Leachates from Electronic Waste Alter Biochemical Parameters and Cause Genotoxicity in Exposed Albino Rats (Mus musculus)

Abstract Studies have shown that exposure to electronic waste leachate from landfills, industrial processes, or agriculture can pose health risks to humans and animals. However, the exact nature of the health problems has not been established. This study evaluated the physicochemical parameters and effects of leachate from e-waste collected from Alaba International Market, Lagos on Swiss albino mice. Forty-two rats of both sexes were distributed equally into 7 groups. The control rats in group 1 were fed distilled water while the test rats in groups 2-7 were fed 0.5ml 100%, 50%, 25%, 10%, 5%, and 1% v/v of the leachate, respectively. The administration was monitored for 16 days, during which clinical observations and body weight measurement were also carried out. Thereafter, the rats were euthanized and their liver, kidney and sperm functions were determined. The genotoxicity of the leachate was also evaluated. Physicochemical analysis showed that pH, turbidity, conductivity, TSS, etc.) exceeded the standards set by the World health organization (WHO) and the Nigeria standard for water quality (NSDWQ). The results also revealed elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT) and kidney damage (CREA); reduced sperm count and motility; increased sperm aberrations; and DNA damage in liver cells, including single-strand breaks and double-strand breaks in mice exposed to e-waste leachate. The study concludes that e-waste leachate is cytotoxic and genotoxic, posing potential health risks to humans and animals. Minimizing human exposure, proper management and disposal of e-waste are crucial to prevent adverse health effects and mitigate its toxicity on human health and the environment. Keywords: Antimalarial, Bio active compounds, Efficacy, Metabolites, Plasmodium berghei