DETERMINATION OF URIC ACID LEVELS IN CHICKENS RAISED AROUND GOLD MINING AREAS

Heavy metals are a group of metallic elements with a high atomic density, which can be highly toxic even at low concentrations, making them a significant environmental concern (Smith et al., 2023). These elements include lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and others, which can persist in the environment and accumulate in living organisms. Their toxicity is particularly troubling because of their ability to bioaccumulate and cause chronic health problems over time. The presence of heavy metals in natural ecosystems has been exacerbated by human activities, especially mining and industrial processes, which introduce these elements into water, soil, and air (Alvarez et al., 2023). Understanding the sources and effects of these metals is crucial for addressing their impact on both the environment and public health. Lead (Pb) is one of the most common heavy metals associated with industrial activities, including mining. It is often found in mining tailings, water runoff, and other waste materials that result from the extraction and processing of minerals (Kumar et al., 2022). Lead contamination is particularly dangerous because it affects the nervous system, leading to neurological damage in exposed animals, including chickens. When chickens ingest lead through contaminated soil or water, it can accumulate in their bones and tissues, leading to impaired growth, reduced egg production, and reproductive issues (Hassan & Ladan, 2021). The contamination of poultry products with lead poses a risk to humans who consume these animals, potentially leading to long-term health issues such as cognitive impairment and cardiovascular problems. Mercury (Hg) is another hazardous heavy metal commonly associated with artisanal gold mining, where it is used to amalgamate gold from ore (Chen et al., 2023). This process involves mercury binding with gold particles, making it easier to separate the metal from surrounding materials. However, the residual mercury from these processes often contaminates nearby water bodies and soil, where it can be absorbed by plants and animals (Adamu & Ibrahim, 2022). Mercury has severe effects on the nervous system, causing neurotoxicity and developmental delays in animals exposed to high levels. In chickens, mercury can accumulate in organs such as the liver and brain, leading to coordination problems, tremors, and reduced survival rates (Li et al., 2022). These effects not only compromise the health of the chickens but also threaten food safety when contaminated poultry products enter the human food chain. Cadmium (Cd) is another heavy metal that poses significant environmental risks, often originating from soil contamination and improper waste disposal (Olowokere et al., 2023). In mining areas, cadmium is released as a byproduct of mineral processing and can contaminate soils and groundwater. Cadmium is known for disrupting calcium absorption in chickens, leading to weakened bone structures and increased susceptibility to fractures (Emmanuel et al., 2023). This metal can accumulate in the kidneys and liver of chickens, causing damage to these organs and impairing the birds' ability to detoxify other harmful substances. As a result, chickens exposed to cadmium may experience reduced growth and productivity, which has economic implications for poultry farmers in regions like Osun State, where artisanal mining is prevalent. Arsenic (As), another toxic heavy metal, is commonly found in contaminated soil and water near mining sites (Johnson & Ajayi, 2022). Arsenic contamination can occur when mining residues are improperly managed, leading to leaching into the surrounding environment. Arsenic exposure in chickens often results in damage to the liver and kidneys, reducing their ability to detoxify other contaminants and affecting overall health. The bioaccumulation of arsenic in poultry tissues is a major concern for food safety, as the consumption of contaminated chicken products can lead to arsenic poisoning in humans (Wu et al., 2021). Long-term exposure to arsenic has been linked to various health problems in humans, including skin lesions, cardiovascular diseases, and an increased risk of cancer (Suleiman & Fagbemi, 2023). The contamination of water bodies by mining activities introduces a cycle of exposure that affects both terrestrial and aquatic species (Taiwo et al., 2021). Fish living in contaminated water can accumulate heavy metals in their bodies, and these fish may serve as food sources for chickens. When chickens consume contaminated fish or water, they further bioaccumulate metals like mercury and cadmium, compounding the health risks they face (Ahmed & Suleiman, 2021). This cycle of contamination highlights the interconnectedness of