The study determined the levels of some heavy metals and pH, organic matter and particle size distribution of soil within the vicinity of Gboko abattoir. Soil samples were collected at depth of 0-20 cm and analyzed using standard laboratory methods. The results of AAS analysis of the heavy metals showed that the soil had mean value of Zn²⁺ 3.0195 ppm, Pb²⁺ 0.5413 ppm, Ni²⁺ 0.1949 ppm, Cr³⁺ 0.1134 ppm and Cd²⁺ 0.0185 ppm. These values were higher than similar results obtained from the control soil but the mean levels of the metals were lower than the permissible limits set by the Nigerian Department of Petroleum Resources (NDPR) and European Union (EU) respectively. The soil heavy metals were positively correlated. The mean pH of the soil (6.03) indicates acidity, the organic matter was very high and the particle size distribution revealed sandy-loam texture. The results of the analysis showed some levels of pollution which indicated that the activities at the abattoir were contributing to the pollution load of soil in the environment. It is therefore, recommended that the activities at the abattoir should be monitored closely by relevant agencies in order to prevent full-blown environmental problems in the near future and avert the attendant health hazards.

An assessment of surface water around Gboko abattoir was conducted to ascertain the pollution status of water around the area. The results showed mean values as: total dissolved solids (TDS), 1026.78 mg/L; TSS, 565.22 mg/L; dissolved oxygen (DO), 5.0 mg/L; phosphate, 8.89 mg/L and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), 484.64 mg/L. These values were above regulatory standards. The values of; pH (6.6), sulphate (86.91 mg/L), nitrate (41.45 mg/L) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) (903.30 mg/L) fell within WHO maximum permissible limits for drinking water. The mean concentrations of: Pb, 0.2892 ppm; Cr, 0.0598 ppm; Ni, 0.1031 ppm and Cd, 0.0110 ppm were above the control and standard safe limits for: Pb, 0.01 mg/L; Cr, 0.05 mg/L; Ni, 0.02 and 0.07 mg/L and Cd, 0.003 mg/L in water. Zn had mean concentration value of 0.7635 ppm which was below standards but higher than the control water sample. Correlation coefficients revealed positive and significant correlations between the pairs of metals in water. The results of this study showed that the activities at the abattoir were contributing to the pollution load of water in the area. It is therefore recommended that the activities of the abattoir should be monitored closely by relevant agencies in order to prevent full-blown environmental problems and attendance health hazards in the near future.