Domestic water and accumulating mercury toxicity in the kidney

Abstract

Chronic kidney disorder may even be a significant health concern in Delta region particularly Dakahlia district, Egypt that’s characterized by permanent loss of kidney function through the years. Mercury considered as a silent threat to the environment and human life, through the world. This work purposes to access the effects of mercury overload in domestic water on the renal function. The study performed in spring 2019 on one hundred participants and conducted in two main areas that are getting ready to Lake Manzala. 100 ml of water, 40 ml of urine and 10 ml of blood samples from patients suffering from kidney diseases and healthy individuals as control group. These samples will be processed and analyzed to determine the incidence of active kidney disease. Mean levels of mercury in water, and urine samples of case group participants exceeded standard references and were significantly higher compared to control group (p = 0.0004 and 0.023 respectively) denoting more exposure to mercury. Proteinuria was significantly higher (p = 0.031) whereas, hemoglobin and hematocrit became significantly lower (p = 0.039 and 0.044 respectively) among case group participants which might be an indicator for kidney affection due to mercury exposure. Mercury overload in domestic water can cause renal impairment. The study showed that urinalysis for Proteinuria and hemoglobin values is commonly used as a screening test to detect kidney damage caused by mercury poisoning. Measures to prevent environmental pollutants and continuous monitoring of water sources in these districts are clearly necessary.