Assessment of the Cytomorphology of the Cerebral Cortex of Wistar Rats Exposed to Eliozu Dumpsite Leachate

Abstract

The cerebral cortex is the outermost layer of the cerebrum and plays a critical role in various cognitive, sensory and motor functions. It is highly folded and has distinct regions responsible for different functions. Leachate refers to the liquid that forms when water percolates through waste materials, such as landfills and dumpsite picking up various organic and inorganic compounds along the way. It is a complex mixture of chemicals, including heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOC) and other potentially harmful substances. Eliozu dumpsite is one of the biggest dumpsite in Port Harcourt metropolis. It receives deposits of both domestic and industrial wastes from Port Harcourt, these wastes are dumped untreated, and thus may pose serious environmental risks to inhabitants in the area. The present study focuses on the assessment of the cytomorphology of the cerebral cortex exposed to Eliozu dumpsite leachate using Wistar rats as model. Twenty five (25) male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of five animals each; the leachate was collected from the dumpsite and water from near-by borehole also collected. Group 1 which served as control group received 1ml of commercial bottle water, group 2 received 1ml of borehole water 1kilometer from the dumpsite, groups 3, 4 and 5 received different concentration of the leachate in 10%, 50% and 100% for ninety days, the animals were sacrificed after being anesthetized with chloroform vapor, the brains were collected and put in 10% formaldehyde, sectioned and stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), special stain Gorgon and Sweet for histopathological studies. The slides were placed in a light microscope and analyzed by a consultant Anatomy pathologist. The results revealed that the Eliozu dumpsite leachate does have deleterious effect on the cytomorphology of the cerebral cortex. Eliozu dumpsite leachate has shown deleterious effect on cerebral cortex which is an indication of toxicity that may cause brain death to the experimental animals. Therefore, it is recommended that continued research, education and public awareness are essential to promote sustainable waste management practices and safeguard the integrity of the cerebral cortex.