Environmental geochemical signature of shale in pollution assessment of trace metals in soil and water in parts of southern Benue trough, southeastern Nigeria

An investigation of environmental geochemistry shale rock, soil and water in parts Abakaliki, southern Benue Trough , Nigeria was carried out order to evaluate the impact bedrock environment. Shale samples were collected from ten (10) locations within study area analysed for major trace elements using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). In situ parameters such as pH, measured field. The results show that Pb is highly enriched while As. Cr, Co, Fe, Ni, Sr, V Zn are slightly shales relative global average. Similar geochemical trend observed surface subsurface soils. Also, mean concentrations As, Co. Cu. Mn, soils at both depths higher than study, implying enrichments these metals area. addition, values Al, Ti, Sr lower recorded bedrock. Relationship between pH metal load suggested waters dominantly near neutral alkaline range suggesting acidic contaminants do not affect quality. Mn groundwater above regulatory standards indicating contamination water. calculated enrichment factor, anthropogenic input, pollution index indicated contaminated through numerous geogenic sources with being most toxic mineral contained them contributor contaminants.