Evaluation of Haematological Variation in Wistar Rat (Rattus Norvegicus) Associated with Radon Ingestion from Groundwater

Abstract

Numerous studies have been conducted on radon inhalation and its effects on oxidative stress parameters, but research involving radon ingestion and its haematological effects has not been reported. A total of one hundred and ten (110) albino rats weighing between 150 – 200 g each, consisting of fifty (50) non-pregnant females and 50 males, were used in this study. The rats were randomly assigned to four groups according to the study design. Exposed group rats were fed with newly collected radon-laden water (RLW) with an average radon concentration of 44333 Bq/m3 every day, while rats in Control Groups were given stream water, called control water (CW), with an average radon concentration of 1030 Bq/m3, throughout the experiment. After eight (8), sixteen (16) and twenty-four (24) weeks of radon exposure, respectively, six (6) rats were euthanized from Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, after which the cervical dislocation was done to collect the blood samples. Blood samples were collected in an Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) bottle for a haematological assay. The collected samples were taken to the laboratory to determine the values of WBC, ABS Platelet Count, Haemoglobin, and PCV using an automated haematology analyzer. Results with a t-test analysis at α = 0.05 show significant differences in weeks 8 and 16, but more significantly in week 24. Therefore, the study highlights radon ingestion's potential to disrupt haematological parameters, emphasising the importance of mitigating radon exposure. Thus, it is crucial to supply drinking water that meets safety standards for radon levels to protect public health.