Geological Field Mapping and Heavy Metals Assessment in Soils of Abandoned Mine Site in Dorowa, Northcentral Nigeria

Abstract

Detailed geological mapping, petrographic description, and geochemical analysis were carried out to delineate variations in the rock types and their relationship with soil compositions in Dorowa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. The common rock types include hornblende-biotite-granite, biotite granite (medium to fine-grained), and pyroxene granite. The essential minerals identified by petrographic studies are quartz, plagioclase, biotite, hornblende, and pyroxene while zircon, magnetite, and ilmenite form part of the accessory minerals. The relative concentrations of heavy metals analyzed in the soils are in the order Fe > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cu > Zn > Br. The results show that soils near mineralized areas have anomalous concentrations of heavy metals. The implication of this is the increase of bio-availability and toxicity, which may lead to serious health and environmental consequences.