EFFECT OF WASTEWATER TREATED WITH METHANOLIC BARK EXTRACT OF BRIDELIA FERRUGINEA BENTH ON RAT KIDNEY AND LIVER.

The effect of wastewater treated with Bridelia ferruginea bark on the kidney and liver of rat was investigated. Bacteriological analysis of the wastewater revealed the presence of 12 bacterial isolates. A total of 160 rats were grouped into 4 of 40 rats in a 14-day trial. In group I (Standard Control), the animals were administered 5ml of distilled water. Groups II to IV were administered 5ml of methanol-treated wastewater, untreated wastewater and Bridelia-treated wastewater respectively and they were designated positive control, negative control and Bridelia-treated respectively. A significant reduction (p<0.05) was recorded for serum urea and creatinine concentrations in Bridelia-treated rats when compared with the negative control after 7 days. The situation however changed for creatinine after 14 days with a significant increase in the Bridelia-treated group. A significant increase (p<0.05) was also observed in the activities of ALT and AST of Bridelia-treated group after 7 days. The reverse was however the case for serum AST activity after 14 days. The results of this study suggest that although B. ferruginea bark may have some potential as a water treatment agent, it is not totally safe. Hence, its use in the treatment of domestic wastewater for drinking purposes should be discouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]