Heavy metals distribution and mineralogy of saprolite Of southeastern soils developed nigeria on coastal plain sands in southeastern nigeria

Abstract

The distribution of heavy metals as well as minerals in the fine sand and clay fractions in saprolite derived from coastal plain sands in Southeastern Nigeria were investigated. Heavy metal levels were generally low, when compared to existing permissible standard limits. Ranges for Iron, Manganese, Copper and Zinc were 400-1750 mgkg^-1, 51.75-223.75mgkg^-1, 12.01-92.75 mgkg^-1 and 55-122.1mgkg^-1 respectively. Chromium ranged from 1.15-2.53mgkg", Nickel and lead ranged from 0.02-0.08mgkg and0.02-0.25 mgkg^-1 respectively. Mineralogical results from the XRD revealed the dominance of quartz, followed by kaolinite with occasional occurrence of illite and wiserite. Trace amounts of Al-Si-Oxide(0.8%) was also found in the fine sand fraction at 18.2-18.9m depth at Uyoafaha. Infrared spectroscopy of the clay fraction also revealed the presence of quartz, kaolinite and lite as well as gibbsite and halloysite.