Physicochemical properties of six crude oil blends was investigated in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The essence was to determine the physical and trace metal composition of the crude oil samples in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study was undertaken between March-2016 and March - 2018.Standard approved procedure as recommended by Association of applied chemist and American Society for Testing and Methods were used to evaluate the physicochemical properties of the various crude oil blends selected for the purpose of this study. Trace metals Iron(Fe), Lead(Pb), Zinc(Zn). Vanadium(V), Nickel(Ni), Chromium(Cr), Cadmium(Cd) were assessed in Crude oil samples. Specific gravity, density, sulphur, water, pour point, boiling ranges as well as salt contents of the crude oil blends were also determined. Trace metals presence in light, medium and heavy crude oil samples are non-biodegradable and can easily enters into the food chain through spillages and gas flaring. This can accumulate in edible, medicinal plant species as well as surface and underground water sources located in crude oil producing communities. As results of increase in trace metal concentration in the affected plant and water samples severe ecological and environmental consequences can occur thereby exposing human being to trace metal toxicity. The study revealed that the selected crude oil blends contains Pb, Fe, Zn, Cd, V, Ni, Cr in relative proportion depending on the source of crude oil samples. Therefore, in an event of gas flaring and crude oil spillages during processing, production and transportation the land, water and air environment could be negatively affected by trace metals release from crude oil impacted environment. Consequently, depending on the volume released into the immediate environment soil may be polluted leading to decrease in crop yield and production. Also trace metal enhancement in surface water such as stream, rivers hinder aquatic species growth and development and further renders such water bodies unsuitable for domestic use. Therefore, consumptions of edible plant, fishes, surface /underground water bodies impacted by crude oil pollution posed adverse effect on human health and development.
