The research studied the field occurrence and geochemical characteristics (major and trace elements) in termite mounds and surrounding farm soils in some parts of Barkin Ladi Local Government of Plateau state. Fifteen (15) termite mound samples and five (5) adjoining farm soil samples from surrounding farms were collected and analyzed for presence of elements such as Cu, Co, Pb, Zn, Ni, Th, Sr, Mn, Fe, Al, Ti V, Mg and Ba using the ICP-MS analytical technique. Physical examination shows that the termite mounds shows that they vay in shape from conical, elongated baled, rounded and irregular, 0.5 - >2.5m in height with a base diameter varying from 0.7 4meters and texturally from fine - medium grained with brown, dark and reddish coloration. The geochemical results were analyzed using index of geo-accumulation, pollution index, enrichment factor, and biological accumulation coefficient. The results indicated a considerable amount of these elements in termite mounds compared to the surrounding soils. The data analysis from results obtained indicates Thorium, Lead, Manganese, Chromium, Vanadium and Barium occur in concentration that could pose significant threat to the environment. The locations of termite mounds with anomalous concentration of some trace elements also suggest possible subsurface occurrence of certain mineral deposits. Termite sample G14 developed on the Yelwa pyroxene granite has the highest concentration of almost all the trace elements which needs further close examination.
Key words: Termite mounds,Geochemistry,Environmental Assessment,Mineral Exploration
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