Toxic Effects of Sodium Silicate: A Component of Detergents Used in Washing Vegetables

Authors

  • Aliyu Hussaini usmanu danfodiyo university sokoto
  • Abdussalam Muhammad Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria
  • Musa Abba Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria
  • Huzaifa Abdullahi Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria
  • Amiru Muhammad Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria
  • Hafiz Aminu Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22399/ijnasen.32

Keywords:

detergent, , sodium silicate, bioaccumulation, food safety, toxicity, vegetables

Abstract

Detergents containing sodium silicate are widely used to wash vegetables and fruits in markets, raising public health concerns. This study investigated the toxic effects of sodium silicate accumulation in detergent-treated carrots using hematological, hepatic, antioxidant, and lipid profile parameters in Wistar rats. Eighteen male and female albino rats were randomly divided into three groups: control (Group C), and two treatment groups (CA1 and CB2) receiving detergent concentrations of 13.75 and 25.0 mg/mL, respectively, for 14 days. Results demonstrated significant dose-dependent toxic effects across all biomarkers examined, including white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HMG), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TAG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p < 0.05). Additionally, sodium silicate exposure significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in liver tissue. Body weight loss was observed in both treatment groups. These findings indicate that detergent-induced sodium silicate accumulation in vegetables poses significant health risks and warrants public health intervention.

Detergents containing sodium silicate are widely used to wash vegetables and fruits in markets, raising public health concerns. This study investigated the toxic effects of sodium silicate accumulation in detergent-treated carrots using hematological, hepatic, antioxidant, and lipid profile parameters in Wistar rats. Eighteen male and female albino rats were randomly divided into three groups: control (Group C), and two treatment groups (CA1 and CB2) receiving detergent concentrations of 13.75 and 25.0 mg/mL, respectively, for 14 days. Results demonstrated significant dose-dependent toxic effects across all biomarkers examined, including white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HMG), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TAG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p < 0.05). Additionally, sodium silicate exposure significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in liver tissue. Body weight loss was observed in both treatment groups. These findings indicate that detergent-induced sodium silicate accumulation in vegetables poses significant health risks and warrants public health intervention.

References

1. Abulude, F. O., Ogunkoya, M. O., Ogunleye, O., Emidun, G. B., & Abulude, A. I. (2007). Assessment of the content of Pb, Cd, Ni and Cr in soaps and detergents from Akure, Nigeria. Research Journal of Environmental Toxicology, 1(2), 102–104. https://doi.org/10.3923/rjet.2007.102.104

2. Aghasadeghi, K., Peldszus, S., Trueman, B. F., Mishra, A., Cooke, M. G., Slawson, R. M., Giammar, D. E., Gagnon, G. A., & Huck, P. M. (2021). Pilot-scale comparison of sodium silicates, orthophosphate and pH adjustment to reduce lead release from lead service lines. Water Research, 195, 116955. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2021.116955

3. Al-Mamary, M. A. (2002). Antioxidant activity of commonly consumed vegetables in Yemen. Malaysian Journal of Nutrition, 8(2), 179–189.

4. Arscott, S. A., & Tanumihardjo, S. A. (2010). Carrots of many colors provide basic nutrition and bioavailable phytochemicals acting as functional foods. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 9(2), 223–239. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1541-4337.2009.00103.x

5. Azizullah, A., Richter, P., & Häder, D. P. (2011). Toxicity assessment of a common laundry detergent using the freshwater flagellate Euglena gracilis. Chemosphere, 84(10), 1392–1400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.04.068

6. Basketter, D., Berg, N., Kruszewski, F. H., Sarlo, K., & Concoby, B. (2012a). Relevance of sensitization to occupational allergy and asthma in the detergent industry. Journal of Immunotoxicology, 9(3), 314–319. https://doi.org/10.3109/1547691X.2011.642416

7. Basketter, D., Berg, N., Kruszewski, F. H., Sarlo, K., & Concoby, B. (2012b). The toxicology and immunology of detergent enzymes. Journal of Immunotoxicology, 9(3), 320–326. https://doi.org/10.3109/1547691X.2011.642417

8. Bishayee, A., Sarkar, A., & Chatterjee, M. (1995). Hepatoprotective activity of carrot (Daucus carota L.) against carbon tetrachloride intoxication in mouse liver. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 47(2), 69–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(95)01254-B[4

9. Blando, F., Marchello, S., Maiorano, G., Durante, M., Signore, A., Laus, M. N., Soccio, M., & Mita, G. (2021). Bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity in anthocyanin-rich carrots: A comparison between the black carrot and the Apulian landrace “Polignano” carrot. Plants, 10(3), 564. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10030564

10. Coyne, T., Ibiebele, T. I., Baade, P. D., Dobson, A., McClintock, C., Dunn, S., Leonard, D., & Shaw, J. (2005). Diabetes mellitus and serum carotenoids: Findings of a population-based study in Queensland, Australia. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 82(3), 685–693. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn.82.3.685

11. Dias, J. S. (2012a). Major classes of phytonutriceuticals in vegetables and health benefits: A review. Journal of Nutritional Therapeutics, 1(1), 31–62.

12. Dias, J. S. (2012b). Nutritional quality and health benefits of vegetables: A review. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 3(10), 1354–1374. https://doi.org/10.4236/fns.2012.310179

13. Eduard, S., Wolfgang, R., Eric, S., Wilfried, R., Josef, S., Frederike, W., & Anette, N. (2002). Laundry detergents. In Ullmann’s encyclopedia of industrial chemistry. Wiley-VCH. https://doi.org/10.1002/14356007.a08_315.pub2

14. Gawad, H. S. A. (2014). Aquatic environmental monitoring and removal efficiency of detergents. Water Science, 28(1), 51–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wsj.2014.05.001[sciencedirect][ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws]

15. Hunyadi, A. (2019). The mechanism(s) of action of antioxidants: From scavenging reactive oxygen/nitrogen species to redox signaling and the generation of bioactive secondary metabolites. Molecules, 24(22), 4410. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24224410

16. IUPAC. (2006). Compendium of chemical terminology (2nd ed.). International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.

17. Jensen, J. (1999). Fate and effects of linear alkylbenzene sulphonates (LAS) in the terrestrial environment. Science of the Total Environment, 226(2–3), 93–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0048-9697(98)00396-0[8

18. Khanmohammadi, M., Ashori, A., Kargosha, K., & Bagheri, A. G. (2007). Simultaneous determination of sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium silicate and linear alkylbenzenesulfonate in washing powder by attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. Journal of Surfactants and Detergents, 10(2), 81–86. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11743-007-1010-z

19. toxicities of surfactants and detergent builders to algae: A review and risk assessment. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 20(2), 123–140. https://doi.org/10.1016/0147-6513(90)90057-Y[8

20. Li, B., Trueman, B. F., Munoz, S., Locsin, J. A., & Gagnon, G. A. (2020). Impact of sodium silicate on lead release and colloid size distributions in drinking water. Water Research, 195, 116709. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2020.116709

21. Liwarska-Bizukojc, E., Miksch, K., Malachowska-Jutsz, A., & Kalka, J. (2005). Acute toxicity and genotoxicity of five selected anionic and nonionic surfactants. Chemosphere, 58(9), 1249–1259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2004.09.080

22. Mills, J. P., Simon, P. W., & Tanumihardjo, S. A. (2008). Biofortified carrot intake enhances liver antioxidant capacity and vitamin A status in Mongolian gerbils. Journal of Nutrition, 138(9), 1692–1698. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/138.9.1692

23. Misra, H. P., & Fridovich, I. (1972). The role of superoxide anion in the autoxidation of epinephrine and a simple assay for superoxide dismutase. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 247(10), 3170–3175. [Often miscited; original year 1972].

24. NIH. (1985). Guide for the care and use of laboratory animals (NIH Publication No. 85-23). United States National Institutes of Health.

25. Steber, J., Wierich, P., & Domsch, A. (2009). Toxicity and biodegradability of detergent compounds in the aquatic environment. In The handbook of detergents (Vol. 3, pp. 245–278). CRC Press.

Downloads

Published

2026-08-09

How to Cite

Aliyu Hussaini, Muhammad, A., Abba, M., Abdullahi, H., Muhammad, A., & Aminu, H. (2026). Toxic Effects of Sodium Silicate: A Component of Detergents Used in Washing Vegetables. International Journal of Natural-Applied Sciences and Engineering, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.22399/ijnasen.32

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): IJNASEN

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Aliyu Hussaini, Abdussalam Muhammad, Musa Abba, Huzaifa Abdullahi, Amiru Muhammad, Hafiz Aminu

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.