DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION

Due to industrialization, population growth and urbanization in Yenagoa and environs, anthropogenic activities are increasing daily and could introduce contaminants into soil and water resources.This study evaluated the causes, distribution, and environmental effects of heavy metal pollution in groundwater, surface water, and soil in Yenagoa and environs, Niger Delta, Southern Nigeria. The study sought to compare concentrations with control values for soil, surface and ground water, and regulatory standards (WHO and NSDWQ) for groundwater, as well as assess the degree and variability of heavy metal pollution across various anthropogenic sites, including waste disposal sites, mechanic shops, cassava mills, and areas affected by crude oil spills. A total of one hundred and twelve (112) samples were randomly collected for each season, including 77 soil samples depth 30cm and 35 surface and ground water samples. These samples were then evaluated using standard laboratory technique, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) during both the wet and dry seasons. Soil contamination levels were measured using pollution indicators such the Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Enrichment Factor (EF), Contamination Factor (CF), and Pollution Load Index (PLI), and groundwater quality was assessed in relation to allowable limits. Results showed that all site types exhibited elevated concentrations of key heavy metals including iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and vanadium (V). Crude oil spill sites recorded the highest soil contamination, with lead reaching 15.354 mg/kg and

Due to industrialization, population growth and urbanization in Yenagoa and environs, anthropogenic activities are increasing daily and could introduce contaminants into soil and water resources.This study evaluated the causes, distribution, and environmental effects of heavy metal pollution in groundwater, surface water, and soil in Yenagoa and environs, Niger Delta, Southern Nigeria. The study sought to compare concentrations with control values for soil, surface and ground water, and regulatory standards (WHO and NSDWQ) for groundwater, as well as assess the degree and variability of heavy metal pollution across various anthropogenic sites, including waste disposal sites, mechanic shops, cassava mills, and areas affected by crude oil spills. A total of one hundred and twelve (112) samples were randomly collected for each season, including 77 soil samples depth 30cm and 35 surface and ground water samples. These samples were then evaluated using standard laboratory technique, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) during both the wet and dry seasons. Soil contamination levels were measured using pollution indicators such the Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Enrichment Factor (EF), Contamination Factor (CF), and Pollution Load Index (PLI), and groundwater quality was assessed in relation to allowable limits. Results showed that all site types exhibited elevated concentrations of key heavy metals including iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and vanadium (V). Crude oil spill sites recorded the highest soil contamination, with lead reaching 15.354 mg/kg and