Abstract

Background: Fumigation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) using aluminium phosphide is a common practice and contact with this chemical has been demonstrated to result in organ damage, but there is dearth of data on the impact of its powder residue on a mammalian species. Aims &
Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of post-fumigation residue on both liver and kidney of female Wistar rats. Material and Methods: Eighteen rats were randomly divided into each of the three experimental groups. A group was fed with untreated cowpea and served as control; either of the two other groups was fed phosphide-powder residue contaminated or uncontaminated cowpea. Serum obtained from blood that was collected through retro-orbital bleeding was utilized for biochemical analysis.
Results: While contact with treated but uncontaminated cowpea did not result in either hepatic or renal damage, rats fed phosphide-residue contaminated cowpea exhibited both hepatic and renal damage as the indices (alanine & aspartate aminotransferases, γ- glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, urea, uric acid, creatinine) of study were significantly different (p<0.05) compared with control. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that phosphide residue may both nephro and hepatotoxic to female Wistar rats.