Major oxides and trace element distributions in coal and coaly shale seams in the Enugu escarpment of South-Eastern Nigeria.

Abstract

Elemental distributions in nine (9) sub-bituminous coal and four coaly shale samples from the Anambra Basin, southeastern Nigeria were determined using FUS-ICP and TD-ICP spectrometry. Of the major oxides in these samples, SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ indicate the prevalence of quartz and clay minerals. The strong statistical correlation between SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ indicates a common source, likely detrital. The strong correlation between the other major oxides with both SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ indicates that all of these elements have a common detrital source. However, epigenetic carbonates and syngenetic or epigenetic sulphides may also be present. The concentrations of most trace elements in these coals are unremarkably, falling well within the range for U.S. and World coals. These data do not indicate any potential for economic by-product, potential technological problems or environmental or health concerns.

KEY WORDS: Nigerian sub-bituminous coal, coaly shale, trace elements, factor and, cluster analyses.