Open Access

Concentrations of some heavy and trace metals in serum and brain of five species of wild vertebrates from Nigeria

, , , , , ,  and   
Jun 25, 2025

Cite
Download Cover

1. Ghorani-Azam, A., Riahi-Zanjani, B., Balali-Mood, M., 2016: Effects of air pollution on human health and practical measures for prevention in Iran. J. Res. Med. Sci., 21, 1, 65. DOI: 10.4103/1735-1995.189646 Search in Google Scholar

2. Luo, L., Wang, B., Jiang, J., Fitzgerald, M., Huang, Q., Yu, Z., et al., 2021: Heavy metal contaminations in herbal medicines: determination, comprehensive risk assessments, and solutions. Front. Pharmacol., 11. DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.595335 Search in Google Scholar

3. Tchounwou, P. B, Yedjou, C. G., Patlolla, A. K., Sutton, D. J., 2012: Heavy metal toxicity and the environment, EXS, 101, 133–164. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-7643-8340-4_6 Search in Google Scholar

4. Fukada, T., Kambe, T., 2011: Molecular and genetic features of zinc transporters in physiology and pathogenesis. Metallomics, 3, 7, 662–674. DOI: 10.1039/c1mt00011j Search in Google Scholar

5. Femi-Akinlosotu, O. M., Olopade, F. E., Obiako, J., Olopade, J.O., Shokunbi, M. T., 2023: Vanadium improves memory and spatial learning and protects the pyramidal cells of the hippocampus in juvenile hydrocephalic mice. Front. Neurol., 14. DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1116727 Search in Google Scholar

6. Mehri, A., 2020: Trace elements in human nutrition (II) -an update. Int. J. Prev. Med., 11, 1, 2. DOI: 10.4103/ijpvm. IJPVM_48_19 Search in Google Scholar

7. Ramos, P., Santos, A., Pinto, N. R., Mendes, R., Magalhães, T., Almeida, A., 2014: Anatomical region differences and age-related changes in copper, zinc, and manganese levels in the human brain. Biol. Trace. Elem. Res., 161, 190–201. DOI: 10.1007/s12011-014-0093-6 Search in Google Scholar

8. Kardos, J., Héja, L., Simon, Á., Jablonkai, I., Kovács, R., Jemnitz, K., 2018: Copper signalling: causes and consequences. Cell Commun. Signal., 16, 71. DOI: 10.1186/s12964-018-0277-3 Search in Google Scholar

9. Georgieff, M. K., 2008: The role of iron in neurodevelopment: fetal iron deficiency and the developing hippocampus. Biochem. Soc. Trans., 36, 6, 1267–1271. DOI: 10.1042/BST0361267 Search in Google Scholar

10. Ijomone, O. M., Ifenatuoha, C. W., Aluko, O. M., Ijomone, O. K., Aschner, M., 2020: The aging brain: impact of heavy metal neurotoxicity. Crit. Rev. Toxicol., 50, 9, 801–814. DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2020.1838441 Search in Google Scholar

11. Jadhav, S. H., Sarkar, S. N., Patil, R. D., Tripathi, H. C., 2007: Effects of subchronic exposure via drinking water to a mixture of eight water-contaminating metals: A biochemical and histopathological study in male rats. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol., 53, 667–677. DOI: 10.1007/s00244-007-0031-0 Search in Google Scholar

12. Usende, I. L., Alimba, C. G., Emikpe, B. O., Bakare, A. A., Olopade, J. O., 2018: Intraperitoneal sodium metavana-date exposure induced severe clinicopathological alterations, hepato-renal toxicity and cytogenotoxicity in African giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse, 1840). Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res., 25, 26383–26393. DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-2588-8 Search in Google Scholar

13. Deng, Y., Wang, M., Tian, T., Lin, S., Xu, P., Zhou, L., et al., 2019: The Effect of hexavalent chromium on the incidence and mortality of human cancers: A meta-analysis based on published epidemiological cohort studies. Front. Oncol., 9, 24. DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00024 Search in Google Scholar

14. Clancy, H. A., Sun, H., Passantino, L., Kluz, T., Muñoz, A., Zavadil, J., et al., 2012: Gene expression changes in human lung cells exposed to arsenic, chromium, nickel or vanadium indicate the first steps in cancer. Metallomics, 2012, 4, 8, 784–793. DOI: 10.1039/c2mt20074k Search in Google Scholar

15. Koedrith, P., Kim, H., Weon, J. I., Seo, Y. R., 2013: Toxicogenomic approaches for understanding molecular mechanisms of heavy metal mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. Int. J. Hyg. Environ. Health., 216, 5, 587–598. DOI: 10.1016/j. ijheh.2013.02.010 Search in Google Scholar

16. Milam, C., Buba, M., Dogara, R. K., Yila, E. Y., 2017: Assessment of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in blood samples of sheep and rabbits Jimeta-Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria. IJAPBC, 6, 3, 2277–4688. Search in Google Scholar

17. Jubril, A. J., Kabiru, M., Olopade, J. O., Taiwo, V. O., 2017: Biological monitoring of heavy metals in goats exposed to environmental contamination in Bagega, Zamfara State, Nigeria. Adv. Environ. Biol., 11, 6, 11–18. Search in Google Scholar

18. Jubril, A. J., Obasa, A. A., Mohammed, S. A., Olopade, J. O., Taiwo, V. O., 2019: Neuropathological lesions in the brains of goats In North-Western Nigeria: possible impact of artisanal mining. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. Int., 26, 36, 36589–36597. DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06611-y Search in Google Scholar

19. Hammond, P. B., Aronson, A. L., 1964: Lead poisoning in cattle and horses in the vicinity of a smelter. Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci., 111, 2, 595-611. DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1964.tb53128.x Search in Google Scholar

20. Tsuchiya, K., 1992: The discovery of the causal agent of Minamata disease. Am. J. Ind. Med., 21, 2, 275-280. Search in Google Scholar

21. Roelofs, P., 2021: Urban renewal in Ibadan, Nigeria: World class but essentially Yoruba, African Affairs, 120, 480, 391–415. DOI: 10.1093/afraf/adab021 Search in Google Scholar

22. Olopade, J. O., Mustapha, O. A., Fatola, O. I., Ighorodje, E., Folarin, O. R., Olopade, F. E., et al., 2023: Neuropatho-logical profile of the African Giant Rat brain (Cricetomys gambianus) after natural exposure to heavy metal environmental pollution in the Nigerian Niger Delta. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res., 30, 120496–120514. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-30619-0 Search in Google Scholar

23. Igado, O. O., Andrioli, A., Azeez, I. A., Girolamo, F., Errede, M., Aina, O. O., et al., 2020: The ameliorative effects of a phenolic derivative of Moringa oleifera leave against vanadium-induced neurotoxicity in mice. IBRO Reports, 9, 164–182. DOI: 10.1016/j.ibror.2020.07.004 Search in Google Scholar

24. Perkin-Elmer, 1996: Analytical Methods for Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Perkin-Elmer Corporation, USA Search in Google Scholar

25. Khazaeli, S., Nezamabadi, N., Rabani, M., Panahi, H. A., 2013: A new functionalized resin and its application in flame atomic absorption spectrophotometric determination of trace amounts of heavy metal ions after solid phase extraction in water samples. Microchem. J., 106, 147–153. DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2012.06.002 Search in Google Scholar

26. Hernández-Plata, I., Rodríguez, V. M., Tovar-Sánchez, E., Carrizalez, L., Villalobos, P., Mendoza-Trejo, M. S., et al., 2020: Metal brain bioaccumulation and neurobehavioral effects on the wild rodent (Liomys irroratus) inhabiting mine tailing areas. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res., 27, 29, 36330–36349. DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09451-3 Search in Google Scholar

27. Morais, S., Costa, F. G., Pereira, M. L., 2012: Heavy metals and human health, In Environmental health – emerging issues and practice. InTech. DOI: 10.5772/29869 Search in Google Scholar

28. Gall, J. E., Boyd, R. S., Rajakaruna, N., 2015: Transfer of heavy metals through terrestrial food webs: a review. Environ. Monit. Assess., 187, 201. DOI: 10.1007/s10661-015-4436-3 Search in Google Scholar

29. Basu, N., Scheuhammer, A. M., Sonne, C., Letcher, R. J., Born, E. W., Dietz, R. 2009: Is dietary mercury of neurotoxicological concern to wild polar bears (Ursus maritimus)? Environ. Toxicol. Chem., 28, 1, 133–140. DOI: 10.1897/08-251.1 Search in Google Scholar

30. Krey, A., Kwan, M., Chan, H. M., 2014: In vivo and in vitro changes in neurochemical parameters related to mercury concentrations from specific brain regions of polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Environ. Toxicol. Chem., 33, 11, 2463–2471. DOI: 10.1002/etc.2685 Search in Google Scholar

31. Krey, A., Ostertag, S. K., Chan, H. M., 2015: Assessment of neurotoxic effects of mercury in beluga whales (Delphi-napterus leucas), ringed seals (Pusa hispida), and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from the Canadian Arctic. Sci. Total. Env., 509–510, 237–247. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.05.134 Search in Google Scholar

32. Ostertag, S. K., Shaw, A. C., Basu, N., Chan, H. M., 2014: Molecular and neurochemical biomarkers in Arctic beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) were correlated to brain mercury and selenium concentrations. Env. Sci. Technol., 48, 19, 11551–11559. DOI: 10.1021/es501369b Search in Google Scholar

33. Meador, J. P., Ernest, D., Hohn, A. A., Tilbury, K., Gorzelany, J., Worthy, G., et al., 1999: Comparison of elements in bottlenose dolphins stranded on the beaches of Texas and Florida in the Gulf of Mexico over a one-year period. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol., 36, 87–98. DOI: 10.1007/s002449900446 Search in Google Scholar

34. Dornbos, P., Strom, S., Basu, N., 2013: Mercury exposure and neurochemical biomarkers in multiple brain regions of Wisconsin River Otters (Lontra canadensis). Ecotoxicology, 22, 469–475. DOI: 10.1007/s10646-013-1040-6 Search in Google Scholar

35. Erry, B. V., Macnair, M. R., Meharg, A. A., Shore, R. F., 2005: The distribution of arsenic in the body tissues of wood mice and bank voles. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol., 49, 569–576. DOI: 10.1007/s00244-004-0229-3 Search in Google Scholar

36. Thomson, C., Hahn, C., Johnson, C., 2012: Veterinary Neuroanatomy: A Clinical Approach. Edinburgh: Saunders/Elsevier, ISBN 9780702034824. Search in Google Scholar

37. Kim, J. J., Kim, Y. S., Kumar, V. 2019: Heavy metal toxicity: An update of chelating therapeutic strategies. J. Trace Elem. Med. Biol., 54, 226-231. DOI: 10.1016/j. jtemb.2019.05.003 Search in Google Scholar

38. Kalisińska, E., Salicki, W., Mysłek, P., Kavetska, K. M., Jackowski, A., 2004: Using the mallard to biomonitor heavy metal contamination of wetlands in north-western Poland. Sci. Total. Environ., 320, 2-3, 145–161. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2003.08.014 Search in Google Scholar

39. Kalisinska, E., Lanocha-Arendarczyk, N., Kosik-Bogacka, D., Budis, H., Podlasinska, J., Popiolek, M., et al., 2016. Brains of native and alien mesocarnivores in biomonitoring of toxic metals in Europe. PLoS One, 11, 8, 1–27. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159935 Search in Google Scholar

40. Cid, F. D., Gatica-Sosa, C., Anton, R. I., Caviedes-Vidal, E., 2009: Contamination of heavy metals in birds from Embalse La Florida (San Luis, Argentina). J. Environ. Monit., 11, 2044–2051. DOI: 10.1039/b906227k Search in Google Scholar

41. Lindsay, D., Kerr, W., 2011: Cobalt close-up. Nat. Chem., 3, 494. DOI: 10.1038/nchem.1053 Search in Google Scholar

42. Jumba, I. O., Kisia, S. M., Kock, R., 2007: Animal health problems attributed to environmental contamination in Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya: A case study on heavy metal poisoning in the Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa (Ruppel, 1835). Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol., 52, 270–281. DOI: 10.1007/s00244-005-0241-2 Search in Google Scholar

43. Jaishankar, M., Tseten, T., Anbalagan, N., Mathew, B. B., Beeregowda, K. N., 2014: Toxicity, mechanism and health effects of some heavy metals. Interdiscip. Toxicol., 7, 2, 60–72. DOI: 10.2478/intox-2014-0009 Search in Google Scholar

44. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, USA. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxicological-profiles/glossary/index.html#heading-c. Accessed May 25, 2025. Search in Google Scholar

45. Maľová, J., Ciberej, J., Maľa, P., Zigo, F., Semjon, B., 2019: Heavy metal levels in the tissues of wild living animals from two distinct industrially exploited areas in Slovakia. Slovak J. Anim. Sci., 52, 3, 100–110. Search in Google Scholar

46. Aloupi, M., Karagianni, A., Kazantzidis, S., Akriotis, T., 2017: Heavy metals in liver and brain of waterfowl from the Evros Delta, Greece. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol., 72, 215–234. DOI: 10.1007/s00244-016-0349-6 Search in Google Scholar

47. Lambert, M., Leven, B. A., Green, R. M., 2000: New methods of cleaning up heavy metal in soils and water. Environmental Science and Technology Briefs for Citizens. Search in Google Scholar

48. Kumar, V., Kalita, J., Misra, U. K., Bora, H. K., 2015: A study of dose response and organ susceptibility of copper toxicity in a rat model. J. Trace Elem. Med. Biol., 29, 269–274. DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2014.06.004 Search in Google Scholar

49. Aaseth, J., Crisponi, G., Andersen, O., 2016: Chelation therapy in the treatment of metal intoxication, 1st edition, Academic Press. Search in Google Scholar

50. Igado, O. O., Olopade, J. O., Onwuka, S. K., Onwuka, A. C, Daramola, O. A, Ajufo, U. E., 2008: Evidence of environmental pollution in caprine brains obtained from a relatively unindustrialized area in Nigeria. African J. Biomed. Res., 11, 3, 305–309. DOI: 10.4314/ajbr.v11i3.50744 Search in Google Scholar

51. Valko, M., Morris, H., Cronin, M. T. D., 2005: Metals, toxicity and oxidative stress. Curr. Med. Chem., 12, 10, 1161–1208. DOI: 10.2174/0929867053764635 Search in Google Scholar

52. Kalisińska, E., 2000: Lead and other heavy metals in the brain of geese hunted in the vicinity of Slonsk, Poland. Biol. Bull. Poznań, 37, 2, 273–286. Search in Google Scholar

53. Havera, S. P., Wood, S. G., Georgi, M. M., 1992: Blood and tissue parameters in wild mallards redosed with lead shot. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol., 49, 238–245. Search in Google Scholar

54. Stout, J. D., Brinker, D. F., Driscoll, C. P., Davison, S., Murphy, L. A., 2010: Serum biochemistry values, plasma mineral levels, and whole blood heavy metal measurements in wild Northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis). J. Zoo. Wildl. Med., 41, 4, 649–655. DOI: 10.1638/2009-0258.1 Search in Google Scholar

55. de Carvalho, F. M., Gaunt, S. D., Kearney, M. T., Rich, G. A., Tully, T. N. Jr., 2009: Reference intervals of plasma calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium for African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) and Hispaniolan parrots (Amazona ventralis). J. Zoo. Wildl. Med., 40, 4, 675–679. DOI: 10.1638/2009-0012.1 Search in Google Scholar

56. Tarale, P., Chakrabarti, T., Sivanesan, S., Naoghare, P., Bafana, A., Krishnamurthi, K., 2016: Potential role of epigenetic mechanism in manganese induced neurotoxicity. Biomed. Res. Int., 2016, 2548792. DOI: 10.1155/2016/2548792 Search in Google Scholar

57. Tomza-Marciniak, A., Pilarczyk, B., Bąkowska, M., Ligocki, M., Gaik, M., 2012: Lead, cadmium and other metals in serum of pet dogs from an urban area of NW Poland. Biol. Trace Elem. Res., 149, 345-51. DOI: 10.1007/s12011-012-9433-6 Search in Google Scholar

58. Nam, D. H., Rutkiewicz, J., Basu, N., 2012: Multiple metals exposure and neurotoxic risk in bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) from two Great Lakes states. Environ. Toxicol. Chem., 31, 3, 623–631. DOI: 10.1002/etc.1712 Search in Google Scholar

Language:
English
Publication timeframe:
4 times per year
Journal Subjects:
Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology and Virology, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine