An Investigation into the Effect of Vehicle Exhaust Fumes on the Levels of Some Heavy Metals in Cows` Blood

Heavy metals contamination is of concern due to their effects as carcinogen. The objective of this study was to investigate the heavy metals in the blood of cows exposed to motor vehicle exhaust fumes and non-exposed controls. Thirty cows` blood samples were collected from three different locations (Expressway, Araromi way and Federal College of Agriculture, livestock section (FECA), wet digested and analyzed with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean level in Araromi way cow`s blood was 2.85 mgL -1, which was significantly higher them the levels of 1.43 mgL -1 in expressway and 1.33 mgL -1 obtained in the control (FECA). However, results revealed significant difference (p<0.05) In the Co, As, Ni and Cr levels between the exposed and non-exposed cow`s blood samples. Highest correlations were found between Pb and Co. Blood variables were not affected by exposure to motor vehicle exhaust fumes.