Abstract
Evaluation of possible health implications of chronic consumption of salt and water from Okposi and Uburu salt lakes was carried out using adult male albino rats. The rats were placed in groups and orally administered I ml/kg of the raw lake water, semi-processed water or solution of 10% (W/V) of processed salt from the lakes for seven consecutive days. Physical activity, body mass changes, total serum protein, and transaminase activities were monitored and compared with those of control animals given equivalent volume of distilled water. Results showed that the raw (un-processed) lake water samples from both Okposi and Uburu salt lakes caused the greatest observed reduction in physical activities but elicited the highest serum transaminase activities, while the processed salt solution elicited the lower effects, when compared to control. The raw lake waters also caused the greatest reduction in the total serum protein levels (p<0.05) relative to the control. However, while the transaminase activities followed the order: raw lake water > semi-processed > processed salt solution, the order in the obtained reduction of weight and total serum protein is; raw lake water > processed salt solution > semi-processed lake water. These results suggest that the raw lake water is toxic and caused the greatest liver damage. Yet, the processing seems to improve the safety of the salt lake water. Processing methods aimed at reducing the possible adverse health effects should be employed.
Highlights
Salt lakes are products of volcanic, glacial, tectonic and river activities which leave depressions and cavities [1]
High heavy metals presences have been reported in Wadi EL Natrun saline lakes of Egypt [3] and even the Uburu salt lake in Ebonyi state, Nigeria [4]
Okposi and Uburu salt lakes are situate in Ohaozara Local government area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Summary
Salt lakes are products of volcanic, glacial, tectonic and river activities which leave depressions and cavities [1]. A salt lake is a land locked body of water which has a concentration of salts (mostly sodium chloride) and other minerals significantly higher than most lakes (often defined as 3,000 miligram salt per litre). Salt lakes have been shown to contain metals and non-metallic ions such as cadminum, calcium, cobolt, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, iron, biocarbonate, sulphate, bromine, fluorine, in addition to sodium and chlorine [2]. Heavy metals are released into water bodies such as streams, lakes, rivers and ground water from either natural processes or anthropogenic sources [5, 6, 7]. Major sources of heavy metals arising from anthropogenic activities are domestic, industrial waste waters and solid wastes, as well as fertilizers for agricultural practices.
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