Accumulation of heavy metal in spleen of gallus gallus within polluted areas in wasit province

Abstract

With the continuation of oil extraction and manufacture of brick from brick factories in Wasit province, the heavy metals amounts emitted to the environments are steadily increasing. Hence, can result in high levels of accumulation of these contaminants and intoxication of humans and animals living nearby, that pose a hazard to ecosystems, animals and human health. In this study we detected the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and cupper (Cu), in spleen tissues of Gallus gallus specimens being collected from two sites in Wasit province. All studied mineral parameters were significantly higher in samples taken from areas near Al-Hay brick factories than those taken from Al-Ahdeb oil fields, this indicates that areas near Al-Hay brick factories are highly polluted and it can be considered unsuitable for living due to the hazardous effect resulted from high rate of accumulation of toxic heavy menials.