897/JTEHS2018.0420","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5897/JTEHS2018.0420","url":null,"abstract":"This study was conducted in Paga to assess the spatial distribution and operations of petrol stations and the associated health and safety hazards. Coordinates of the stations and the distances between them and the nearest residences were elicited and analysed using a GPS and ArcGIS software. Distances between fuel stations’ boundaries and the middle of the N10 highway and the distances between filling stations’ underground tanks and the nearest houses/institutions were determined using the same technique. Qualitative data were derived using structured questionnaires and semi structured interviews to provide information on perceptions of residents on the potential dangers associated with the presence of filling stations to assess the extent to which the location and operations of the stations conformed with government policy and guidelines. The study revealed that the inventoried filling stations were all located along the highway and distributed across both sides. The ratio of the total number of filling stations to the stretch of the highway (km) was 4:1. The study also showed that the guidelines for siting filling stations were not adhered to by most of the stations in the area. This posed a serious threat to the health and safety of the locals; more so, as they were predominantly sited close to residences and places of public assembly. The study also revealed that albeit there was good level of public awareness and knowledge amongst the locals of issues relating to hazards associated with the presence of the filling stations in the area, no action was undertaken by the people to draw the attention of local authorities to the problem, and prompt them to remedy it. The study therefore recommended the need for the regulatory agencies to take immediate remedial actions in response to the haphazard siting of filling stations in the area, and the country as a whole. \u0000 \u0000 Key words: Petrol stations, hazards, government policy and guidelines, perception, township.","PeriodicalId":17507,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences","volume":"4 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78818571","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The possible protective effect of Zingiber officinale extract on cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity in adult male albino rats","authors":"N. Shalaby, A. Mahmoud, Nagah El-Sayed M. Ali, Nahla E. Ibrahem, Noura H. Mekawy","doi":"10.5897/JTEHS2019.0434","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5897/JTEHS2019.0434","url":null,"abstract":"Cyclophosphamide, a cytotoxic alkylating agent, is an extensively used antineoplastic agent. Cardio-toxicity is considered as one of the limiting side effects of its use, which is attributed to oxidative stress. Zingiber officinale is powerful antioxidants against free radicals and oxidative attacks. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible protective effects of Z. officinale against cyclophosphamide induced cardio-toxicity in adult male albino rats. We used 30 adult male albino rats, divided into five groups; Group Ia (-ve control), Group Ib (+ve control), Group II (Z. officinale treated group; 200 mg/kg/day orally), Group III (cyclophosphamide treated group; single dose of 150 mg/kg I.P.), and Group IV (cyclophosphamide and Z. officinale treated group; rats received Z. officinale as before followed by single dose of cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg)). At the end of experiment, we studied biochemical parameters: oxidative markers (MDA, GSH and Catalase), and Troponin i. The heart tissue was examined by light and electron microscope to evaluate histo-pathological changes and immune-histochemical technique for localization of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the cytoplasm of cardiomyocytes. The result showed increase in troponin I and disturbance of oxidative markers in cyclophosphamide treated group compared to control groups. Whereas these results had significantly improved in cyclophosphamide and Z. officinale treated group. Light and electron microscopic examination revealed disruption in the heart tissue histo-architecture in cyclophosphamide group with strong positive cytoplasmic iNOS immunoreaction in numerous cardiomyocytes by histochemical examination unlike that in cyclophosphamide and Z. officinale treated group which returned near normal. In conclusion, cyclophosphamide has a cardiotoxic effect which can be prevented by Z. officinale supplementation. Further studies about cyclophosphamide toxic effect on the heart and about Z. officinale role in protection are recommended. \u0000 \u0000 Key words: Cyclophosphamide, Zingiber officinale, cardiotoxicty.","PeriodicalId":17507,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences","volume":"27 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79045638","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Poisonings with heavy metals and neoplasms - possible correlations","authors":"Lucia Bubulac, Dan Octavian Marculescu, V. Purcarea","doi":"10.5897/JTEHS2018.0410","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5897/JTEHS2018.0410","url":null,"abstract":"As a side effect of industrialization, some diseases have developed only recently, becoming a challenge for the medical specialists both in research and medical treatment fields. Among these, the poisoning with heavy metals occupies a certain category that must retain attention, due to since the effects of this kind of poisoning are very serious effects if these injuries poisonings are not properly recognized and treated. Most common heavy metals that are involved in poisonings are Mercury, Cadmium, Lead and Arsenic. They are capable of inducing a wide range of pathologies, including neoplasms with cerebral localization. In order to illustrate the link between the poisonings with heavy metals and neoplasms, we present a case of a 19 years old patient, who was diagnosed both with germinoma, which is a malignant tumor of the median brain structures, and mercury poisoning. Since germinoma and mercury poisoning are rare conditions, it is very hard to obtain enough data for a statistically significant study. However, the case study which encompasses the poisoning with heavy metals and germinoma supports the idea of performing proper screenings in the event of individuals being diagnosed with mercury poisoning, especially when they can turn out to be potentially treatable.  \u0000 \u0000 Key words: Poisoning, mercury poisoning, germinoma, cerebral tumor, cerebral neoplasm.","PeriodicalId":17507,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences","volume":"62 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88291866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Post-epidemic lead exposure to animals following a decontamination exercise in gold mining village of Bagega, Zamfara State, Nigeria","authors":"M. Tijjani, Bello Mohammed Agaie, Kenneth Idowu Onifade, A. Mainasara, I. Yusuf, Abdulyakeen Olawale Tijjani","doi":"10.5897/JTEHS2018.0417","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5897/JTEHS2018.0417","url":null,"abstract":"This study focused on the evaluation of environmental lead contamination due to artisanal gold mining at a Nigerian village of Bagega one year after a clean-up exercise was carried out. Water samples were collected from earthen dams, faucets and wells, while plant and soil samples from grazing fields, residential areas and sites within the vicinity of the gold mine. The collected samples were digested and analyzed for lead concentration using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The recommended safe level of lead in water is 0.01 ppm and all the sources of water analyzed showed elevated lead concentrations. Water from the earthen dam, tap and well had lead concentrations of 31.49±7.1, 5.98±1.5 and 7.14±1.2 ppm, respectively. In the grazing area, the lead concentration was 4.6±7.5 mg/kg, whereas in the residential area and mining vicinity, the concentrations were 46.84±10 and 1153± 165 mg/kg, respectively. Two plants, Alysicarpus vaginalis and Digitaria debilis had a uniquely high bioaccumulation ratio, suggesting their potential as hyperaccumulators of lead. Given that international standards accept lead levels of 420 ppm and below, the residential area and the grazing fields may be safe, but the vicinity of the mine which had a toxic concentration could be unsafe. For animal feed, all plant ingredients analyzed accumulated low levels of lead except for A. vaginalis. This study suggests that soil remediation may be an effective decontaminating procedure. Additionally, grazing plants in the study area are not important sources of lead exposure to animals. However, water bodies may constitute a probable route of lead exposure to both animals and humans. Therefore, there is a need to prevent water contamination by immobilizing lead from the mining site which could be potentially leached into water bodies. \u0000 \u0000 Key words: Animals, Bagega, mining, environment, decontamination.","PeriodicalId":17507,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75133846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}