Sedimentological studies of some pre-Santonian sandstones of the Asu River Group and the Eze-Aku Formation exposed in southeastern Nigeria were carried out. The study involved Intensive field work integrated with laboratory (Sedimentary petrography, X-ray diffraction (XRD), porosity and permeability determination). The study aims to determine the main controls on reservoir properties of these sandstones. The results revealed that the sandstone rocks within the study area comprised indurated sandstones that are poorly to moderately sorted, very fine–coarse grained arkosic arenites deposited in shallow to deep marine settings, associate with other non-reservoir lithologies (e.g. siltstones and shale). The sandstones depositional texture in many instances has been modified by biogenic structures that act to enhance the porosity of the sandstones. The porosity in the studied reservoir sediments ranges from 3.00 – 6.00; the permeability values range from 0.3mD – 3.5mD. X-ray diffractometry revealed that the following clay minerals constituted the major phase in the cementation of the sandstones viz kaolinite, mixed layer kaolinites (nacrite, dickite, halloysite, chrysotile, lizardite), illite, chlorite (corrensite) some silicates, carbonates and sulphate mineral groups. Compaction, cementation (carbonate, clay silica) bioturbations and dissolution of unstable framework grains are the principal diagenetic processes responsible for the modification of the reservoir quality of the sandstones within the study area.
Pebble morphometry of unbroken quartz pebbles collected from the basal section of Awi Formation exposed within the Calabar Flank; southeastern Nigeria was studied for paleoenvironmental reconstruction. The pebbles were selected from 4 locations across the Awi Formation. Morphometric studies carried out involved the measurement of the three orthogonal axes (long, intermediate and short), determination of their corresponding roundness, flatness indices and elongation indices for no less than 200 pebbles. The depositional processes responsible for shaping the pebbles and the environment that prevailed during past geological times were characterised. The results show that the pebbles are sub-rounded to sub-angular and predominantly compact-bladed. The mean values for the following morphometric parameters: Flatness index, elongation ratio, maximum projection sphericity index and oblate-prolate (OP) index are 0.57, 0.78, 0.74 and 15.65 respectively. The results were integrated with deductions from bivariate plots of roundness against elongation ratio and sphericity against OP index. Both plots indicated paleo-depositional environment of the conglomeratic sandstones in a fluvial setting with subordinate transitional marine setting (littoral influence). With the integration of other observations (e.g. unidirectional pebble imbrications, sediment stratification, fining upwards succession), a typical fluvial paleoenvironmental setting is suggested. The geology of the hinterland areas where sediments are sourced contributes largely to the materials at the depocenter. It is possible that the jointing, faulting, sheeting and/or exfoliation of the rocks of the Precambrian Oban Massif, which is believed to be the principal source of the sediments (provenance), also accounts for the abundance of vein quartz in the chosen area of this study. More importantly, besides the significance of pebble morphometry in deciphering paleoenvironments, it also gives clues for potential sites of ore bodies, concentrating them as placer deposits.
This study was conducted to evaluate the remediation of physicochemical properties of soils affected by fuel spills in Port Harcourt Environment. Four samples from four locations within Port Harcourt environment were investigated for four months. The study utilized a longitudinal experimental design (or randomized block design) where four locations were monitored over a duration of four months. this work was carried out in triplicates. The findings show an increase in SEM values of temperature (30.25±0.25oC), electrical conductivity (0.97±0.11uS/cm), sulphate (18.73±1.92mg/kg), total organic carbon (0.15±0.001%), total organic matter (0.26±0.01%), total hydrocarbon content (47.08±6.71mg/kg) and a decrease in pH (7.60±0.10) in diesel polluted soils when compared with the SEM values of control. Alternately, the concentration of phosphate and nitrate in both diesel and spent oil polluted soils reduced when compared with the control indicating a short fall in dissolved nutrients due to microbial activities. Positive remediation was seen in all the treatments used. However, a remediation mixture of 10% Sodium nitrate and 1% Potassium phosphate (10% NaNO3 + 1% K3PO4) remediated better and faster than when 10% Ammonium nitrate and 1% Potassium phosphate (10% NH4NO3 + 1% K3PO4) was used, and was more economical. Thus, establishing the fact that these chemicals can serve as a good option in any remediation process of the soil.
Mud logging is a critical geological technique that provides continuous subsurface information during drilling, thereby supporting accurate geological interpretation and informed operational decision-making. This study evaluates the NEPL Well EM-01, Alwa Ibom State, Nigeria, through the systematic application of mud logging principles, operational parameters, and field equipment to demonstrate the significance of mud logging in hydrocarbon exploration and real-time drilling evaluation. The methodology involved the integration of key mud logging tools, including shale shakers, gas detection systems, and log charts, with essential drilling parameters such as rate of penetration (ROP), weight on bit (WOB), and strokes per minute (SPM). The combined interpretation of these datasets enabled a comprehensive assessment of formation characteristics and drilling performance. Detailed examination of drill cuttings formed a central component of the study. Emphasis was placed on gas-bearing sandstone intervals where enhanced evaluation techniques were applied to reduce drilling risks. Result revealed that cuttings texture, staining, and fluorescence responses provided insights into lithological variations and hydrocarbon presence, with the identification of potential hydrocarbon-bearing zones and the differentiation of productive and non-productive intervals. The study further highlights the economic benefits of mud logging in minimizing drilling uncertainty and non-productive time, and recommends the adoption of advanced gas detection and data acquisition technologies for improved efficiency and safety.
Groundwater is the primary source of potable water for the inhabitants of Guyok and its surrounding communities in Northeastern Nigeria. Its quality is controlled by the geological formations through which it percolates and by anthropogenic activities. This study assesses the hydrochemistry of groundwater from boreholes and hand dug wells, with emphasis on major ions, physicochemical parameters, and bacteriological indicators. The analysed parameters were compared with World Health Organization (WHO,2017) standards to determine suitability for drinking and domestic use. Results show alkaline pH values ranging from 7.96 to 9.30, while electrical conductivity (234–321 µS/cm), total dissolved solids (157.1–273.0 mg/L), and total hardness (122.9–210.0 mg/L) fall within permissible limits. Major ion concentrations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, and SO₄²⁻) also comply with WHO guideline values. In contrast, bacteriological analysis revealed elevated coliform counts in hand dug wells, reaching up to 27 cfu/mL, indicating susceptibility to microbial contamination. Overall, groundwater in the area is chemically suitable for domestic use; however, bacteriological contamination poses significant public health risks, including waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, typhoid, and cholera. Variations between borehole and hand dug well water quality reflect differences in aquifer depth, geological protection, and land use practices. The findings provide baseline data for groundwater quality management in semi urban communities of Northeastern Nigeria and underscore the need for improved groundwater protection, routine monitoring, and community-based water treatment interventions.
Groundwater plays a critical role as the primary source of domestic water supply in Jimeta, Yola North, and across many developing regions. However, improper refuse disposal practices continue to threaten its safety. This research assesses the impact of the Jimeta open waste dumpsite on surrounding groundwater quality by analyzing twenty water samples from hand‑dug wells (five samples) and boreholes (fifteen samples). Portable instruments were employed to obtain pH values, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC) and temperature readings in the field. The titrimetric method was also employed to analyze total hardness, chloride, and dissolved oxygen. Sodium (Na) and potassium (K) were analyzed using atomic flame emission photometry, cations and heavy metals were analyzed using the spectrophotometric method. The results showed EC, TDS, nitrate, chloride, calcium, magnesium, cadmium, and lead higher than World Health Organization (WHO) indicating significant contamination. Water Quality Index results reveal that 90% of samples fall within poor, very poor, or unsuitable categories for drinking. This study indicates that the interaction of rainwater with open dumpsites dissolved soluble harmful substances which infiltrate the subsurface and pollute the groundwater in the study area. Urgent interventions; including engineered landfills, regulated waste disposal, and routine groundwater monitoring are required to mitigate health risks.
This study assesses the impact of coal mining activities on soils and stream sediments in Okaba area, North-Central Nigeria, using field and geochemical methods. Although coal mining is economically significant, it poses significant environmental risks, particularly to soil and aquatic ecosystems. Ten soil and five stream sediments samples were analysed for trace metals (Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn) using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Field observations indicated that the area has experienced physical land degradation. Geochemical data analysis showed that the concentrations of trace elements in soil ranged from: Cr (0.0 – 15.0 ppm), Cu (0.5 – 2.5 ppm), Mn (0.0 – 118.0 ppm), Fe (198.0 – 342.5 ppm) and Zn (21.0 – 26.0 ppm), while the concentration of trace elements in stream sediments varied from: Cr (0.0 – 2.0 ppm), Cu (1.0 – 2.0 ppm), Mn (0.0 – 1.0 ppm), Fe (73.5 – 331.0 ppm) and Zn (19.5 – 25.5 ppm). The average values of the trace elements in soil increased in the order: Fe (270.3 ppm) > Zn (23.9 ppm) > Mn (14.0 ppm) > Cr (1.55 ppm) > Cu (1.4 ppm), while those in stream sediments were in the order Fe (199.0 ppm) > Zn (22.2 ppm) > Cu (1.4 ppm) > Cr (0.5 ppm) > Mn (0.3 ppm). Data evaluation through pollution indices revealed that the Contamination Factor (CF), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), and Enrichment Factor (EF) indicated low contamination levels for Cr, Cu, Mn, and Zn, whereas Fe indicated moderate contamination or pollution levels. The relatively higher concentration of Fe in the soil and stream sediments compared to other elements in the study area is likely due to the oxidation of pyrite resulting from coal mining activities
Biostratigraphic studies were carried out on 92 ditch cutting samples recovered from KEMAR-1 well in Borno Basin, Nigeria. Lithofacies and Foraminifera techniques was adopted. Lithofacies reveals, silty mudstone and sandy mudstone lithologies were predominant among the samples, with intercalations of argillaceous siltstone, argillaceous sandstone and intrusive igneous rock. The colour ranges from dark grey to black while the grain size is fine to coarse. The foraminifera assemblages which include Ammobaculites pindigensis, Ammotuim nkalagum, Ammobaculites baunchensis, Ammobaculites benuensis, Ammobaculites coprolithiformis, Ammotium bornum and the lithologic inferences, the paleoenvironment of the analysed section of the studied well was found to be coastal deltaic, fluviomarine and shallow inner neritic environments. Two Biosequences, were established; biosequence I and biosequence II. Biosequences I is dated Turonian to Coniacian and ranges from depths 1500-1750m, while biosequences II is dated Santonian (86.6-83.0Ma) from depth 1240-1500m. The Turonian-Coniacian biosequence reflects a predominantly marine depositional setting, characterised by relatively high species diversity and abundance of plantonic forms, indicating open marine conditions with good circulation and Oxygenation. This suggests a phase of marine transgression, during which deeper water conditions prevailed, allowing for proliferation of diverse microfaunal assemblages. In Contract, the Santonian biosequences exhibits a noticeable shift in faunal composition, which increased dominance of benthic species and reduced planktonic diversity, pointing to a regressive phase. This transition implies shallower marine conditions, possibly influenced by fluctuations in sea level, reduced water depth, and increased terrigenous input and experienced Dynamic environmental changes driven by regional tectonics and global sea-level variations.
The Chad (Bornu) Basin in northeastern Nigeria which is part of the West and Central African Rift System (WCARS), represents a frontier hydrocarbon exploration target with complex tectono-stratigraphic architecture. This study presents a detailed structural interpretation of high-resolution aeromagnetic data to delineate basement morphology, fault patterns, and sedimentary thickness variations across the basin. Data processing included reduction-to-the-equator, derivative mapping, source parameter imaging (SPI), and 2D forward modeling to enhance the identification of shallow and deep-seated structures. Results reveal alternating high, low, and intermediate magnetic anomalies corresponding to basement highs and sediment-filled depressions, with major lineaments-oriented NNE–SSW, NE–SW, NW–SE, and WNW–ESE. Shallow NE–SW and NNE–SSW faults correspond to Early Cretaceous rifting events, while NW–SE and WNW–ESE trends reflect later tectonic reactivation. SPI and 2D modeling show a rugged basement surface comprising three major depressions separated by a central horst, forming a classic horst-and-graben system. Sedimentary thickness within these grabens ranges from 2 to over 18 km, highlighting areas with significant hydrocarbon potential. The structural framework identified here provides critical insights into basin segmentation, sediment distribution, and the configuration of petroleum system elements, emphasizing the Bornu Basin’s promise for future hydrocarbon exploration.
This study explores weathering and tectonic settings of sediments, source area, maturity, metal enrichment and distribution using geochemical data from elemental analysis of major oxides and trace metals in sediments within parts of the Oban Massif, southeastern Nigeria. Stream sediment samples were collected and taken to the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry laboratory, University of Calabar for analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The major oxides are SiO2, Al2O3, Na2O, FeO, MgO, K2O, CaO, and TiO2, while trace metals analyzed include Fe, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn. Result showed variation in the concentration of major oxides is in the order; SiO2 > Al2O3 > Na2O > Fe2O3 > K2O > CaO > FeO > MgO > TiO2., while that of trace metals is in the order; Fe > Co > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cu > Zr. Bivariate plots revealed relatively high amount of silica (SiO2) content which is typical of a matured sediment. Indexical approach revealed that values obtained for pollution load index (PLI) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) indicates there are no pollution, suggesting that the sediments are geochemically pristine. There is also low contamination of all the trace metals analyzed, the only exception is Co which revealed considerable contamination owing to the computed values obtained. However, localized enrichment of trace metals obtained may possibly be due to natural mineralization or lithological variations other than anthropogenic inputs, since the study area consists predominantly of uninhabited farmlands and forest where human activities are minimal. The A-CN-K (Al2O3-CaO+Na2O-K2O) ternary plot indicates that the dominant crust from whence these sediments are derived consists of felsic to intermediate igneous rocks. The diagram of chemical index of weathering (CIW) versus chemical index of alteration (CIA) showed that the samples plotted between the low silicate weathering to no silicate weathering fields, and this indicates that there was low to moderate chemical alteration of primary silicates. The plot of K2O/Na2O versus SiO2 indicates a mixed tectono-provenance, where majority of the samples (75 %) come from the passive margin (PM), while the remaining (25 %) are source from active continental margin (ACM).
The study investigated the sporomorphs of three wells located within the shallow offshore of the Western Niger Delta Basin in Nigeria. The data utilised in the study were obtained from three wells named HA-001, HB-001 and HD-001. The study aimed at studying the systematics of some selected pollen and spores. Twenty-six, twenty-five and twenty-seven ditch cutting samples within the depth intervals of 750-11610 ft, 4100- 13160 ft and 4875-12090 ft in HA-001, HB-001 and HD-001 respectively were analysed. The standard acid palynological method of sample administration was employed for the recovery of the sporomorphs. The complex character and significant variety of Tertiary tropical pollen and spores often make microscopic identifications challenging. The sporomorphs (pollen and spores) preserved and recovered from three offshore wells in the Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria, are identified using relevant literature for description based on size, shape, structure, aperture and sculpture. The taxonomy of the pollen and spores of the Niger Delta Basin has not yet been studied in details and such publication of these groups of microfossils are hard to find. The importance of accurate and detailed taxonomy in biostratigraphy and paleoecology cannot be overemphasized. Precise taxonomic analysis is a necessary requirement for effective application of pollen and spores in biostratigraphy, geochronology and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. This study has been able to describe a detailed nomenclature of some index pollen and spore species recovered from three studied wells.
This study was conducted to evaluate the remediation of physicochemical properties of soils affected by fuel spills in Port Harcourt Environment. Four samples from four locations within Port Harcourt environment were investigated for four months. The study utilized a longitudinal experimental design (or randomized block design) where four locations were monitored over a duration of four months. this work was carried out in triplicates. The findings show an increase in SEM values of temperature (30.25±0.25oC), electrical conductivity (0.97±0.11uS/cm), sulphate (18.73±1.92mg/kg), total organic carbon (0.15±0.001%), total organic matter (0.26±0.01%), total hydrocarbon content (47.08±6.71mg/kg) and a decrease in pH (7.60±0.10) in diesel polluted soils when compared with the SEM values of control. Alternately, the concentration of phosphate and nitrate in both diesel and spent oil polluted soils reduced when compared with the control indicating a short fall in dissolved nutrients due to microbial activities. Positive remediation was seen in all the treatments used. However, a remediation mixture of 10% Sodium nitrate and 1% Potassium phosphate (10% NaNO3 + 1% K3PO4) remediated better and faster than when 10% Ammonium nitrate and 1% Potassium phosphate (10% NH4NO3 + 1% K3PO4) was used, and was more economical. Thus, establishing the fact that these chemicals can serve as a good option in any remediation process of the soil.
Proper site selection is crucial for constructing civil engineering projects, such as a dam, that would have a long-term sustainable benefits to mankind. A combined geophysical, geotechnical and sediment analysis were carried out at a site along Agbara River channel in Afin-Akoko southwestern Nigeria, with the aim of determining the conditions, potentials, suitability of the subsurface geology, environmental appraisal and river flow assessment on the site for construction of a sustainable dam. This dam is considered important for addressing the current severe water supply challenge in the area. Geophysical survey, involving Schlumberger vertical electrical sounding (VES), and geotechnical investigation of nine soil samples excavated from different trial pits at the depth of 1.5 - 3 m, were carried out using standard procedures. Five river sediment samples collected from the river were analyzed for environmental appraisal related to concentration of heavy minerals. Topsoil resistivity variation (57 – 1,339 Ωm) and thickness (0.9 – 15.5 m) reflects the degree of soil compaction and anthropogenic activities in the area. Northeastern and southwestern parts of the area characterized by stable zones of competent bedrock with thin overburden are suggested suitable for the proposed dam construction. Results of soil types showed that 77.8 % of the tested soils are good foundation materials (A-2-6 to A-2-7) with maximum dry density above 1,956 kg/m3 and optimum moisture content (OMC) below 14.5 %. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the soil (230.1 – 320.3 kN/m2) indicating the soils’ very stiff consistency is attributed to its resistance to volume change under load, capable of withstanding embankment weight, thus, protecting the dam from erosion and flood. The soils’ resistance to shear failure guarantees firm bond between the projected dam and subsoil foundation to avert washouts and piping. Coefficients of volume compressibility and consolidation of the soils show no tendency of differential settlement. Coefficient of permeability, within 3.96 × 10-6 - 2.40 × 10-5 cm/sec, indicate impervious nature of the subsoil guiding against seepage. Results indicate that River Agbara sediments are mineralogically sub-mature to mature, suggesting mixed acid igneous and high grade metamorphic rock source. The heavy minerals are moderately stable to ultra-stable indicating an oxygen-rich (oxic) depositional environment. Dam foundation design and construction is recommended on properly compacted soil across Agbara River with priority for compacted spillway and rock lining for sustainability. Earth fill dam with consistent maintenance is encouraged for its optimal usage and proposed benefits to the society.
Geological field mapping was carried out on the exposure of Gwandu Formation around Gulma Hill near Gulma village in the Sokoto sector of the Iullemmeden Basin to elucidate more on the interaction between rock types and their water source. Basic lithological characteristics including bed thicknesses, textural features, sedimentary structures, biogenic structures, and structural features were described. One lithostratigraphic section and a geological map were produced. Hydrogeochemical investigation was carried out in eight different locations in Gulma village near Argungu, northwestern Nigeria in order to determine the level of groundwater contamination. Eight groundwater samples were collected from the study area with their physico-chemical parameters such as electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solid (TDS), potential of hydrogen (pH), and temperature measured in situ. Both chemical and heavy metal analyses for the samples were conducted through the use of AAS machine. The results were used to plot the Schoeller and Piper diagrams which shows the dominant water type in the study area to be Ca-Mg-HCO3 type. The concentration of the analyzed metals in the study area shows that, Na2+and NO3-, have values that are within WHO (2022) safe limit, while Ni2+ is within the NSDWQ (2015) safe limit, physical parameters like TDS, and EC values fall within the NSDWQ (2015) safe limit. pH of some water sample fell below the recommended NSDWQ (2015) safe limit whereas pH of water samples from some areas are within the NSDWQ (2015) safe limits. However, Mg2+and Pb2+ have values above the NSDWQ (2015) recommended safe limits which suggest that the water could predispose consumers to health hazards..Standard procedures are highly recommended to remediate Mg2+and Pb2+in drinking water in the study areas.
This research work focuses on detailed analysis of the sedimentology, mineralogy and paleodepositional environment of the outcropping basal conglomeratic unit of the Lokoja Formation, Southern Bida Basin. The methods employed are petrographic, sieve and pebble morphometric (particle size) analysis. Result from the petrographic analysis shows that the minerals contained in the samples of sandstone are largely feldspar and quartz with quartz having the majority composition. This indicated the provenance of the sediments as volcanic-plutonic rock or preexisting sedimentary rock. The grains exhibit angular to sub-angular shapes; suggesting short transportation history and closeness to source area. The sieve analysis result showed that the sediments are mostly coarse grained, poorly sorted, platykurtic and negatively skewed. This implies that the coarse sandstone component of the basal conglomeratic sandstone in the study area probably occurred as a result of sediment being carried by forceful fast-moving water. In poor sorting there is poor porosity which may infer poor reservoir characteristics of the sandstone sediments. The morphometric analysis revealed the paleoenvironment of the pebbles was a river environment based on the scatter plot of MPSI against OPI and plot of FI versus MPSI for the analyzed pebbles.
Palynostratigraphic, Paleoclimatic and Sequence Stratigraphic analyses were conducted in a section of Emi-4 well, Offshore Niger Delta to establish palynozones, relative age, paleodepositional setting and reconstruct paleoclimatic changes overtime within the section of the well. The intercalation of the sandy and shaly intervals of the section evidenced from lithologic, textural, and wire line log data suggested that the entire studied interval belong to the Agbada Formation. Thirty-six (36) ditch cuttings within 6,158 ft - 10,452 ft were subjected to standard palynological analysis involving sample maceration with 10% HCl and 40% HF acids to remove carbonates and siliceous components, neutralization with distilled water and sieving through 5-micron sieve, followed by separation of palynomorphs from residue and mounting on glass slides for microscopic analysis. Recovered palynomorphs are marked by dominance of pollen and spores over dinoflagellate cysts. The occurrences of age diagnostic palynomorphs such as Echiperiporites estelae, Belskipollis elegans, Verrutricolporites rotundiporus, Retribrevitricolpites protrudens, Pachydermites diederixi, Peregrinipollis nigericus, Cassoretitriletes vanraadshooveni, Magnastriatites howardii, Retistephanocolpites gracilis, Racemonocolpites hians, Praedapollis flexibilis, Elaeis guineensis, and Zonocostites ramonae at some intervals of the studied wells suggest early Miocene to late Miocene age. Three distinct interval palynostratigraphic zones were delineated using the international stratigraphic guide for the establishments of biozones, they are Racemonocolpites hians - Cyperaceaepollis sp. Zone (early Miocene); Gemmemonoporites sp. - Magnastriatites howardi Zone (middle Miocene) and Pachydemites diederixi - Retibrevitricolporites protrudens Zone (late Miocene). The sequence stratigraphic study identified Maximum Flooding Surfaces (MFS) within the well intervals along with the identification of Highstand Systems Tract (HST) and Transgressive Systems Tract (TST). Paleoclimatic interpretations based on palynological evidence suggest the presence of wet climatic conditions throughout the studied intervals, characterized by abundant mangrove, freshwater, and rainforest taxa.
Ugep Southwest is an extension of the Nigerian Basement Complex. It consists of Precambrian crustal rocks that include a succession of deformed metamorphic rocks and non-deformed sedimentary rocks that overlie the basement rocks. The metamorphic rocks are intruded by granodiorites and pegmatites. Gneisses display a sharp contact relationship with the schists, occurring in association with quartzite as observed in Ikot Ekperem. Granodiorites contain enclaves of schistose xenoliths, indicating that magmatic stoping was the mode of emplacement during the Pan-African Orogeny (600 ± 50 Ma). Ugep Southwest has undergone various stages of deformation, as evidenced by complex structures such as folding, faulting, fracturing, lineation, and foliation. The grade of metamorphism was progressive from lower greenschist facies (phyllites and schists) in the west to middle amphibolite facies (gneisses) in the east. Petrological observation using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) reveals that the metamorphosed rocks are dominantly composed of plagioclase, biotite, chlorite, and muscovite. Pegmatites have a higher concentration of quartz relative to their magma source. Geochemical analysis using X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF) reveals high contents of silica and alumina, implying a crustal origin for the rocks. Barium concentration was higher, suggesting contamination by crustal materials. The geochemistry of these rocks reveals that phyllite and schist are metasediments of pelitic and greywacke composition, while the gneiss is orthogneiss. Granodiorite is calc-alkaline, and the dolerite is tholeiitic. The plots in variation diagrams confirm these geochemical signatures.
Characteristics and functionality of rural water supply facilities are vital for good health, economic development and human dignity in all communities across the globe. The objectives of this study are to examine the characteristics, functionality and extent of dependence on well and borehole water by households in rural communities of Bali LGA of Taraba State, Nigeria. The data used were obtained through questionnaire surveys, field observations, interviews, measurements and from relevant records in the zonal and central offices of the Taraba State Water Board. The data generated were analyzed through the use of descriptive statistical tools. The results of the study revealed that two categories of wells exist in the area. These are community wells and households- owned wells. Households- owned are ubiquitous in the area and are generally hand-dug, unprotected and drilled by locals, with local implements. These wells are managed by individual households and their mean depth vary from 7.9 to 14.3 meters. Community wells, on the other hand, are deeper, usually protected and managed by village council of elders. In contrast boreholes are community-based but are generally referred to as “government boreholes” They are largely dysfunctional, ill-maintained and managed by Taraba State Water and Sanitation Board. In terms of systems performance, 91.2% of the wells are functional and serve as the principal water source for meeting the water needs of 47.7% of the households in dry and 31.7% in wet seasons. Only 12.6% and 8.2% of the households depend partially on boreholes in dry and wet seasons respectively. Boreholes water supply systems are characterized by poor performance -water supply is irregular and intermittent. All the sampled households lack regular and reliable access to boreholes. They are unable to provide adequate and steady water supplies, due to numerous constraining factors, including institutional neglects, low investment levels and weak institutional frameworks. This study offers recommendations aimed at overcoming system challenges and improving households’ access to safe water supplies in the study area.
In order to evaluate the subsurface geological structures and thermal properties pertinent to hydrocarbon development, this study presents the findings of an investigation of aeromagnetic data over Guyuk and the surrounding areas. The values of Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI), which vary from -3.6 to 238.1 nT, show complicated tectonic settings with main NE-SW trending anomalies and minor NW-SE characteristics. Deeply buried magnetic sources and spectral blocks utilized for depth estimation are highlighted by upward continuation and gridding techniques. Depth to the top boundary ranges from 4.51 to 6.00 km (average 5.01 km), indicating substantial sedimentary cover, whereas depth to the centroid varies between 10.30 and 16.50 km (average 12.43 km). The comparatively chilly and thick crust is reflected in the Curie Point Depths, which range from 15.80 to 27.61 km (average 19.89 km). A stable thermal regime that supports hydrocarbon maturation is indicated by thermal characteristics such as heat flow (52.53 to 91.78 mW/m2, average 76.01 mW/m2) and geothermal gradients (21.01 to 36.41 °C/km, average 30.40 °C/km). These results provide credence to the area's potential for producing gas and oil.
The integrated radiometric analysis of potassium, thorium, and uranium for geochemical zoning and resource assessment in Nasarawa and environs, northwestern Nigeria, was carried out to investigate the concentrations of potassium, thorium, and uranium and their implication for mineralization potentials. The total count aero radiometric data were analysed into potassium, thorium, and uranium concentrations using Oasis montaj software. The integration of the concentrations of the three radioelements potassium, thorium, and uranium using the ternary image package in Oasis montaj revealed the ternary image data. The analysis indicates that the total count Map intensity values range from –58.255 to 5968.865 counts per second (cps), suggesting significant spatial variability. Individual concentration maps for Potassium (K), Thorium (Th), and Uranium (U) show elemental distributions with ranges of –0.055 to 5.444 ppm for K, –0.338 to 56.857 ppm for Th, and –0.130 to 14.521 ppm for U, respectively. The integration of these datasets produces a Ternary Image highlighting geochemical zoning. Green areas correspond to Th enrichment, red to K, and blue to U. Regions marked in white denote anomalously high concentrations of all three radioactive elements. These areas are favourable for the exploration of the three radioactive minerals, which are crucial for the generation of energy.
