Toxic effects of pulp and paper-mill effluents on male reproductive organs and some systemic parameters in rats

The effect of pulp and paper-mill effluents on terrestrial animals was investigated using male albino rats as a test organism, under controlled laboratory conditions. Effluent consumption for 15 days caused a reduction in the relative weight of the testis (mg/100g body weight), compared to the control rats. The effects were not so pronounced in other regions of the male reproductive tract. Biochemical analysis revealed a drop in the activity of epididymal α-glucosidase in the effluent-treated animals. Although sperm collected from the cauda epididymis appeared morphologically normal, a decline in total sperm count and number of motile sperm was seen. The circulating level of testosterone in effluent-treated rats was slightly lower in some groups of rats given effluent treatment compared to controls. The level of progesterone and oestradiol, however, remained unaffected. Hematological and serological analyses suggest that effluents could produce anemia, liver and kidney dysfunction in rats. This inference stems from the altered blood cell counts, enhanced bilirubin and urea concentration in blood and high activity of serum GOT and GPT observed in effluent fed animals compared to controls. It is concluded that besides the general toxicity, the effluent affects the male reproductive system predominantly at the level of the testis.