Oxidative Stress and Haematological Alterations in Wistar Rats Exposed to Polluted and Phytoremediated Ubeji River Water

This study aimed to evaluate the haematological, biochemical, and antioxidant alterations resulting from graded exposure to polluted river water and to determine the potential health risks associated with such contamination, while also assessing the ameliorative potential of phytoremediated water from Eichhornia crassipes. Wistar rats were exposed for 28 days to different concentrations of polluted water (100%, 75%, 50%, 25%), phytoremediated water, and a clean-water control. Haematological indices, serum lipid profile, and oxidative stress biomarkers were quantified using standard automated and spectrophotometric methods. Significant haematological disruptions (p < 0.05) were observed in exposed groups. White blood cell counts increased markedly, with Group A recording 12.8 × 10⁹/L compared with 6.55 × 10⁹/L in the control (p < 0.05). Red cell parameters declined progressively, with Group A showing the lowest RBC (5.5 × 10¹²/L), HGB (9.75 g/dL), and HCT (30.55%), indicating pollutant-induced anaemia. Serum lipid analyses revealed dyslipidaemia (p < 0.05): LDL peaked in Group D, HDL was highest in Group A, triglycerides increased significantly in Group A relative to the control (p < 0.05), and total cholesterol was highest in Group D. Oxidative stress biomarkers also varied significantly across tissues. MDA levels were elevated in Group B liver, Group C kidney, and Group A serum (all p < 0.05). Antioxidant responses showed non-linear modulation: hepatic GSH was highest in Group A, renal GSH lowest in Group B (p < 0.05), GST activity peaked in Group B stomach and colon (p < 0.05), and catalase induction was strongest in Group A kidney (p < 0.05). Serum and colonic SOD were significantly reduced in exposed groups (p < 0.05). Notably, rats exposed to phytoremediated water showed improved haematological stability, moderated lipid disruptions, and enhanced antioxidant responses compared with those exposed to untreated polluted water, indicating partial detoxification resulting from phytoremediation. In conclusion, polluted river water caused significant haematotoxicity, dyslipidaemia, and oxidative imbalance, demonstrating organ-specific susceptibility, while phytoremediation using Eichhornia crassipes provided measurable mitigation. It is recommended that routine monitoring, phytoremediation-based remediation, and community sensitisation be prioritised to mitigate associated health risks.