The study of the trace metals effect in the soil at the waste dumpsite was undertaken in Uyo municipality. This was done in order to ascertain the effect of waste generated and disposed at the dumpsite on soil physical and chemical properties. The study was undertaken between January 2017 and May-2018.The study employed standard approved HACH as well as AOAC(Association of Applied Chemist) to determine the concentration of trace metals in the soil at the dumpsites. The findings revealed that indiscriminate disposal of the refuse at the dumpsite had contributed significantly to trace metals load in the soil at the dumpsite. The result also showed that the pollution index of some trace metals such as Iron and Lead was higher. Indicating that the indiscriminate disposal of refuse at the dumpsite has contributed to the enhancement of these metals in the soil environment within the dumpsite. Also the results of the principal component analysis revealed that the loading variances of trace metals such as cadmium, Vanadium, Lead and iron as well as zinc at the studied locations were relatively higher. These trace metals therefore are regarded as contaminants associated with the effluent and leachate produced from the waste at the dumpsite. As contaminants the metals may accumulate in the soil leading to trace metals toxicity in the soil at the dumpsite. The pollution index evaluated showed the following trends:Ar = Co =Mn= V<Ni <Cd < Cr<Cu<Zn<Fe<Pb.Fe and Pb showed higher pollution index when compared with other tracemetals tested. In this case the effect of lead and iron toxicity cannot be overruled in view of the concentration recorded in the soil at the refuse dumpsite. Therefore, in view of the results obtained coupled with the negative effect associated with trace metals load it is important that refuse handling and management should be given utmost attention in Uyo municipality. This is necessary so as to prevent effect of such waste on land and water and plants at the dumpsite.Soil and water as a matrix have the tendency to accumulate the trace metal load and transferred same to plants and animals grown and widely consumed at the dumpsite.
