The study area (“Derelict Land”) in Plateau State fall within Y coordinates 1039185m to 1114995m and X coordinates 452385m to 514845m on the Nigeria’s LANDSAT MSS 2001. The approximate area covered by the project is about 3178.1km22 from the satellite image measurements. Six mining areas were involved ( Jos-Bukuru, Rayfield, Sabongidan kanar, Bisichi, Kuru Ш and Barikin Ladi) in this research. Analysis of land use changes confirmed that mining is rapidly claiming most of land. Preliminary application of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) to study satellite image of the mining areas is an attempt to evaluate and characterize the mining areas based on the spectral signatures of mine ponds, inactive abandoned mine dumps and structural pattern of the areas.
The analysis of variance of the average trace element concentration from the six mining localities showed that Iron (Fe) is the only trace element that show universal anomaly in all the mining localities compared to WHO (2002) Standards for drinking (0.30ppm). Iron (Fe) anomaly range from 0.39-2.54ppm. Besides Iron (Fe), each mining locality has its unique trace elements anomaly. The overall analysis of variance between the average trace elements concentration in waters from the six tin mining localities compared to the World Health Organization Standards for consumable water confirmed anomalies of Fe, Pb, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni, Cd in waters collected from the mining localities which portrays environmental degradation as well as a tendency for pollution. The distribution of trace elements anomalies appeared to be consistent with increase in population and industrialization in the order; Jos > Barikin Ladi >Rayfield. The solution calls for intensive utilization of the joint technologies of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) to make effective evaluation of the areas and come up with a cost effective and constructive reclamation and re-utilization scheme which appeals to the environment. The scheme should be flexible enough to accommodate and convert minimum damage to environment as there is no use of land that is completely neutral to the environment
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Geology of the Area
3. Methodology
3.1 Primary Source
3.2 Secondary Source
4. Sample Preparation and Analysis
5. Results
5.1 Statistical Analysis of Geochemical Data
5.1.1 Statistical Test for Waters
6. Discussion
7. Conclusions
Research Objectives and Themes
This study aims to assess the extent of environmental degradation caused by tin mining in the Jos Plateau, Nigeria, by evaluating trace element concentrations in mine pond waters and determining the potential for pollution and contamination through statistical analysis and remote sensing techniques.
- Evaluation of trace element anomalies in mine pond waters
- Comparison of geochemical data against WHO drinking water standards
- Application of Remote Sensing and GIS for mapping derelict mining lands
- Assessment of environmental pathways for pollutant transmission
- Historical analysis of mining activities and reclamation attempts
Extract from the Book
Geology of the Area
Jos Plateau is an isolated upland with an elevation of about 1219.20m above sea level and several satellite hill masses which rise from the surrounding plains (Macleod et al. 1971). The scenery varies from level plain and Plateau surface almost devoid of exposed rocks to rugged, deeply dissected massifs developed on the more resistant rock types (Macleod et al. 1971). The main rock types that exists on the Plateau are; the Basement Complex rocks including the Older-Granite and Metamorphic rocks (Gneisses and Migmatites), the Younger Granite from which Tin-ore (Cassiterite) originated and the Older and Newer Basalts (Fig. 3).
The Biotite Granite of the Jurassic Younger Granite suites is the host for the Tin mineralization. The Tin mineralization is usually disseminated in the roof zone of the Biotite Granite Plutons and is related to post emplacement of hydrothermal greissenization, quartz veins and albitization (Macleod et al. 1971). The mineralized roof zone was weathered to form tin placer deposit along ancient river channels. Cretaceous basaltic flow (both Older and Newer basalt invaded the ancient river channels covering the tin placer deposits at their different periods of crystallization) and also the tin-bearing Biotite Granite were widely distributed in the surrounding drainage system (Macleod et al, 1970) (Fig. 3).
The research areas fall within the weathered basalts zone where the former and present legal and illegal mining took place (Fig. 2&3, Plate 1).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Provides an overview of the mining history on the Jos Plateau, defines "derelict land," and outlines the environmental degradation challenges.
2. Geology of the Area: Describes the geological formation of the Jos Plateau, focusing on the basement complex and the specific mineralization of tin-bearing granites.
3. Methodology: Details the primary data collection via satellite imagery and site visits, as well as the secondary data synthesis from existing literature.
4. Sample Preparation and Analysis: Outlines the laboratory procedures including acidification and digestion of water samples followed by AAS analysis.
5. Results: Presents the geochemical data in tables and applies a paired statistical test to determine significant variations from WHO standards.
6. Discussion: Interprets the findings regarding trace element anomalies and explores the pathways through which pollutants enter the human food chain.
7. Conclusions: Summarizes the study’s findings on pollution levels and advocates for integrated environmental monitoring and reclamation strategies.
Keywords
Tin Mining, Jos Plateau, Trace Elements, Environmental Degradation, GIS, Remote Sensing, Geochemistry, Water Pollution, Mine Ponds, WHO Standards, Derelict Land, Heavy Metals, Land Reclamation, Statistical Analysis, Hydrology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research focuses on evaluating the environmental impact of tin mining on the Jos Plateau, specifically identifying trace element contamination in mine pond waters.
What are the primary themes discussed in the paper?
The key themes include the history of tin mining, geological characteristics of the region, analytical geochemical testing, and the efficacy of historical land reclamation efforts.
What is the central research question?
The central question is whether the trace element concentrations in mining pond waters exceed the World Health Organization's permissible standards for drinking water, thereby posing an environmental hazard.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The researchers used remote sensing (LANDSAT imagery) and GIS for area mapping, along with Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for chemical data evaluation.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers site descriptions, field sampling methodology, the statistical comparison of geochemical results against WHO standards, and a discussion on toxicological risks.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Essential keywords include Tin Mining, Jos Plateau, Trace Elements, GIS, Geochemistry, Water Pollution, and Land Reclamation.
How does the "Level and Fill" method compare to modern requirements?
The study notes that while "Level and Fill" was an early attempt at reclamation, it was prohibitively expensive and failed to address underlying pollution, proving insufficient for genuine environmental restoration.
Why are the abandoned mine ponds considered a health hazard?
They are considered hazards because they act as repositories for trace elements that leach into the food chain via domestic use, irrigation, and consumption by local wildlife and livestock.
- Citar trabajo
- Dr. Isah Haruna (Autor), Maigari (Autor), Isa (Autor), Mamman (Autor), Gusikit (Autor), 2012, Trace Elements Evaluation for some mine ponds in the Tin Mining Areas of Jos amd Environs, Plateau State, Nigeria, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/202930
