Residual effect of heavy metals due to used drinking water polluted with sewage on health performance and blood serum antioxidant vitamins in sheep and goats in Assiut Governorate

الملخص EN

The present work was directed to detect the residues of heavy metals in some water canals in which the sewage waste water was discharged in some villages of Assiut Governorate.

In addition this research was planned to study the effect the use of such water on the health performance and blood serum antioxidant vitamins (vitamin A, Beta Carotene, vitamin E and vitamin C) of sheep and goats drinking from these water sources.

The obtained results were compared with of those sheep and goats drinking from tap water.

A total number of 115 sheep of both sexes and 80 goats of both sexes aged from 3–5 years belonged to some owners in some villages at Assiut Governorate, these animals are drinking water polluted with sewage for long period.

Besides, a total number of 25 sheep of both sexes and 25 goats of both sexes aged from 3-5 years drinking form tap water for long periods in the same villages used as control.

Blood samples were collected to obtain clear sera for estimation of vitamin A, Beta carotene, vitamin E and vitamin C.

20 water samples were collected from water canals polluted with sewage, in addition to 10 tap water samples from the same villages.

Chemical analysis of water samples was carried out to estimate lead, cadmium, copper and zinc concentrations using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.

The obtained data revealed that lead, cadmium, copper and zinc concentrations in water samples of canals polluted with sewage were highly significantly elevated than the international permissible limits and also significantly increased than those of tap water.

The biochemical analysis of blood serum showed a highly significant decrease in the levels of vitamin A, Beta carotene, vitamin E and vitamin C in the serum of both sheep and goats drinking from polluted water compared with those drinking from tap water.

The health condition of sheep and goats drinking water form canals polluted with sewage was clearly lowered which was manifested by abnormal activity, emaciation, weakness, debility, depression and the anemic changes especially pale mucous membranes.

It could be concluded that heavy metal pollution problems in the studied water canals were serious as reflected by the high concentration in lead, cadmium, copper and zinc levels in the collected water samples.

Therefore preventive measures must be intended to minimize the pollution of water.

Hygienic disposal of sewage must also be applied.

Education of the farmers and the owners of sheep and goats about the risk of such.