Biochemical Indices of Liver and Kidney Function in Pigs Raised in Areas of Industrial Waste Contamination in Delta State, South South Nigeria

Industrial activities in Delta State have resulted in widespread environmental contamination that potentially affects the biochemical health of local livestock. This study assessed liver and kidney function biochemical indices in pigs raised in communities surrounding industrial facilities in Warri, Delta State, South South Nigeria, compared to pigs from a non-industrial reference community. Sixty Large White-crossbred pigs, thirty from contaminated and thirty from control areas, were sampled at six months of age. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and heavy metal concentrations (lead and cadmium) were determined. Pigs from contaminated areas exhibited significantly higher liver enzyme activities and serum creatinine relative to control animals, alongside detectable serum lead and cadmium concentrations. Alkaline phosphatase was more than twice that of controls in the contaminated group, suggesting cholestatic hepatic involvement. No mortalities were recorded during the study period, though subclinical organ damage was evident biochemically. Heavy metal concentrations correlated positively with hepatic and renal enzyme derangements. These findings have important food safety implications given the contribution of backyard pig farming to protein supply in Delta State and strongly advocate for environmental health regulation enforcement in South South Nigeria. Keywords: industrial contamination, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, pigs, Delta State.