Toxicity of Zinc Phosphide-Based Rodenticide Formulated and Sold in Nigeria

The toxicity of zinc phosphide-based rodenticide formulated and sold in Nigeria was investigated. Preliminary toxicity study was conducted using 24 rats and based results a dosage of zinc phosphide-based rodenticides 1 g to 200 g feed was adopted for this study. A further batch of 30 albino rats was procured for the main study. The rats were observed for period of 3 and 6 hours. At the end of the time interval, the animals were euthanized under chloroform anesthesia, blood samples were collected into sterile ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid and heparin sample bottles. Kidney and liver organs were collected and stored in 40% formaldehyde. Biochemical parameters, ALT, AST, Creatinine, urea, uric acid and potassium concentrations were enhanced 3 and 6 hours after administration of the rodenticide to the albino rats. There were also elevations for total WBC and PLT values. The enhancement of most of the biochemical and hematological parameters investigated suggest the possible failures of several organs of the rats studied. Histological slides indicated breakdown of cellular matrix compared to the slide obtained for the control. Also, there was congestion of liver sinusoids. The sinusoidal congestion found after 6 hours of ZP administration in this study may be the reason for the markedly elevated ALT and AST levels.