Abstract

The paper reports the role of hydrocarbon microseepage in surface alterations of trace metal concentrations. In this study trace metal alterations were mapped that appear to be associated with hydrocarbon microseepages in the oil/gas fields. The soil samples were collected from a depth of 1-2.5 m. Trace metals, such as scandium (Sc), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu) in soil samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma- mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The concentrations of V, Cr, Ni, Co were tremendously increased when they were compared with their normal concentrations in soils. The analysis of adsorbed soil gas showed the presence of high concentrations of ?C2+ (C2H6 and C3H8). Integrated studies of trace elements over adsorbed light gaseous hydrocarbons anomalies showed good correlation. The increase in the concentrations of trace metals, suggests a soil chemical change to a reducing environment, presumably due to the influence of hydrocarbon microseepage. This methodology could further integrated with other geo-scientific studies for identification of hydrocarbon potential of the area.