Toxicological Evaluation of Biodiesel Emission Particles on Growth and Haematological Properties of Albino Rat

Abstract

This study evaluates the effect of combustible flames of biodiesel on growth and haematological properties of rats exposed to it over a period of ten days. Biodiesel were categorized into FD, 100BD, 75BD, 50BD and 25BD depending on the blend. After the exposure, rats were sacrificed by jugular puncture and blood was collected for haematological analysis. Rats in the Control group had a body weight gain of 10.0±0.51 g while a body weight gain 0f 4.01±0.10, 2.00±0.10, 0.00±0.00, 6.05±0.20, 4.05±0.20 g was recorded for rats in FD, 100BD, 75BD, 50BD and 25BD group of rats respectively. No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed for RBC and Hb of all rat groups. The MCV, MCH, MCHC, PCV and monocytes of groups FD and 100BD rats showed no significant difference (p>0.05). This study has demonstrated that exposure to biodiesel flames can also lead to growth defect and haematological abnormalities. The mechanism through which biodiesel flame was able to achieve these health conditions is still a serious concern and yet to be unraveled. Experimental evidence from this study has also shown that threat posed by biodiesel is milder in effect relative to fuel diesel.
Keywords: Toxicological, Biodiesel, Emission particles, Haematological, Rat