Effects of Phosphide-powder Residue Contaminated Cowpea on Serum Magnesium and Trace Elements in Rats

Background: Cowpea, a major source of vegetable protein for millions in Africa is mostly preserved using synthetic chemicals e.g. phosphide. Because a large number of people who carry out grain fumigation are largely untrained, sometimes contamination of fumigated grain with spent or unspent phosphide does occur.

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine if phosphide powder residue is capable of inducing alteration in serum concentrations of Mg, Zn, Cu, Se, Mn, Fe, Co, Mo, Cr in female rats.

Methods: Six rats were assigned to each of the three experimental groups. While the rats in the first group were fed untreated cowpea and served as control, the rats in the second and third groups were exposed to phosphide-powder residue contaminated and uncontaminated cowpea respectively.

Results: Estimation of elements in the serum of these rats revealed significant decreases (p<0.05) in the levels of Zn, Cu, Mn, Mg, Cr and Mo but non-significant (p>0.05) change in levels of Co, Se and Fe in the contaminated group. In the uncontaminated group, Mn and Mo were significantly decreased all other elements were not significantly changed. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that phosphide residue contamination of cowpea can induce serum Mg and trace element alteration in a mammalian species.