Browsing by Author "Adamu Christopher , NganjeTherese Ntonzi , Ukwang E.E. , IBE Keneth Abara and Peter Neji(2011)"

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    A Study of the Distribution pattern of Heavy metals in surface soils around Arufu Pb-Zn mine, Northeastern Nigeria, Using Factor Analysis
    (Research Journal of Chemical Sciences, 2011-04-23) Adamu Christopher , NganjeTherese Ntonzi , Ukwang E.E. , IBE Keneth Abara and Peter Neji(2011)
    Surface soil samples at depth of 0-15cm were collected from the Arufu Pb-Zn mining district within the Middle Benue Trough for this study. The aim was to determine the levels and spatial variability of heavy metals in the surface soil as well as the factors controlling the overall pattern of surface soil variability in the mining district. The soil samples were digested with 4M HNO3 and analysed for Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Cd, As and Ag using tomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) model 210. Organic matter content (OM) and pH of the soil samples were also determined. The resulting data was subjected to both descriptive and factor analyses. Results showed elevated levels of trace metals (Pb, Zn and Cd) and erratic distribution of trace metals in the surface soil. The factor analysis in R-mode was used to integrate the geochemical data. Factor 1 revealed the significant lithologic controls through oxidation of bedrock and sulphide minerals, as well as environmental controls through weathering and decomposition of organic matter. Factor 2 revealed anthropogenic controls through mining activities. Factor 3 revealed control by deposition under alkaline condition. Eingenvalues that accounted for about 70.56% of the total variance were also obtained. Clastic decomposition was identified to be more effective on the alkaline soil developed on carbonate host rocks. Lateral dispersion trains of heavy metals are limited to mine adits. These findings could play a key role to effective management of surface soil quality in the study area