Abstract
The present study is the first appraisal of regional hydrogeochemical programme for environmental assessment of the mineralized Lom Basin in East Cameroon. Fifty-two streamwater samples were collected and analysed for major cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+) and major anions (HCO3–, F–, Cl–, NO2–, NO3–, Br–, PO43–, SO42–). Calcium and HCO3– were the dominant ions. The chemical facies for the surface water were CaHCO3 and NaHCO3 types indicating a fresh water source. Major ion geochemistry demonstrated the potential to discriminate between natural and anthropogenic origins. Calcium ion, Mg2+, Na+, K+and HCO3– had similar distribution trends reflecting weathering from the parent rocks. Sulphate distribution correlated with the occurrence of sulphide minerals associated with hydrothermal gold mineralization in the area while the distribution patterns of NO3–and Cl– reflected pollution from domestic activities within the municipality. Overall, the chemistry of stream water in the Lom Basin is mainly controlled by silicate weathering with only minor anthropogenic influence. This study forms an analogue for hydrogeochemical mapping in other mineralized terrains in Cameroon.
Highlights
Geochemical mapping is crucial in identifying sources of elements for both mineral exploration and environmental monitoring [1,2]
The Lom Basin in East Cameroon is heavily mineralized especially in gold owing to its regional geological setting
This study presents a regional hydrogeochemical baseline prior to industrial mining in the Lom Basin
Summary
Geochemical mapping is crucial in identifying sources of elements for both mineral exploration and environmental monitoring [1,2]. Mumbfu Ernestine Mimba et al.: Regional Hydrogeochemical Mapping for Environmental Studies in the Mineralized Lom Basin, East Cameroon: A Pre-industrial Mining Survey used to evaluate the surface water quality [10]. Baseline refers to the elemental concentration levels in a medium at a particular period [11,12] These background levels in surface water can be of natural or anthropogenic origin and distinguishing their sources can be quite challenging. Other goals are (a) to distinguish between natural and anthropogenic sources of dissolved ions through a systematic sampling of streamwater draining the catchment, (b) to produce geochemical maps of dissolved ions in the area These data provide information necessary for setting guidelines and legal standards in the region. This study forms a reference for hydrogeochemical mapping in other mineralized areas in Cameroon
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