Biochemical Changes in the Liver of Rats Administered Crude Oil-Contaminated Water Mimicking Niger Delta Exposure

Oil spill contamination of drinking water sources is an ongoing environmental health challenge in Niger Delta communities, and the hepatotoxic effects of crude oil components in water on biological systems require laboratory-level documentation to inform risk assessment. This study evaluates hepatotoxic effects of crude oil-contaminated water in male Wistar rats using a model mimicking potential human environmental exposure levels in the Niger Delta. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six: a control group receiving distilled water, and three treatment groups administered crude oil-contaminated water at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 percent weight per volume respectively for four weeks. Liver function markers including ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT were measured in serum. Liver oxidative stress was assessed by tissue MDA, SOD activity, catalase activity, and reduced glutathione content. Liver histopathology was examined by haematoxylin and eosin staining of excised tissue. Results show dose-dependent and statistically significant elevations in serum ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT in all treatment groups compared to controls. Liver tissue MDA was significantly elevated while SOD, catalase, and GSH were depleted, indicating oxidative stress. Histopathological examination revealed hepatocyte vacuolation, inflammatory infiltration, and focal necrosis increasing in severity with dose. The 2.0 percent treatment group showed the most severe hepatic derangements. These results provide biochemical evidence of significant hepatotoxic risk from crude oil-contaminated water consumption, relevant to policy advocacy for clean water provision in the Niger Delta region. Keywords: crude oil contamination, hepatotoxicity, liver function, oxidative stress, Niger Delta.