Abstract
Mineralogy and kaolinite structural order in selected geophagic soils were investigated by X-ray diffraction and infra-red (IR) spectroscopy. Structural order was assessed by empirical analysis of IR resolutions and relative intensities of OH stretching and bending vibrations of structural water in kaolinite. Quartz and kaolinite were major constituents, associated with muscovite + microcline + goethite + hematite + anatase ± kaolinite-smectite ± gibbsite. The IR spectra exhibited three characteristic kaolinite peaks at 3697, 3645/50 and 3620 cm−1, poorly resolved OH stretching vibrations with quartz and goethite interferences. The two middle bands expected of theoretical kaolinite were replaced by a low intensity peak at 3645/50 cm−1. Based on spectral analysis the samples were classified as partially ordered. Findings suggest the presence of impurities, high potential for substitution reactions and more vacant sites for cation exchange, necessitating further investigations on the bioavailability of nutrients/toxins for a comprehensive health appraisal.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
