Detection of Trace Metal Contamination Around a Dumpsite in Iyara Area Warri Nigeria Using Geoelectrical and Geochemical Methods

Trace metal concentration in soils of Iyara area of Warri, Delta State was studied using geophysical and geochemical techniques. Eight vertical electrical sounding (VES) using SAS 1000 Terrameter with maximum current electrode spread of 150 m in the Schlumberger configuration was carried out. The geoelectric layers obtained are topsoil, clay, sand and fine-medium grained sand. The fine to medium grained sand of the third and fourth layers mainly constitute the aquifer with a depth ranging from 4.8 - 11.0 m. Soil samples were collected at three of the VES stations covering the dumpsite and stations away from the dumpsite. The trace metal content was higher than the maximum allowable levels in soils as specified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Department of Petroleum Resources of Nigeria (DPR) except for Pb with undetected concentration in VES 3, Mn with 135 mg/kg in VES 1 and undetected in VES 3 and VES 7. The Multiple pollution index, Enrichment factor, and Non-carcinogenic hazard decreases with increasing distance from the dumpsite. The soil around the dumpsite has been impacted and the results of this study will serve as background information for soil studies and groundwater development in the area.