Geochemical investigation of the soils around quarry and barite mine sites in part of Akamkpa and Biase area of Southeastern Nigeria, was carried out to assess the concentration and enrichment levels of some heavy metals and trace elements in the soils. The investigation involved the collection of fifteen (15) soil samples between the depth of 15 -30 cm. The samples were dried at room temperature, prepared and analyzed for heavy metals using inductively couple plasma mass spectrometer. The result shows that the concentration of Co, Cr, Nb, Pb and Sn were higher than the average shale values around the quarries while Ba, Pb and Sn were higher around the barite mines. The contamination factor indicates low to minimal contamination and low to considerable contamination around the quarries and barite mines respectively. While the Enrichment factor indicates minimal to significant enrichment around the quarries and minimal to extremely high enrichments around the barite mines. The result of the factor analysis and spatial distribution of the heavy metals suggests that the metal concentration and enrichment were controlled by the rock types, weathering and anthropogenic activities around the mine sites.

The assessment of the level of heavy metal concentrations in water sources around quarries and barite mine sites in central Cross River State, Southeastern Nigeria, was carried out to evaluate the degree of contamination due to mining and quarrying activity in the area. The investigation involved the collection of twelve water samples from ponds, streams, river and boreholes around the area. The water samples were passed through 0.45 µm filter paper and preserved with a drop of 0.1M HNO3 acid. The preserved samples were analyzed for their heavy metal (Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) content, using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results show that the average concentration of Ba, Cu, MN, Pb and Zn were above WHO guideline value for drinking water quality, hence not suitable for drinking. The average concentration of the metals is in the order Ba>Mn>Cu>Fe>Pb>Zn>Cr. Computed values of contamination index show that the samples from four locations were contaminated. Single factor pollution index computation indicates that the waters are not contaminated with Cr, but slightly polluted with Fe and Zn, moderately polluted with Ba and severely polluted with Cu, Mn and Pb. Further, Nemerow comprehensive pollution index indicates that samples from four locations were severely contaminated. The study revealed that the water sources around the barite mines had elevated level of heavy metal concentration compared to location around the quarries. It is recommended therefore, that the water be treated before use for drinking purpose. Keywords: heavy metals, contamination index, pollution index, barite mine, quarry