Regional Hydrogeochemical Mapping for Environmental Studies in the Mineralized Lom Basin, East Cameroon: A Pre-industrial Mining Survey

Mumbfu Ernestine Mimba; Takeshi Ohba; Salomon César Nguemhe Fils; Mengnjo Jude Wirmvem; Edith Etakah Bate Tibang; Melvin Tamta Nforba; Festus Togwa Aka

doi:doi:10.11648/j.hyd.20170502.11

Regional Hydrogeochemical Mapping for Environmental Studies in the Mineralized Lom Basin, East Cameroon: A Pre-industrial Mining Survey

Mumbfu Ernestine Mimba, Takeshi Ohba, Salomon César Nguemhe Fils, Mengnjo Jude Wirmvem, Edith Etakah Bate Tibang, Melvin Tamta Nforba, Festus Togwa Aka

Published in Hydrology (Volume 5, Issue 2)

Received: 19 April 2017 Accepted: 27 April 2017 Published: 26 June 2017

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

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^–, PO₄^3–, SO₄^2–). 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.}

Published in	Hydrology (Volume 5, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.hyd.20170502.11
Page(s)	15-31
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Hydrogeochemical Survey, Major Ions, Provenance, Lom Basin, Cameroon

References

[1]	Howarth, R. J., Thornton, I. 1983. Regional geochemical mapping and its application to environmental studies. Appl. Environ. Geochem (Thornton, I., ed.), pp. 14–73, Academic Press
[2]	Lapworth, D. J., Knights, K. V., Key, R. M., Johnson, C. C., Ayoade, E., 2012. Geochemical mapping using stream sediments in west-central Nigeria: Implications for environmental studies and mineral exploration in West Africa. Appl. Geochem. Vol. 7, pp. 1035–1052.
[3]	Ibe, K. K., Akaolisa, C. Z. 2010. Hydrogeochemical data as a tool for exploration and mapping: a case study from part of Afikpo Basin southeastern Nigeria. Environ. Monit. Assess. Vol. 160, pp. 393–400.
[4]	Gray, D. J., Noble, R. R. P., Reid, N., Sutton, G. J., Pirlo, M. C. 2016. Regional scale hydrogeochemical mapping of the northern Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia: a new technology for exploration in arid Australia. Geochem: Explor. Environ. Analy. Vol. 16, pp. 100–115.
[5]	Kelepertzis, E., Argyraki, A., Daftsis, E. 2012. Geochemical signature of surface and stream sediments of a mineralized drainage basin at NE Chalkidiki Greece: A pre-mining survey. J. Geochem. Explor. Vol. 114, pp. 70–81.
[6]	Freyssinet, P. H., Lecompte, P., Edimo, A. 1989. Dispersion of gold base metals in the Mborguene lateritic profile, East Cameroon. J. Geochem. Explor. Vol. 32, pp. 99–116.
[7]	Ngako, V., Affaton, P., Nnange, J. M., Njanko, T. H. 2003. Pan-African tectonic evolution in central and southern Cameroon: transpression and transtension during sinistral shear movements. J. African Earth Sciences. Vol. 36, pp. 207–221.
[8]	Toteu, S. F., Van Schmus, R. W., Penaye, J., Michard, A. 2001. New U-P b and Sm-Nd data from north central Cameroon and its bearing on the pre-pan-African history of Central Africa. Precam. Res. Vol. 108, pp. 45–73.
[9]	Omang, B. O., Bih, C. V., Fon, N. N., Suh, C. E. 2014. Regional geochemical stream sediment survey for gold exploration in the upper Lom basin, eastern Cameroon. Int. J. Geosciences. Vol. 5, pp. 1012–1026.
[10]	Jorquera, C O., Oates, C. J., Plan, J. A., Kyser, K., Ihenfield, C., Vouvoulis, N. 2015. Regional hydrogeochemical mapping in Central Chile: natural and anthropogenic sources of elements and compounds. Geochem: Explor. Environ. Analy. Vol. 15, pp. 72–96.
[11]	Salminen, R., Gregorauskiene, V. 2000. Considerations regarding the definition of a geochemical baseline of elements in the surficial materials in areas differing in basic geology. Appl. Geochem. Vol. 15, pp. 647–653.
[12]	Reimann, C., Garrett, R. G. 2005. Geochemical background—concept and reality. Sci. Total Environ. Vol. 350, pp. 12–27.
[13]	Plant, J. A., Smith, D., Smith, B., Williams, L. 2001. Environmental geochemistry at global scale. Appl. Geochem. Vol. 16, pp. 1291¬–1308.
[14]	Soba, D., Michard, A., Toteu, S. F., Norman, D. I., Penaye, J., Ngako, V., Nzenti, J. P., Dautel, D. 1991. Données géochronologiques nouvelles (Rb-Sr, U-Pb et Sm-Nd) sur la zone mobile pan-africaine de l'Est Cameroun: âge Protérozoïque supérieur de la série du Lom, Comptes Rendus l'Académie Science. Vol. 312, pp. 1453–1458.
[15]	Toteu, S. F., Penaye, J., Deloule, E., Van Schmus, W. R., Tchameni, R. 2006a. Diachronous evolution of volcano-sedimentary basins north of the Congo craton: insights from U–Pb ion microprobe dating of zircons from the Poli, Lom and Yaounde Series (Cameroon). J. African Earth Sciences. Vol. 44, pp. 428–442.
[16]	Toteu, S. F., Penaye, J., Poudjom, D. Y. 2004. Geodynamic evolution of the Pan-Africanbelt in Central Africa with special reference to Cameroon. Canadian J. Earth Science. Vol. 41, pp. 73–85.
[17]	Foumena, W. C., Bamenjo, J. N. 2013. Artisanal Mining – A challenge to the Kimberly Process: A case study of the Kadey Division, East Region of Cameroon, RELUFA Extractive Industries Programme Team. http://www.relufa.org/documents/BOOKENGLISH_NET.pdf. Accessed 24 February 2017
[18]	Salminen, R., Tarvainen, T., Demetriades, A., Duris, M., Fordyce, F M., Gregorauskiene, V., Kahelin, H., Kivisilla, J., Klaver, G., Klein, H., Larson, J. O., Lis, J., Locutura, J., Marsina, K., Mjartanova, H., Mouvet, C., O’Connor, P., Odor, L., Ottonello, G., Paukola, T., Plant, J. A., Reimann, C., Schermann, O., Siewers, U., Steenfelt, A., Van der Sluys, J., deV ivo, B., Williams, L. 1998. FOREGS Geochemical mapping field manual. Geol. survey of Finland, Guide 47, p. 16–21.
[19]	Freeze, R. A., Cherry, J. A. 1979. Groundwater. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs. 604 p.
[20]	WHO, 2011. Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality, Fourth Edition, Geneva, 564 p.
[21]	Njitchoua, R., Ngounou, N. B. 1997. Hydrogeochemistry and environmental isotope investigations of the North Diamare plain, Northern Cameroon. J. African Earth Sciences. Vol. 25, pp. 307–316.
[22]	Rose, 2002. Comparative major ion geochemistry of piedmont streams in the Atlanta, Georgia region: possible effects of urbanization. Environ. Geol. Vol. 42, pp. 102–113.
[23]	Appelo, C. A. J., Postma, D. 1996. Geochemistry, groundwater and pollution. A. A. Balkema Publi. Leiden, 683 p.
[24]	Tiwari, A. K., Singh, A. K. 2014. Hydrogeochemical investigation and groundwater quality assessment of the Pratapgarh District, Uttar Pradesh. Geol. Soc. India. Vol. 83, pp. 329–343.
[25]	Salomons, W. 1995. Environmental impact of metals derived from mining activities: processes, predictions, prevention. J Geochem Explor. Vol. 52, pp. 5–23.
[26]	Piper, A. M. 1944. A graphical procedure in the geochemical interpretation of water analysis. Transactions, American Geophysical Union. Vol. 25, pp. 914–928.
[27]	Kamtchueng, B. T., Fantong, W. Y., Wirmvem, M. J., Tiodjio, R. E., Takounjou, A F., Ndam Ngoupayou, J. R., Kusakabe, M., Zhang, J., Ohba, T., Tanyileke, G., Hell, J. V., Ueda, A. 2016. Hydrogeochemistry and quality of surface water and groundwater in the vicinity of Lake Monoun, West Cameroon: approach from multivariate statistical analysis and stable isotopic characterization. Environ. Monit. Assess. 8: 524. [doi 10.1007/s10661-016-5514-x].
[28]	Tamez-Mélendez, C., Hernandez-Antonio, A., Gaona-Zanella, P. C., Ornelas-Soto, N., Mahlknecht, J. 2016. Isotope signatures and hydrochemistry as tools in assessing groundwater occurrence and dynamics in a coastal arid aquifer. Environ. Earth Sci. [doi 10.1007/s12665-016-5617-2].
[29]	Ahialey, E. K., Kortatsi, B. K., Anornu, G. K., Kaka, E. A., Dartey, G. 2015. Hydrogeochemical processes influencing groundwater quality in the Black Volta Basin of Ghana. Res. J. Appl. Sc. Enginer. Technol. Vol. 11 pp. 975–982.
[30]	Edjah, A. K. M., Akiti, T. T., Osae, S. 2015. Hydrogeochemistry and isotope hydrology of surface water and groundwater systems in the Ellembelle district, Ghana, West Africa. Appl. Water Sci. [doi 10.1007/s13201-015-0273-3].
[31]	Kim, K., Rajmohan, N., Kim, H. J., Kim, S. H., Hwang, G. S., Yun, S. T., Gu, B., Cho, M. J., Lee, S. H. 2005. Evaluation of geochemical processes affecting groundwater chemistry based on mass balance approach: A case study in Namwon, Korea. Geochem. J. Vol. 39, pp. 357–369.
[32]	Fisher, R. S., Mullican, F. W. 1997. Hydrochemical evolution of sodium-sulphate and sodium-chloride groundwater beneath the Northern Chihuahuan Desert. Hydrogeol. J. Vol. 5, pp. 14–16.
[33]	Singh AK, Mondal GC, Singh PK, Singh TB, Tewary BK (2005). Hydrochemistry of reservoirs of Damodar River basin, India: weathering processes and water quality assessment. Environ. Geol. 8: 1014–1028.
[34]	Ouyang, Y., Nkedi-Kizza, P., Wu, Q. T., Shinde, D., Huang, C. H. 2006. Assessment of seasonal variations in surface water quality. Water Res. Vol. 40, pp. 3800–3810.
[35]	Butler, J. N. 1981. Carbon Dioxide Equilibria. Lewis Publishers, Chelsea, Michigan. p. 116–118.
[36]	Stumm, W., Morgan, J. J. 1981. Aquatic Chemistry, An Introduction Emphasising Chemical Equilibria in Natural Waters 2nd edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, New York. p. 526–538.
[37]	Ako, A. A., Shimada, J., Hosono, T., Ichiyanagi, K., Nkeng, G. E., Fantong, W. Y., Takem, G. E. E., Njila, N. R. 2011. Evaluation of groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking, domestic, and agricultural uses in the Banana Plain (Mbanga, Njombe, Penja) of the Cameroon Volcanic Line. Environ. Geochem Health. Vol. 33, pp. 559–575.
[38]	Wirmvem, M. J., Ohba, T., Fantong, W. Y., Ayonghe, S. N., Suila, J. Y., Asaah, A. N. E., Tanyileke, G., Hell, J. V. 2013b. Hydrogeochemistry of shallow groundwater and surface water in the Ndop plain, North West Cameroon. African J. Environ. Science and Technol. Vol. 7, No. 6, pp. 518–53.

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Mumbfu Ernestine Mimba, Takeshi Ohba, Salomon César Nguemhe Fils, Mengnjo Jude Wirmvem, Edith Etakah Bate Tibang, et al. (2017). Regional Hydrogeochemical Mapping for Environmental Studies in the Mineralized Lom Basin, East Cameroon: A Pre-industrial Mining Survey. Hydrology, 5(2), 15-31. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hyd.20170502.11

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Mumbfu Ernestine Mimba; Takeshi Ohba; Salomon César Nguemhe Fils; Mengnjo Jude Wirmvem; Edith Etakah Bate Tibang, et al. Regional Hydrogeochemical Mapping for Environmental Studies in the Mineralized Lom Basin, East Cameroon: A Pre-industrial Mining Survey. Hydrology. 2017, 5(2), 15-31. doi: 10.11648/j.hyd.20170502.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Mumbfu Ernestine Mimba, Takeshi Ohba, Salomon César Nguemhe Fils, Mengnjo Jude Wirmvem, Edith Etakah Bate Tibang, et al. Regional Hydrogeochemical Mapping for Environmental Studies in the Mineralized Lom Basin, East Cameroon: A Pre-industrial Mining Survey. Hydrology. 2017;5(2):15-31. doi: 10.11648/j.hyd.20170502.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.hyd.20170502.11,
  author = {Mumbfu Ernestine Mimba and Takeshi Ohba and Salomon César Nguemhe Fils and Mengnjo Jude Wirmvem and Edith Etakah Bate Tibang and Melvin Tamta Nforba and Festus Togwa Aka},
  title = {Regional Hydrogeochemical Mapping for Environmental Studies in the Mineralized Lom Basin, East Cameroon: A Pre-industrial Mining Survey},
  journal = {Hydrology},
  volume = {5},
  number = {2},
  pages = {15-31},
  doi = {10.11648/j.hyd.20170502.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hyd.20170502.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.hyd.20170502.11},
  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.},
 year = {2017}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Regional Hydrogeochemical Mapping for Environmental Studies in the Mineralized Lom Basin, East Cameroon: A Pre-industrial Mining Survey
AU  - Mumbfu Ernestine Mimba
AU  - Takeshi Ohba
AU  - Salomon César Nguemhe Fils
AU  - Mengnjo Jude Wirmvem
AU  - Edith Etakah Bate Tibang
AU  - Melvin Tamta Nforba
AU  - Festus Togwa Aka
Y1  - 2017/06/26
PY  - 2017
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hyd.20170502.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.hyd.20170502.11
T2  - Hydrology
JF  - Hydrology
JO  - Hydrology
SP  - 15
EP  - 31
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7617
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hyd.20170502.11
AB  - 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.
VL  - 5
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Mumbfu Ernestine Mimba

Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Japan
Takeshi Ohba

Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Japan
Salomon César Nguemhe Fils

Institute of Geological and Mining Research (IRGM), Yaounde, Cameroon
Mengnjo Jude Wirmvem

Institute of Geological and Mining Research (IRGM), Yaounde, Cameroon
Edith Etakah Bate Tibang

Institute of Geological and Mining Research (IRGM), Yaounde, Cameroon
Melvin Tamta Nforba

School of Geology and Mining Engineering, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
Festus Togwa Aka

Institute of Geological and Mining Research (IRGM), Yaounde, Cameroon

Download PDF

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Mumbfu Ernestine Mimba, Takeshi Ohba, Salomon César Nguemhe Fils, Mengnjo Jude Wirmvem, Edith Etakah Bate Tibang, et al. (2017). Regional Hydrogeochemical Mapping for Environmental Studies in the Mineralized Lom Basin, East Cameroon: A Pre-industrial Mining Survey. Hydrology, 5(2), 15-31. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hyd.20170502.11

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Mumbfu Ernestine Mimba; Takeshi Ohba; Salomon César Nguemhe Fils; Mengnjo Jude Wirmvem; Edith Etakah Bate Tibang, et al. Regional Hydrogeochemical Mapping for Environmental Studies in the Mineralized Lom Basin, East Cameroon: A Pre-industrial Mining Survey. Hydrology. 2017, 5(2), 15-31. doi: 10.11648/j.hyd.20170502.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Mumbfu Ernestine Mimba, Takeshi Ohba, Salomon César Nguemhe Fils, Mengnjo Jude Wirmvem, Edith Etakah Bate Tibang, et al. Regional Hydrogeochemical Mapping for Environmental Studies in the Mineralized Lom Basin, East Cameroon: A Pre-industrial Mining Survey. Hydrology. 2017;5(2):15-31. doi: 10.11648/j.hyd.20170502.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.hyd.20170502.11,
  author = {Mumbfu Ernestine Mimba and Takeshi Ohba and Salomon César Nguemhe Fils and Mengnjo Jude Wirmvem and Edith Etakah Bate Tibang and Melvin Tamta Nforba and Festus Togwa Aka},
  title = {Regional Hydrogeochemical Mapping for Environmental Studies in the Mineralized Lom Basin, East Cameroon: A Pre-industrial Mining Survey},
  journal = {Hydrology},
  volume = {5},
  number = {2},
  pages = {15-31},
  doi = {10.11648/j.hyd.20170502.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hyd.20170502.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.hyd.20170502.11},
  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.},
 year = {2017}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Regional Hydrogeochemical Mapping for Environmental Studies in the Mineralized Lom Basin, East Cameroon: A Pre-industrial Mining Survey
AU  - Mumbfu Ernestine Mimba
AU  - Takeshi Ohba
AU  - Salomon César Nguemhe Fils
AU  - Mengnjo Jude Wirmvem
AU  - Edith Etakah Bate Tibang
AU  - Melvin Tamta Nforba
AU  - Festus Togwa Aka
Y1  - 2017/06/26
PY  - 2017
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hyd.20170502.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.hyd.20170502.11
T2  - Hydrology
JF  - Hydrology
JO  - Hydrology
SP  - 15
EP  - 31
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7617
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hyd.20170502.11
AB  - 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.
VL  - 5
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download