Geochemical mapping using stream sediments in west-central Nigeria: Implications for environmental studies and mineral exploration in West Africa

Abstract

21This paper provides an overview of regional geochemical mapping using stream 22 sediments from central and south-western Nigeria. A total of 1569 stream sediment 23 samples were collected and 54 major and trace elements determined by ICP-MS and 24Au, Pd and Pt by fire assay. Geostatistical techniques (e.g. correlation analysis and 25 principal factor analysis) were used to explore the data, following appropriate data 26 transformation, to understand the data structure, investigate underlying processes 27 controlling spatial geochemical variability and identify element associations.

Investigating high zircon concentrations in the fine fraction of stream sediments draining the Pan-African Dahomeyan Terrane in Nigeria

“…Fig. 9f of Lapworth et al (2012) (Table 2) show a similar range of values and this is reflected in the similarities in the range of Zr values in stream sediments derived from these rocks (Fig. 7).…”

“…This may solely be due to the fact that the winnowing indices in the South-western Cell are generally higher than those in the Minna Cell, as shown in Fig. 9f of Lapworth et al (2012). There may also be a bedrock control if the Zr contents of the same bedrock units are lower in the Minna Cell.…”

“…At every sample collection site, composite stream sediment samples were collected from at least five points within the active stream channel over a distance of about 50 m. For details on sampling, sample preparation and analysis refer to Lapworth et al (2012), these are also summarised in the supplementary material (Tables S1 and S2). A pan concentrate was also collected from each site from the <2 mm ->150 μm material, to be examined as necessary as part of any later follow-up work.…”

“…Teams from the Geological Surveys of the UK, Nigeria and Finland completed a regional geochemical mapping campaign in central and SW Nigeria in 2010 as part of a national geochemical mapping project Lapworth et al, 2012). The mapped area in central Nigeria (160 km x 160 km, 25600 km 2 ), referred to as the Minna Cell (Fig.…”

Exploratory Analysis of Sediment Geochemistry to Determine the Source and Dispersion of Ba, Fe, Mn, Pb and Cu and in Chihuahua, Northern Mexico

“…Numerous geochemical studies have been conducted at a regional level, among them Ludington et al (2006) in the U.S. northern Great Basin, Zumlot, Goodell, and Howari (2009) in New Mexico, and Lapworth et al (2012) in Nigeria. Other studies have concentrated instead in a smaller area; for example, the characterization of mineralized areas in northeast Algeria (Bounessah & Atkin, 2003) and Catorce-Matehuala in northern Mexico (Chiprés et al, 2009a).…”