Determination of Potential Genotoxicity Effect in Male Wistar Rats Exposed to Gasoline Generator Emissions

GODSON ANA, Oluwayemisi Adeegbe, Solomon Owumi, University of Ibadan

     Abstract Number: 425
     Working Group: Combustion

Abstract
Background. Over the years exposure to air pollution from combustion processes have been linked to an array of public health disorders. However, the mechanisms associated with the genotoxic effect have not been exhaustively elucidated. This study assessed the levels of gasoline generator emission (GGE) and genotoxicity endpoints using rat models.

Methodology. A laboratory based experimental design was employed. An environmental chamber was designed using clear thermoplastic to house the rat during exposure to 0.5KVA GGEs. A pilot test was first carried out using eight experimental rats to establish a baseline LC50 which was obtained at 40 minutes. Three experimental groups of eight rats each were then subjected to 5, 10, 15 minutes exposure per day for fourteen days between the hours of 10 and 11 am. A fourth group of eight rats was kept as control and given the same treatments as experimental groups except for the exposure to GGEs. Level of CO and PM2.5 in the chamber were recorded simultaneously using the appropriate samplers and compared with guideline limits.

Results.Twenty-four hours after the completion of the fourteen days exposure the micronucleus frequency significantly increased (p=0.000) with increase in exposure time, group 1 having the highest frequency of 1.34±0.23 and the control group had the lowest frequency of 0.11±0.05. Exposure to GGEs at non-lethal concentration in a sub-acute or chronic manner was found to have morphological and genotoxic effects in rats which may likely occur in man under similar conditions.

Conclusion. Therefore, use of exhaust filter and improvement in the ventilating systems in houses is encouraged to reduce pollution load from generator emissions.