Toxicological Effect of Biodiesel Emission Particles on Cellular System of Albino Rats

Aim: This study investigates toxicological effect of biodiesel smokes on cellular system of albino rats.

Study Design: Biodiesel was blended with fuel diesel at 100, 75, 50, and 25% v/v. Rats were exposed to each flame for 120 seconds daily over a period of ten days.

Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory work was carried out in the Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Nigeria.

Methodology: Rats were grouped into six each containing six rats designated; Control group (no exposure), FD (exposed to smoke of fuel diesel), 100BD, 75BD, 50BD and 25BD exposed to 100, 75, 50 and 25% blend of biodiesel respectively. Afterwards, rats were sacrificed, liver, lungs and brain was isolated and homogenized. Serum was also separated. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), choline esterase (CEST) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assayed for in the selected tissues.

Results: ALP activity of liver of rats in Control group was significantly higher (p<.05) relative to rats in other treatment groups. Lungs ACP activity of rats in Control groups was 3 folds that of rats in FD group, 2 folds those of rats in 100BD, 75BD and 25BD groups. CEST activity in brain of rats in Control group was 3 folds that of FD group and two folds that of 50BD and 25BD group of rats. Conversely, serum CEST activity of rats in Control group was significantly lower (p<.05) relative to that of other treatment groups it is about 16% that of FD group in particular. Serum MDA level of Control rats was significantly lower (p<.05) relative to each of the other treatment groups.

Conclusion: Biochemical evidence from this study indicated loss of membrane integrity, possible inflammation of cells of the brain, lungs, and liver.