Mineralogical and elemental analysis of clay samples from Imo State South Eastern Nigeria
Date
2022-01
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Federal University of Technology, Owerri
Abstract
This thesis characterizes five clay samples from lyinwaogba Umuosode Alike Ikenanzizi Obowo, Imo State. The characterization is based on their physicochemical properties, mineralogy and elemental analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS) for Morphological characterization, Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) for chemical characterization, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF). The pH ranged froml.91 to 2.89, loss on ignition ranged from 4.75 % -5.32 %, Cation Exchange Capacity ranged 24.11 meq/lOOg to 26.49 meq/lOOg. Refractive index ranged from 1.45 to 1.68 while the specific gravity ranged from 2.68 to 2.96. SEM-EDs images of clay fractions (A to E), depict a typical structure of conventional quartz and. Kaolinite. The FTIR analysis of the clay samples XA*®) showed Kaolinite, C-H stretching, Si-O stretching band at 3283.2 cm'1 to 3302.4 cm’ 1 1638.9 cm’ 1 to 1710 cm’ 1indicating the presence of Kaolinite. The EDXRF results of the clay samples (Atol?) shows, elements present, the highest metal in the clay -samples is Fe, and Sr, detected in trace amount are, Pb, Zn, Mn, and Ga. Ni was not detected, Cu was not detected except in sample D, where it was found in trace amount. The XRD mineralogical data indicates the presence of some mineral phases of characteristic peak of quartz, kaolinite, anatase and pyrite in the clay samples (A-E). The general data strongly suggest that the primary constituents of the clay were kaolinite with high quartz content and average SiO2 of 58.30%. Altogether, the characteristics of the clay samples are good material for numerous industrial use.
Description
The thesis is for the award of Master of Science ( M.Sc.) Degree in Mineral Processing
Keywords
Mineral, elemental, clay, spectroscopic, characterization, Department of Chemistry
Citation
Anumata, S. E. (2022). Mineralogical and elemental analysis of clay samples from Imo State South Eastern Nigeria (Unpublished Masters Thesis). Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria