Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Wild animals have provided complimentary protein for human populations across the world over the centuries. This study investigated on bioaccumulation of heavy metals in different organs of cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) and the health implications of its consumption. Four carcasses were collected from each of the four ecotomes (Mosinmi, Agbara, Omo forest reserve and Ibese) and concentrations of 7 heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Cd, Pb, Mn, Cr, Zn) were examined in four organs (skin, liver, lung and kidney) from each specimen used by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Analysis of variance revealed no significant difference (P>0.05) in the concentration of metals in the animal except Fe and Cu, while significant variation exists when specimens were compared across different ecotomes. Total mean concentrations were Fe (400.512±60.0107), Cu (8.569±1.0396), Cd (0.06±0.040), Pb (0.3156±0.1175), Mn (9.4200±1.0383), Cr (1.3013±0.2739) and Zn (72.771±10.5672). Average mean concentration for all the metals in the study area was found to be higher than the recommended level which suggests that consumption of animals from this ecotomes are hazardous to human health and no single organ is completely safe for human consumption.

Bioaccumulation of Metals inAfrican Brush-tailed Porcupine, Atherurus africanus (Gray, 1842) in the Tropical Rainforests of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

“…The current study conforms appreciably to the observations of Mustafa (2019) who discovered high concentrations of copper, chromium, cadmium, and cobalt exceeding the established/ permissible regulatory limits. Durojaye et al (2014) also discovered impermissible concentrations of Fe, Cu, Cd, Pd, Mn, Cr, and Zn in the skin, liver, lung, and kidney of Thryonomys swinderianus sampled in Omo forest reserve of Ogun State. In the current study, although the concentrations of all trace metals investigated were below the stringent regulatory limits of established and certified bodies around the world, barium, vanadium and zinc may be metals of future concern due to their attendant bioaccumulation in the grasscutter.…”

“…A number of anthropogenic activities in the tropical rain forests of Ibadan, Oyo State include the use of agrochemicals, build-up of automobile emissions on the highways, along the boundaries of the forest may contaminate the entire land, air, and water and thus having negative impact on the wild animals. Durojaye et al (2014) reported high concentrations of Fe, Cu, Cd, Pd, Mn, Cr, and Zn in organs of game animals sampled in Omo forest reserve of Ogun State. Heavy metals from these various sources may build up to toxic concentrations within unexpectedly short periods.…”

Risk of Heavy Metal Poisoning From Consuming Grasscutter Digesta in Ghana

“…Gbogbo et al (2020) recorded low levels of Cd and Hg in grasscutter meat and concluded that its consumption at a rate of 0.104 kg per day is safe. 8 Conversely, Soewu et al 27 found higher than recommended levels of Cd and Mn in grasscutter meat collected in Southwestern Nigeria. The disparities in the abundance of heavy metals in grasscutter meat from different geographical locations suggest that the abundance of heavy metals in grasscutter digesta may be a function of the animal’s habitat.…”

“…For instance, some studies have demonstrated that heavy metals from the environment may bioaccumulate in commonly consumed fruits, vegetables, and cereals. 24 - 26 Upon ingesting these contaminated crops, the heavy metals may accumulate in the meat and guts of the animals, 16 , 27 which raises concerns about the health of individuals who consume grasscutter digesta. Here, we assessed the knowledge and perceptions of respondents about the safety of consuming grasscutter digesta and evaluated the potential risk of heavy metal poisoning from ingesting this spice.…”