Heavy Metal Assessment in Rattus argentiventer (Rice-field Rats) from Tyo-Mu Districts in Makurdi Local Government of Benue State

Rice field rats (Rattus argentiventer) have provided supplementary protein for the human population within the proximity of the Tyo-Mu district of Makurdi, Benue State. This study aims to assess the concentration of heavy metals in the hairs of Rattus argentiventer in the Tyo-Mu district of Makurdi and its immediate neighborhood. Six random samples of the hair of Rattus argentiventer were sourced from the study area. The samples were digested, and concentrations of four heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Ni and Zn) were analyzed using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) technique. The heavy metal concentrations in the hairs of the selected samples of Rattus argentiventer revealed that zinc has the highest mean concentration (mg/kg) of 0.841±0.270, followed by cadmium with 0.031±0.02, while nickel has the lowest concentration (mg/kg) of 0.023±0.02. Cadmium, nickel, and zinc were within the permissible limits (0.05, 12.0, and 50.0 mg/kg, respectively), as set by FAO/WHO. Copper metal was not detected. This study has shown for the first time that the rice field rats in the study area are safe from heavy metal contamination. However, close monitoring is required, and their future consumption should be checked for toxicological content.