Trace Element Assessment of Stream Sediments Around the Aluminium Smelting Company in Ikot-Abasi, South-Eastern Nigeria

A study to assess the trace element chemistry in the vicinity of a recently established aluminium smelting complex in Ikot Abasi, south-eastern Nigeria was carried out, using stream sediments as sampling media. Twenty three trace elements; Ag, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Zn, As, B, Bi, Co, Cr, Ga, La, Sb, Sc, Sr, Th, V, W, Y and Zr, were analysed for in the sediments. Results from analyses showed that concentration levels of these elements were within limits of geogenic sourcing. Correlation and factor analyses indicated associations of chemical species to be related to the adjoining geologic suites; Precambrian basement and Cretaceous sediments. Comparatively the sediments exhibit geochemical characteristics consistent with sediments from other parts of the Niger Delta. The deductions provide a baseline data set for future monitoring around the smelting site.