Toxicological Studies on Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation and Oxidative DNA Damage in Residents of a Gas Flaring Community

Ifenkwe John Chimerenka, Nwanjo Harrison Ugochukwu, Nwosu Dennis Chimezie, Ofor Igri Bassey

Abstract: This study was carried out on blood samples collected from 200 residents each from Imiringi (Gas Flaring Community) and Odi (Non-Gas Flaring Community) all in Bayelsa State, Nigeria to determine the blood levels of Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury and Selenium as well as the oxidative DNA damage marker 8-Hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Blood samples were also analyzed for WBC, Hb, platelets, prothrombin time and serum concentrations of AST, ALT, albumin, ALP, bilirubin, gamma GT, total protein, sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, urea and creatinine. Residents in Imiringi recorded the highest blood levels of Mercury, Lead, Selenium, Cadmium, Chromium and 8-OHdG and they were all statistically significantly different at p

Keywords: Heavy Metal, Gas Flaring, Bioaccumulation, Oxidative Stress