Mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the Nkoteng-Mbandjock alluvial clays from Sanaga valley deposits (Cameroon, Central Africa): Implications for source weathering and provenance

Elisé Sababa; Natanael Tehna; Beyanu Anehumbu Aye; Morine-Majolie Manfotang Chiozem; Armel Zacharie Ekoa Bessa; Ehbeudeu Kanewene; Njilah Isaac Konfor

Heliyon (Apr 2024)

Mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the Nkoteng-Mbandjock alluvial clays from Sanaga valley deposits (Cameroon, Central Africa): Implications for source weathering and provenance

Elisé Sababa,
Natanael Tehna,
Beyanu Anehumbu Aye,
Morine-Majolie Manfotang Chiozem,
Armel Zacharie Ekoa Bessa,
Ehbeudeu Kanewene,
Njilah Isaac Konfor

Affiliations

Elisé Sababa: Department of Earth Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Corresponding author
Natanael Tehna: Department of Earth Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Beyanu Anehumbu Aye: Department of Mining and Mineral Engineering, National Higher Polytechnic Institute (NAHPI), The University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 39, Bambili, Cameroon
Morine-Majolie Manfotang Chiozem: Department of Earth Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Armel Zacharie Ekoa Bessa: Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Higher Teacher Training College, University of Bertoua, P.O. Box 652, Bertoua, Cameroon
Ehbeudeu Kanewene: Department of Earth Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Njilah Isaac Konfor: Department of Earth Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 10, no. 7
p. e28395

Abstract

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This research investigates the physico-chemical, mineralogical and geochemical attributes of alluvial clayey sediments in the Nkoteng-Mbandjock regions of the Sanaga valley, Cameroon. The primary objective is to elucidate the source area-weathering and provenance of these sediments. Grain size distribution analyses were conducted using the Robinson-Kӧln's pipetting method. The physico-chemical parameters were evaluated by an HACH-HQ11d brand electric pH meter, while the mineralogical compositions were determined by X-ray Diffraction. Major and trace element concentrations were measured employing X-ray Fluorescence and Inductively Coupled Plasmas-Mass Spectrometry. Textural classification identified the Sanaga valley alluvial clay deposits as predominantly silty clayey and clayey muddy. Geochemical classification diagram positioned them in the shale and Fe-shale fields. Weathering indices of alteration exhibited a consistent trend indicating a high degree of weathering in the source rock. A low Na2O/K2O ratio (average 0.18) and a high Index of Compositional Variability (ICV; average 2.29) suggested immature sediments. Additionally, low SiO2/Al2O3 ratio (average 3.93) implied an origin from stable settings with recycled inputs. These characteristics were further supported by elemental ratios such as Zr/Sc (average 47.12), U/Th (average 0.24) and Th/Sc (average 1.48). Furthermore, indicators like V/Cr (average 1.17), U/Th (average 0.24) and authigenic U (average −1.67) values suggested the deposition of the Sanaga valley alluvial clay under oxic conditions. The collective analysis of major and trace element distribution revealed felsic sources with minimal contributions from mafic rocks. These findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the geological processes and conditions influencing the composition and characteristics of the studied alluvial clay deposits in the Sanaga valley.

Published in Heliyon

ISSN: 2405-8440 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Science: Science (General); Social Sciences: Social sciences (General)
Website: https://www.cell.com/heliyon/home

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