Twenty samples were obtained for inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry geochemical investigation. High SiO (54.02-67.97%), Al O (20.34-28.13%), and loss of ignition (10.45wt %) values in the results 2 2 3 indicate that the clay under study is a hydrated form of aluminium silicate. The clay's high SiO and Al O composition 2 2 3 makes it ideal for making refractory bricks, brick clay, and sanitary ware. High CIA values (98.51 -99.00), CIW (99.72% - 99.87), PIA (99.71-99.87), and MIA (96.94-97.99) indicated very high chemical weathering of the parent source igneous rock that gave rise to the clay. Ehime clay with less than 5% Fe O content (0.76-3.22%) supports the 2 3 refractoriness of clay and its applications in the paper, paint, ceramic, sanitary, and tile industries. CaO (0.02-0.15) and MgO (0.09 0.15) values are lower than unity and fall within the acceptable ranges for paint and refractory brick, as well as affect the fluxing properties (melting behaviour) of clay. Na O, K O (Alkalis) act as fluxes in ceramics by 2 2 lowering the firing temperature. High alkali clays are good for pottery and tiles. TiO (Titania) enhances brightness 2 and whiteness in kaolin and is important for paints, paper and ceramics production. Fe O can be used to create 2 3 coloured products. Clay can play multiple roles in the industrial sector of the economy if well harnessed and holistically studied.
The prevalence of health-related cases resulting from soil contamination in urban areas is becoming alarming, most especially around metropolitan dumpsites. This study aimed to evaluate the degree of contamination, the origin of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), and assess the potential environmental risk of the soils from the study area. Three locations (PF1-3) were selected within the dumpsite, and two control-sites (BH1-2) at a distance of 100m away upstream and downstream of the dumpsite. At each location, a pit was dug to a depth of 1.5m, and four samples were collected at an interval of 0.5m. These samples were dried and disaggregated, then sieved using 63um standard sieve. The sieved samples were subjected to partial digestion and subsequently analysed using XRFs. The results (mg/kg) revealed that in PF1; Cu (17.6-6287.9); Zn (113.0-4448.4); Pb (56.4-243.5) and As (6.1-26.1); PF2 Cu (4.7-424.6), Zn (58.5-1814.3), Pb (81.5-370.3) and As (5.0-39.8) while in PF3, Cu (122.2-4576.6), Zn (576.4-2778.8), Pb (221.7- 544.9) and As (23.8-83.5). The Enrichment factors (EF) and Geoaccumulation indices (Igeo) revealed that soil samples from the two control sites had little or no contamination. Elevated EF (1.17–52.99) and Igeo (–0.01 to 2.54) recorded at PF1-3for Cu, Zn, Pb, and As, varied from moderately to highly-contaminated. This suggests that these PTEs are mobile and bioavailable to both plants and animals, thus indicating potential environmental risk. The CPIs at BH1-2 revealed little or no contamination, with PTEs showing relatively high to extremely high degrees of contamination observed at PF1-3. The recorded elevated contaminations at the three sites, if not attended to, can be a potential threat to the environment, most especially the groundwater system, as concentrations of some PTEs increase with depth. These PTEs are toxic and mobile, and can be made available for plants, animals, and ultimately man if not properly monitored.
This study investigates the Foraminifera bio-chemo-stratigraphy and petrographical characterisation of Late Turonian to Early Santonian limestones within the Awgu Formation of Nigeria's Middle Benue Trough, with a view to identifying carbonate reservoir potential. Through integrated field mapping, foraminiferal biostratigraphy, inorganic geochemistry, and petrographical analysis, two key facies were delineated: an upper shelly biosparmicrite and a lower crystalline micritic limestone. The former exhibits higher porosity due to bioclast enrichment and grain-supported textures, while the latter is typified by denser microcrystalline fabrics and lower reservoir quality. Foraminiferal assemblages, dominated by benthic species, suggest deposition in shallow marine environments ranging from deltaic to hyposaline littoral zones, with estimated palaeodepths of 50–100 m. Diagenetic assessment, using Sr, Na, and Ba concentrations, reveals limited meteoric overprinting, while REE patterns and Ce anomalies indicate oxic conditions and significant terrestrial input. Petrographic evidence of micritisation, sparitisation, and stylolitisation underscores the complexity of porosity evolution. Palaeoenvironmental reconstruction based on faunal and geochemical proxies highlights fluctuating redox conditions and detrital influx, shaping reservoir heterogeneity. The upper Shelly biosparmicrite, up to 100 m thick in subsurface sections, is interpreted as the principal reservoir interval, while the deeper crystalline micrite, though less permeable, may offer secondary reservoir potential where fractured. Overall, the integration of micropalaeontological, petrographic, and geochemical data provides critical insight into reservoir quality distribution and the depositional evolution of the Awgu Formation carbonates. These findings emphasise the strategic importance of the Awgu Formation carbonates as frontier hydrocarbon reservoirs, providing a robust geoscientific basis for exploration, resource appraisal, and sustainable energy development in the Middle Benue Trough and comparable underexplored basins worldwide.
Trona, erroneously called potash, is a widely used food additive in Nigeria, especially for low-income earners in periurban areas. This study assessed the mineralogy, geochemistry, and potential health risks associated with trona used in Osogbo and environs. Ten samples were obtained from markets, pulverized, and analyzed for mineralogy and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), respectively. PTE enrichment/contamination was assessed using the metal enrichment ratio (MER) and contamination factor (CF), with a standard food-grade salt benchmark as the background. Hazard quotients (HQ), hazard indices (HI), and cancer risks (CR) were calculated to evaluate the associated potential health risks. Trona, quartz, halite, and burkeite were the major minerals, while subordinate pirssonite and aphthitalite were also detected. PTE concentrations (mg/kg) were: As (below detection limit[bdl] - 9, mean 3.6), Co (bdl - 2, mean 1.2), Cr (4 - 9, mean 6.3), Cu (1 - 3, mean 2.2), Mo (2 - 15, mean 7.8), Ni (1 - 6, mean 3.3), Sr (bdl - 544, mean 231.7), V (2 - 23, mean 16.5), and Zn (3 - 9, mean 6.4). Enrichment of As, Cu, Ni, and Zn were 4 - 18, 1 - 2, 2 - 12, and 2 - 5, respectively, while CF revealed very high, moderate, very high, and considerable contamination of As (7.2), Cu (1.1), Ni (6.6), and Zn (3.2), respectively. Though HQ and HI values for both children and adults were <1, child HQ values for As in some samples were > 0.1, posing a low chronic risk to the children. Child and adult HI values for some samples were also > 0.1, indicating a low risk of cancer occurrence. Low immediate hazard levels notwithstanding, Osogbo trona poses potential long-term health risks.
This study investigates the sedimentological characteristics of the sandstone lithofacies of the Enagi Formation exposed at Kutigi to establish their depositional environment and some geological factors that control reservoir quality. This was done through petrographic, X-ray Diffraction, scanning electron microscope and heavy mineral analyses. The grain-size mean and standard deviation range from -1.1 mm to 2.6 mm and from 1.5 mm to 5.6 mm, respectively, suggesting a medium-grained, poorly sorted texture. The abundant polycrystalline mineral grains and associated heavy minerals, including monazite, apatite, tourmaline, and zircon, suggest an igneous and metamorphic origin for the rocks. The grain size bivariate plot suggests a high influence of fluvial environments of deposition and few samples in the tidal settings. The thin section shows the highest quartz mineral composition, but with substantial clay minerals and feldspar, further confirmed by the XRD values of 7.0% to 27.0% and 5.2% to 33.9% for orthoclase and albite, respectively. The sandstones are classified as arkosic or feldspathic lithofacies, indicating immature mineralogy along with being poorly sorted, and angular to sub-angular in shape, indicating a short transport history leading to immature texture. The immature texture and mineralogy, presence of authigenic kaolinite clay minerals and muscovite will decrease and obliterate intergranular pore spaces through precipitation, cementation and porefilling and also impair permeability. The PIA values also indicate that the porosity within the different sandstones in the study area at Kutigi varies from 1.05 % to 2.99 % suggesting unfavourable geological parameters for good reservoir rocks. This study provides information for de-risking the Bida Basin regarding its reservoir potential towards potential hydrocarbon prospectivity and possible discovery in the Nigerian inland basins.
Basement rocks, most especially the granitic component when crushed into aggregates, are mostly used for civil construction and other engineering works in Nigeria. This research tries to assess some selected basement rocks within Zungeru using geological, petrographical and geotechnical techniques. Geologically, the study area is underlain by amphibolite, migmatite gneiss, granitic gneiss, phyllites, quartzites as major rock types, while quartzofelsdpartic and pegmatitic veins are the minor rock types. Petrographically, the dominant mineral is quartz, followed by biotite, hornblende, chloirte and microline with an observed relatively large size of grains varying from anhedral to subhedral in shape intermingled with smaller grains between. Geotechnical tests performed revealed an average impact value of 22.62 % for the amphibolite, 19.97% for granitic gneiss and 14.55% for migmatite gneiss. The average abrasion test on the amphibolite gave an Aggregate Abrasion Value (AAV) of 24.14 %, 21.0 % for the granitic gneiss and 18.08 for % migmatite gneiss. The average specific gravity test conducted on the amphibolite gave a value of 2.76%, 2.68 % for the granitic gneiss and the migmatite gneiss had 2.67%. The average water absorption value for the amphibolite was 0.33 %, granitic gneiss was 0.18 %, and migmatite gneiss was 0.20 %. The low percentage values obtained from the test indicate that these samples have high strength (tough) to bear the impact of loads exerted by traffic. Also supporting this is the anhedral to subhedral characteristic shape of the grains that gives the rock a better resistance to fragmentation and wear, with a beneficial effect on the strength of rocks in the study area. These values indicate that these rocks have relatively high strengths. Migmatite gneiss has relatively high resistance to impacts and abrasion of traffic loads. The study has proved that granite gneiss and migmatite gneiss rocks are generally suitable for most civil construction works according to the global standards than the amphibolite. Thus, this can aid policy formulation for infrastructural development to maintain construction standards.
The study area is underlain predominantly by shale with intercalation of siltstone and calcareous sediments of Asu River group. The shale is highly indurated, with bedded and parallel laminations in some sections. Representative samples from different locations in the study area were analyzed by X-ray diffraction analysis at the National Geoscience Research Laboratory, Kaduna State. Every mineral identified in each of the samples analysed has a unique crystalline structure or fingerprint that interacts with electromagnetic radiation in different ways. The minerals detected by the XRD are Quartz, Chlorite, Muscovite, Dolomite, Albite, Calcite, Vermiculite, Wustite, Anatase and Amesite. The minerals are stable at certain temperatures and pressures corresponding to low-grade regional metamorphism. Amesite and vermiculite are phyllosilicate minerals that occur in an environment of lowgrade metamorphism affecting rocks with high Al and Mg content, likewise Anatase and Wustite, which are oxide minerals. Quartz, chlorite, dolomite and muscovite occur in low or medium-grade pelitic metamorphic rocks. Quartz and muscovite constitute most majority of the baked shale, whereas carbonate, oxide and phyllosilicate minerals are present in small amounts, and quartz produced the highest peaks when compared to calcite, chlorite, muscovite, albite and other minerals in the samples. The mineralogy and the field characteristics show that the induration can be attributed to low-grade regional metamorphism and heat emanating from igneous activity in the area, thereby losing the original texture and structures. The absence of Smectite and Bentonite in the samples can also be attributed to the baking effect from the intruded intermediate/basic rocks in the area. The contact metamorphism collaborates with within-plate magmatism, which supports the rifting formation of the Benue rift.
A geophysical and geotechnical investigation was conducted at a dumpsite along Osogbo-Awo Road, Osogbo, Nigeria, to evaluate its environmental impact. Geophysical data were acquired using an ABEM SAS 1000 resistivity meter at nine vertical electrical sounding (VES) locations with a Schlumberger electrode array. Geotechnical analysis involved fifteen soil samples collected at 0.5 m intervals from five hand-dug pits. Results revealed low resistivity values in the saturated zone, ranging from 3.1 ? m (VES 6) to 17.6 ? m (VES 4). The natural moisture content of the soil varied between 5.7% and 9.9%, with coarse fractions averaging 99.08%, 98.98%, 98.9%, and 98.08%. Liquid limit values ranged from 34.0% to 41.5%, while plastic limits varied between 17.26% and 27.4%. The coefficient of permeability (KT) for the soils was 0.034 – 0.076 m/s (Pit 5), 0.037–0.56 m/s (Pit 4), 0.042–0.11 m/s (Pit 3), 0.026–0.195 m/s (Pit 2), and 0.0758–0.406 m/s (Pit 1). Geophysical data delineated high and low resistivity zones, with low values (2.4–23.5 Om) indicating leachate contamination in the shallow unsaturated zone (0.4–9.4 m). The unsaturated zone was contaminated by leachate from the dumpsite, as evidenced by very low permeability (0.026–0.56 mm/s). The deep-seated water table explains the low natural moisture content (6.1–9.9%). To mitigate groundwater contamination, it is recommended that the dumpsite be lined at the base, ensuring an eco-friendly waste disposal environment. This study highlights the need for sustainable waste management practices to protect groundwater resources and promote environmental health. The output of this research would help in landfill design and operation, waste containment, potential risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
A study on five clay samples from the Oduna community in Nigeria's Ovia North-East Local Government Area found that their specific composition makes them suitable for certain industrial uses but not others without further processing. Using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), the analysis revealed the clays are primarily composed of silica (SiO ) 2 at 62.19% and alumina (Al O ) at 32.97%, alongside smaller amounts of iron oxide (FeO), calcium oxide (CaO), and 2 3 titanium dioxide (TiO ). The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) results identified quartz as the predominant mineral, with 2 significant amounts of kaolinite, muscovite, and orthoclase. The high occurrence of kaolinite is particularly noteworthy, as it allows the clay to be categorized as kaolin clay, which is often used in skincare and cosmetic products. Based on these findings, the study concluded that the clays are suitable for producing refractory bricks and ceramics due to their heat-resistant properties. However, for other applications such as paper production, drilling mud, or general brick-making, the clays would require a process called beneficiation, which improves their quality by removing impurities and enhancing their properties to meet specific industry standards.
This study was carried out to determine the petrogenesis and tectonic setting of amphibolites around the Elewure- Iseyin area. The rocks were subjected to mineralogical and geochemical analysis using Electron probe microanalysis, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry. Petrographic studies and mineral chemistry revealed that the samples are primarily composed of amphibole and plagioclase with accessory quartz, pyrite, and ilmenite. The XMg vs. Si (apfu) revealed that the amphiboles are of the magnesio-hornblende variety, while the Ab-An-Or plot revealed that the plagioclase is mainly bytownite and anorthite. Whole-rock analysis revealed that the concentration of SiO in amphibolites varied 48.9 to 53.1%; Al O ,2 2 3 Fe O , CaO, K O, and Na O concentrations were 13.45 – 15.45 wt%, 9.7 –15.5 wt%, 8.89 – 16.96 wt%, 0.1 – 0.172 3 2 2 wt%, and 0.64 – 0.97 wt%, respectively. The concentrations of Cr, V, Ni, Co, Nb, Th, and Zr ranged 56 – 638 ppm, 27 – 435 ppm, 37 –205 ppm, 49 –53 ppm, 1.76 – 24.4 ppm, 0.15 – 1.52 ppm, and 46 – 196 ppm, respectively. The total Rare Earth Elements (ÓREE) varies from 91.6 to 197.01 ppm, with a mean of 162.34 ppm. Light REE (LREE) ranged 17.07 to 89.24 ppm, while Heavy REE (HREE) ranged 33.83 to 62.77 ppm, and LREE/HREE values ranged 0.50 to 1.42 with a mean value of 1.20. The REE-normalised plot shows higher LREE content than HREE. The total alkali–silica and AFM classification diagrams revealed that the amphibolites exhibit sub-alkaline to tholeiitic characteristics. The Niggli discrimination diagram and the Niggli values further confirmed this finding. Th–Zr/117–Nb/17, and Zr vs Zr/Y geotectonic discrimination plots revealed that the amphibolites were formed within the E-Mid-Oceanic-Ridge-Basalts, Within-Plate Tholeiites, and the N-Mid-Oceanic-Ridge-Basalt E-type.
This investigation was conducted to ascertain the geochemical properties and economic potentials of recently mapped pegmatites around Odu-Ore which is a component of the polycyclic Precambrian Basement Complex in southwest Nigeria. Ten (10) pegmatite samples were subjected to whole-rock geochemical analysis using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) at Activation Laboratories, LTD. (ACTLABS), Canada. According to field studies, the region is underlain by granite-gneiss, quartzite, pelitic schist, amphibolites, and pegmatites. Virtually all of the pegmatite samples were found to be of igneous ancestry by comparing the Na O/Al O and 2 2 3 K O/Al O plots, while the Rb/Sr plot showed that the pegmatite bodies, which are now well-exposed, were deposited 2 2 3 between 20 and 30 km of crustal thickness during the late-to-post (Pan African) tectonic period (emplacement). Mineralization potentials range from high to moderate in this area; however, pegmatites hosted by pelitic-schist and those at schist-amphibolite contacts showed a higher degree of potential than those hosted by other lithologies, and many of the bodies have the potential to produce industrial minerals.
Abandoned borrow pits pose significant environmental hazards such as landslides, gully erosion, road failure and groundwater contamination if not properly reclaimed. This study investigates the geotechnical features of abandoned borrow pits with a view to converting suitable sites to a modern sanitary landfill. Twelve abandoned borrow pits were assessed using geotechnical parameters such as particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, bulk density and permeability. Results showed that the sites are underlain by gneisses, migmatites and granites, which are fresh to provide enough support for the conversion of these borrow pits to a modern sanitary landfill. Geotechnically, the soils at these sites are predominantly sand with a gradual increase in clay content. Sand is 55 – 75%, clay is 12 – 16% and silt is 12 – 30%, respectively. Values of plasticity range from 12 – 26%, liquid limit ranges from 40 – 48%, shrinkage limit ranges from 14 – 22%, bulk density ranges from 1.75 – 1.95 g/cm3 and permeability ranges from 9.00 x 10-6 to 1.8 x 10-5 Cm/S. Some of the borrow pits possess favourable features such as high bulk density and well-graded soils that are suitable for the construction of an engineered landfill. The majority of the pits exhibit significant challenges that could affect their use for waste disposal.
Groundwater is a vital source of drinking water in the crystalline terrain of Are Ekiti, southwest Nigeria. This study evaluates the suitability of groundwater for human consumption by analyzing 31 samples from surface wells. Chemical content was determined using titration and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), while the Groundwater Quality Index (GQI) and Geographic Information System (GIS) frameworks assessed spatial distribution and quality. The water quality index categorized the water as excellent, good, or poor, aiding local residents and policymakers in understanding water safety. Physical parameters included electrical conductivity (1.16 - 3.85 μS/cm), total dissolved solids (152.0 - 720.0 mg/l), and pH (5.96 - 8.11). Chemical analysis revealed elevated levels of potassium (K+) and TDS exceeding WHO-recommended limits, with cations such as Na+ (2.8 - 17.4 mg/l), K+ (8.2 - 29.5 mg/l), Ca2+ (9.5 - 22.1 mg/l), and Mg2+ (1.3 - 3.9 mg/l). Hydrogeochemical assessment indicated a dominant calcium-chloride water type, and Gibbs plot analysis highlighted rock-weathering processes as the primary influence on water chemistry. Despite elevated K+ and TDS in some samples, the overall GQI evaluation concludes that groundwater in the study area is generally excellent, safe, and suitable for consumption.
The extent of failure along different Nigerian roads has led many researchers to investigate the causes of these failures. This paper reviews the causes of road failure along Nigerian roads and proffers solutions to minimize the problem. Road was identified as a very important infrastructure in any community. A good road eases the conveyance of people and goods from one place to another, thus improving the economy. Some of the effects of road failure identified are high accident rate, increased travel time, increased cost of vehicle maintenance and high crime rate. The paper further identifies inadequate preliminary geological investigation, lack of geotechnical investigation, poor design of roads, bad supervision and workmanship, lack of routine and periodic maintenance, bad drainage, improper use and overloading and inadequate sanction for highway failure as the major causes of failure on Nigerian roads. Geotechnical investigation brings out all the physical and mechanical parameters of the soil/ rock to be used in the construction site. Road failures most times occur due to a lack of proper consideration of the geology of the area. The Shagamu -Papalanto road, Lagos- Ibadan highway, Abuja – Lokoja highway, Isua – Idoani road, Ilesh – Owena highway, Ilesha – Akure highway and Ado Ekiti – Akure road are typical examples. Road construction is based basically on the geology of the earth's materials. By implication, the place of geology cannot be underemphasized in road projects. Statistics show that while geotechnical investigations are becoming very good and formidable, general failures of small, medium and very large geotechnical works like road projects continue to occur at an alarming rate in Nigeria. Solutions proffered include: provision of adequate and appropriate designs, supervision and quality control, decongestion of the Nigerian roads, timely maintenance of roads, provision of highway facilities, use of well-trained personnel and favourable government policies.
This study focused on the geochemistry and economic potential of the rare metal mineralization within the pegmatites of the Egbe-Ejiba-Isanlu areas using geological, geophysical, and geochemical techniques. From a total of 92 fresh rock samples collected, 40 were cut into thin sections for petrographic studies, 20 were cut and polished for ore microscopic studies, while 30 were analysed for elemental composition of major oxides and trace elements, using XRF and ICPMS techniques, respectively. Petrographic study shows that the area is underlain by Biotite Gneiss, Migmatitic Gneiss, Augen Gneiss, Banded Iron Formation (BIF), Quartzite, Quartz-mica Schist, Porphyritic Granites, Coarse-grained Granite, Quartz Diorite and Pegmatite. Structural data shows a dominant NNE-SSW trending lineament with minor complementary NNW-SSE trends. The Total Magnetic Intensity and Reduced to Equator images from aeromagnetic anomaly data were used to enhance existing inferred geological boundaries of adjoining lithological units. The Total Magnetic Intensity map (TMI) depicts magnetic anomaly values that range between 52.5- 85.2. The map also shows a prominent high magnetic anomaly (71.5nT- 84.0nT) in rocks of the eastern part of the area. The molecular plot of Al O /CaO+Na O +K O versus SiO reveals that the pegmatites have I-type 3 2 2 3 2 2 characteristics. The K/Rb vs Cs discrimination diagram indicates that the pegmatites of the Egbe, Omi, Takete and Idofin areas are of the mineralized type. The geochemistry of some selected pegmatite samples shows enriched concentration values in ppm of 716.10, 19.68, 37.40, 92.00 and 481.70 for Rb, Cs, Ta, Sn and Nb, respectively. These suggest that the pegmatites are rare metal type with enrichment trend of Rb>Nb>Sn>Ta>Cs, exhibiting strong negative Eu anomalies, which suggests that the pegmatites are of the LCT-type. Ore microscopic studies show that the pegmatites are associated with tantalite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, tourmaline, and galena ores of economic value, as evidenced in the high level of artisanal mining activities in the areas.
The radionuclide concentrations of K, Ra and Th in clay used as building materials in Abakaliki, Southeastern Nigeria, were measured using a thallium-activated sodium iodide NaI(TI) detector. From the results, the activity 40 226 232 -1 -1 -1 concentrations of K, Ra and Th were 267.94±8.59 Bqkg , 78.55±3.33 Bqkg and 36.83±1.77 Bqkg , 40 226 232 -1 -1 - respectively. The minimum values for K, Ra and Th of 4.95±0.24 Bqkg , 3.24±0.10 Bqkg and 9.84±0.48 Bqkg 1, were recorded in samples (CL1, CL11 and CL2) respectively. The measured clay samples (CL5, CL6 and CL5) -1 -1 -1 40 226 232 showed maximum values of 421.06±13.6 Bqkg , 209.39±3.97 Bqkg and 53.16±2.55 Bqkg for K, Ra and Th, respectively. Radiological indices such as radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin), representative level index (Iãr) and alpha index (Iá) were adopted for the study. The mean values -1 obtained for radium equivalent activity were 130.22 Bqkg . The mean values obtained for external radiation hazard and internal radiation hazard were 0.532 and 0.643, respectively. The mean values for the representative level index -1 -1, and alpha index were 0.99 Bqkg and 0.32 Bqkg respectively. The results of all the derived parameters were found to be below the permissible or criterion limits. This implies that the use of clay as a building material is likely safe. Conclusively, the use of clay as a building material may not impose any radiological hazard to the dwellers of buildings constructed with clay.
The occurrence of veined and disseminated gold in the mylonitized rocks including diorites, coarse grained granites, medium grained granites, and pegmatites around Angwan-Dasu area near Bode Saadu in Kwara State of Nigeria was investigated to establish the gold mineralization pattern, distribution, and origin. Whole rock geochemical analysis of 16 samples was done for elemental composition using ICP-AES and ICP-MS for major and trace elements respectively. The results show that the concentration of Au ranges from 0.0005ppm (crustal abundance) to 6.5314ppm (enrichment) which indicated anomalous concentration in diorites (up to 6.53ppm), porphyritic granitic (up to 6.07ppm), pegmatites (up to 1.14ppm) in the area. The Harker's plots indicated a major negative correlation between the major oxides against silica. The AFM diagram revealed an enrichment of alkali metals (Al O , Na O and 2 3 2 K O) in all the rocks which plotted in the Calc-alkaline field. The plots of the protolith precursor show the rocks, 2 except for pegmatites, plotting in the sedimentary/metasedimentary field. The chondrite-normalized plot displayed a general negative anomaly (depletion) in Eu concentration. Ore microscopy revealed the presence of gold mineralization in close association with sulphide ores that are disseminated within mylonitized rocks along the shear zones. This suggest that the auriferous hydrothermal fluid that precipitated gold and the associated sulphides was triggered by shearing and mylonitisation which accompanied the dynamo-thermal remobilization that took place during the waning stages of the Pan African orogeny.
Varieties of clays have been reported to be applicable in different industries depending on their physical, mineralogical, and chemical composition. This research aimed to evaluate the potential uses of kaolin around Ajebo area of southwestern Nigeria. Characterization was carried out using geotechnical analysis, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). Grain size analysis revealed 77.6% – 94% silt and clay content, while linear shrinkage, liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index ranged 8.6 - 11.4, 52 - 71, 23 - 33, and 23 – 38, respectively. Sand-silt-clay ternary plot analysis indicated low porosity and permeability, with medium to high plasticity, suggesting some samples have properties suitable for industrial applications. XRD identified kaolinite and quartz as primary components, with minor amounts of mica, anatase, feldspar, clinopyroxene, and hematite. XRF results showed SiO , Al O , and Fe O concentrations ranged from 46.93% to 56.7%, 28.46% to 35.74%, and 0.44% to 2 2 3 2 3 3.72%, respectively, with other oxides present in low concentrations. Geochemical indices of alteration suggest that the kaolin was formed under varying degrees of weathering. An industrial appraisal revealed the kaolin could be suitable for certain industrial processes, although some processing may be necessary to eliminate certain impurities and upgrade the kaolin percentage by magnetic separation and manual upgrading. However, the concentration of trace elements shows that while some elements are within acceptable limits, the samples do not comply with the permissible lead levels for topical and oral toxicity in pharmaceutical applications. The kaolin will be applicable in the ceramics, refractories, and paper filling industries.
Palynostratigraphic, Paleoclimatic and Sequence Stratigraphic analyses were carriedfrom a section of Emi-1 well, Niger Delta Basin, to establish palynozones, relative age, paleoclimatic and provide insights into the depositional settings and changes overtime within the basin. The lithology of the studied interval consists of alternation of thick shaleand sandstone units.Ditch cuttings within 5636 – 11236 ft were subjected to palynological analysis using acid maceration technique. The recovered palynomorph composition shows dominance of pollen and spores over dinoflagellate cysts. Three distinct interval palynostratigraphic zones were delineated in line with the international stratigraphic guide for the establishments of biozones, they are Belskipollis elegans – Echiperiporitesestelae, Ec h i p e r i p o r i t e s e s t e l a e - Cr a s s o re t i t r i l e t e s v a n r a a d s h o v e n i , Pro t e a c i d i t e s c o o k s o n n i - RetibrevitricolporitesprotrudensZones. The occurrences of age diagnostic palynomorphs within the studied interval suggest early Miocene (Aquitanian – Burdigalian stage) through to late Miocene age (Tortonian – Messinian stage). The sequence stratigraphic study identified condensed sections at the interval of 9152 – 8974 ft, candidate Maximum Flooding Surfaces (MFS) within the condensed section at 9065 ft, dated 12.8 Ma. Candidate Sequence Boundaries was recognised at 6065 ft and is dated 6.7 Ma. Highstand Systems Tract (HST) was identified from 9065 – 6065 ft. and Transgressive Systems Tract (TST) are recognised from the depth intervals of 11236 – 9065 ft. Lowstand Systems Tract (LST) was recognised within the depth interval of 6065 – 5636 ft. Paleoclimatic interpretations based on palynological evidence suggests that the interval of 11236 – 6065 ft was deposited under wet climatic conditions while the intervalsof5636 – 6065 ft was deposited under temperate climatic condition. The established zones are useful for basin correlation. The observed thick shale deposit under wet climate with abundance of organic materials are indication of quick burial necessary for hydrocarbons generation.The sandstone units of LST and HST are candidate reservoir rocks.
The need to evaluate the quality of carbonate suite deposits in some parts of southeastern Nigeria for use as industrial raw materials necessitated this study. A total of 20 samples, collected during the mapping of the Ohafia-Agba area, were subjected to dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometer analysis. The field observations showed that the deposits are fossiliferous, milkish to dark grey in colour, and fine- (micrite) to coarse-grained (clastic) in matrices/textures, with limestone and silty facies predominating the likely superficial oceanic setting, while the remains of near coast bi-valve relic in fine (micrite) matrix and winnowing of fines were associated to squall stimulated depositions of sub-tidal origin. The laboratory results indicated siliceous-calcareous-carbonaceous limestones, with the major oxides mean concentrations in the order; CaO (38.81wt%)> loss on ignition (LOI) (30.28 wt%) > SiO (17.49 wt%) > Fe O (6.66%)>Al O (4.50 wt%) > TiO (0.88 wt%) >MgO (0.18wt%). Comparison of the 2 2 3 2 3 2 geochemical data with some industrial standards suggested that the carbonate deposits would be marginally to fairly suitable for use as raw materials, especially where high CaO (>50%) and LOI (> 40%) types are required. Appreciable amounts of MgO, Fe O , Al O , and SiO (0.08, 21, >18, and >3.73%, respectively), additionally, indicated that the 2 3 2 3 3 deposits would serve well in cement production, agricultural activities and metallurgical refining development in steel, paint, papers, ceramics, pharmaceutical products, and plastic industries. If properly harnessed, the deposits could foster the highly needed industrialization of the state and region with numerous economic and development benefits.
