PAN AFRICAN JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES
e-ISSN: 2672-5924
Volume 9, No. 3, December 2025
Pages 562-568
DOI: 10.36108/pajols/5202/90.0320
Occupational Health Risks of Informal Battery Repair: Evidence of Renal and Electrolyte Disturbances from Heavy Metals Exposure
Adesola Adejumo1*, Olumide B. Alao1, Adewole I. Ademuyiwa2, Samuel D. Shoyinka2, Oluwatoyin A. Oyeniran3, Muyiwa A. Moronkeji1, Oluwaseun A. Adefila4.
1Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun state, Nigeria.
2Department of chemical pathology, Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.
3Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology University of Ilesa, Ilesa Osun State, Nigeria.
4Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun state, Nigeria.
Abstract
Background: Informal battery repair workers are frequently exposed to toxic heavy metals, predisposing them to renal and systemic dysfunction. This study assessed trace metal burden, renal indices, and electrolyte balance among battery repair workers in Osogbo, Nigeria.
Methods: A total of 120 participants (60 workers and 60 controls) were evaluated. Anthropometric, physiological, biochemical, and trace metal parameters were analyzed using standard methods. Group differences and correlations were determined using ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation tests (p < 0.05).
Results: Battery repair workers exhibited markedly higher serum cadmium (0.45 ± 0.08 μg/L) and lead (7.62 ± 1.34 μg/dL) compared to controls (0.10 ± 0.02 μg/L; 1.85 ± 0.42 μg/dL; p < 0.001). Selenium was significantly depleted (54.2 ± 6.8 μg/L vs. 66.4 ± 5.3 μg/L; p < 0.001), while manganese was elevated (8.7 ± 1.6 μg/L; p < 0.001). Correspondingly, creatinine (112.7 ± 12.4 μmol/L), urea (6.21 ± 0.94 mmol/L), and uric acid (352.9 ± 47.6 μmol/L) were increased in exposed workers (p < 0.001). Electrolyte imbalance was evident with reduced sodium and chloride but elevated potassium and bicarbonate levels (p < 0.05). Strong positive correla-tions existed between lead and creatinine (r = +0.642, p < 0.001) and cadmium and creatinine (r = +0.481, p < 0.01), while selenium showed inverse relationships with renal biomarkers (r ≈ –0.43).
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate significant heavy metal accumulation, renal impairment, and electrolyte disturbance among informal battery repair workers. Lead and cadmium exhibited nephrotoxic patterns, partly offset by selenium’s protective role. Regular biomonitoring, health education, and policy enforcement are recommended to mitigate occupational risks.
Keywords: Heavy metals, Renal dysfunction, Occupational exposure, Battery repair workers, Electrolyte imbalance