APPLICABILITY OF THE GEOLOGICAL STRENGTH INDEX (GSI) CLASSIFICATION FOR THE TRUSMADI FORMATION AT SABAH, MALAYSIA

During the feasibility and preliminary design stages of a project, when very little detailed information on the rock mass and its geomechanic characteristics is not available, the use of a Rock Mass Classification Scheme (RMCS) can be of considerable benefit. Various parameters were used in order to identify the RMCS. The parameter comprised of Rock Quality Designation (RQD), Rock Mass Rating (RMR), Rock Structure Rating (RSR), Geological Strength Index (GSI), Slope Mass Rating (SMR), etc. In this paper, we present the results of the applicability of the Geological Strength Index (GSI) classification for the Trusmadi Formation in Sabah, Malaysia. The GSI classification system is based on the assumption that the rock mass contains a sufficient number of “randomly” oriented discontinuities such that it behaves as a homogeneous isotropic mass. In this study, the GSI relates the properties of the intact rock elements/blocks to those of the overall rock mass. It is based on an assessment of the lithology, structure and condition of discontinuity surfaces in the rock mass and is estimated from visual examination of the rock mass exposed in outcrops or surface excavations. A total of ten (10) locations were selected on the basis of exposures of the lithology and slope condition of the Trusmadi Formation. The Trusmadi Formation regionally experienced of two major structural orientations NW-SE and NE-SW. It consists mostly of dark grey shale with thin bedded sandstones, typical of a turbidite deposit. This unit has been subjected to low grade of metamorphism, producing slates, phyllites and meta-sediments and intense tectonic deformation producing disrupted or brecciated beds. Quartz vein are quite widespread within the joints on sandstone beds. The shale is dark grey when fresh but changes light grey to brownish when weathered. The results are classified as “Poor Rock” to “Fair Rock” in term of GSI. The poor categories (TR2 and TR7) represent slickensided, highly weathered surfaces with compact coatings or fillings or angular fragments. It is also characterized as blocky/ disturbed/seamy, which folded with angular blocks formed by many intersecting discontinuity sets. The fair categories can be divided into two (2) types; type 1 (TR1, TR6 and TR8) which represent as smooth, moderately weathered and have altered surfaces. It is also characterised as very blocky rock, which indicates interlocked, partially disturbed ass with multi-faceted angular blocks formed by 4 or more joint sets. Type 2 (TR3, TR4, TR5, TR9 and TR10) which represent as smooth, moderately weathered and have altered surfaces but characterized as blocky/disturbed/seamy, which folded with angular blocks formed by many intersecting discontinuity sets. It also has persistence of bedding planes or schistosity.

SELF-POTENTIAL METHOD FOR DETECTION OF WATER LEAKAGE THROUGH DAMS

The self-potential (SP) method is a passive, non-invasive and cost-effective geophysical method based on the measurement of electrical potential naturally occurring on the earth’s surface. One of the main causes for the electrical potential at the earth’s surface is water seepage under the ground. In this work, we perform the SP measurement on a small artificial earthen dam built at Thuyloi University. Our result shows that the selection of electrode types is crucial in the SP measurements. Namely, Cu/CuSO4 porous pots are much better than copper stake electrodes for the SP measurement. Additionally, it is shown that the SP measurement using suitable electrodes can be applied to detect underground water leakage and flow direction in the dam based on an anomaly and variation of electric potential with position on the survey area.

TRANSITION OF LULC AND FUTURE PREDICTIONS BY USING CA-MARKOV CHAIN MODEL (A CASE STUDY OF METROPOLITAN CITY LAHORE, PAKISTAN)

Land use and land cover transition is continue process due to various anthropogenic activities and altering the landscape pattern of the metropolitan area of Lahore over the last two decade. LULC has been emerging masses of environmental problems including land use issues for the inhabitants, city planners, and managers. This research has been focused on the LULC change from 1998 to 2018 and their impact to forecast the landscape pattern of 2023 and 2028 in metropolitan area of Lahore. Numerous satellite imageries including land sat 5 TM and landsat 8 OLI has been undergone by supervised classification for the preparation of LULC map, land change moderler MCL to calculate the transition in LULC and CA-Markov model for predicting upcoming transitions. Results have validated by transition matrix, Google Earth data and kappa statistics. Derived results has depicted the decreased in water bodies 2.70% to 0.60%, vegetation 24.90% to 22.60% and barren land 42.50% to 35.70% and increased in built up area 29.80 % to 41% between 1998 to 2018. Finding clearly represents the loss of ecological and barren landscape over the last two decade and therefore urban expansion will likely to continue the change in landscape. This study will provide a baseline reference to urban planners and policymakers to make informed decision for management of land resources, urban land planning and for maintain sustainable land development.

GEOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF TRACE METALS IN SOIL, STREAM WATER AND SELECTED FOOD CROPS AT KIBI GOLDFIELDS ENVIRONMENT, GHANA

This study assesses environmental receptors impacted by alluvial gold mining at Kibi Goldfields Limited in the Eastern region of Ghana to establish trace metals contamination risk. Specific objectives are to determine concentrations of (1) As, Cr, Ni and Pb in soils, drainage and food crops, using X-ray fluorescence, (2) Cl- in drainage using standard methods. Mean concentrations of As, Cr and Ni in soils are higher at impacted sites than control sites; while Pb and As concentrations in drainage exceeds the maximum contamination guideline values in drinking water. Using Cl- as a conservative tracer, As and Pb are adsorbing from water, while Cr and Ni are desorbing into water. In the food crops, bioaccumulation factors of As and Ni are profound at the impacted site than control sites; Except Cr in cocoyam at impacted sites, translocation factors are negligible in the food crops. Cr bioaccumulates in in cocoyam and plantain at the control site, while Ni bioaccumulates in only plantain at the impacted sites. Overall, the metal contamination is of concern in the receptors, except Pd in plants. Results from this study can be used for trace metals risk assessment in the environment.

AN EXPLORATION OF LAND ZONING OF CORAL ISLAND OF BANGLADESH FOR REDUCING THE VULNERABILITY OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Saint Martin is an only tropical island of Bangladesh having coral and adjacent rich biodiversity which is built of organic material derived from associate organism of coral ecosystem. Present study was conducted to developed the exclusive zoning plan that based on the specific goal of managing natural resources of St.Martin’s island. . The authors mentioedn that it is important to recognize that the current zoning plan is based on the assumption that conservation and sustainable use of natural resources are the primary objectives. This is found that climate Change is now affecting the biodiversity of ST. Martin island and coral reef diversity hampering due to vulnerability of environmental degradation and climate change. The authors mentioned that, participation and involvement of island inhabitants should required to prime concern for successful implementation of the effective zoning management plan. Desired level of usage can be achieved through interventions, but only in consultation and active cooperation and participation with local communities, with a clear recognition that additional environmental, biological, socioeconomic and sociopolitical data are required for an effective management and conservation of corals and other marine biodiversity of St. Martin’s island through proper implementation of zoning and Marine Protected Area.

ASSESSING THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF STRUCTURAL COLLAPSE USING SEISMIC REFRACTION METHOD

Seismic refractive survey is a very important geophysical technique used to investigate the characteristics of the subsurface. The rate of building collapse has demanded the acquaintance about the structure of the subsurface especially in area where lands are recovered from water bodies for the aim of building. This paper presents the technique used in determining the thickness of the overburden for quarry prospecting using a geophysical method called as seismic refraction method. Seismic refraction method was used to delineated two distinct layers with the first layer having a weak and incompetent parameter values. The result revealed that the first layer is composed of unconsolidated formation of soft geomaterials and peaty clay that depict the lower values of parameters. This layer is underlain directly by clay, wet sand and sandy clay of soft and weak incompetent consistencies to a depth of 7 m in the subsurface. The second layer was found to have higher parameters than the first layer. The second layer revealed that the geologic formation composed of dry sand and sandy clay of fair to good competent. The geologic formation in the second layer was found to be more competent than the first layer with high allowable capacity and low ultimate failure potential. Geologically, the composition of the first layer is more recent in age of deposition than the second layer, characterized by unconsolidated geologic formation.

GEOENGINEERING INVESTIGATION OF AN EROSION INDUCED HIGHWAY STRUCTURAL FAILURE ALONG IFON – BENIN HIGHWAY, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Road infrastructural is one of the most important economic indices for development of a country. Therefore in-situ cone penetration test and laboratory soil analysis were performed at two failed segments along Ifon-Benin highway, with the aim of determining cause(s) and extent of the failure. The cone penetration test was carried out to a depth of about 20 m with a lateral spacing of 20 m along the roadway. The laboratory tests conducted were grain size analysis, Atterberg limit test, compaction test, California Bearing Ratio, and undrained unconfined triaxial test. The results revealed that all the soil parameters fell short of the federal ministry of works and housing specification of Nigeria, with plasticity index (>20%), % fines (>35%), CBR values (<80%) recommended, angle of friction and cohesion are less than minimum standard of 30° and 50 Kpa respectively. The CPT revealed predominant sandy silt to clayey silt topsoil and clay substratum with compressive strength of 20 – 40 KN/m2. The water level is higher than 3 m, consequently far below the road foundation baseline. Findings showed that the upper 6 m of the failed segments has been seriously affected by erosion and flooding. Subsequently the process resulted into excessive settlement of the silt/clayey-subgrade soil underneath the pavement structure. This makes the highway to settle largely under traffic load. In addition, incessant heavy flooding around the embankment/shoulder of the highway might have induced the failure, leading to looseness, and less-cohesion of the layers which invariably reduces subgrade support and weakens various pavement layers.

GEOCHEMICAL AND MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME CLAY MATERIALS AS FLUORIDE ADSORBENT FROM GROUNDWATER IN GHANA

This research conducted in the Upper East Region of Ghana characterizes Termitaria and residual clays from Navrongo to establish effective fluoride adsorbent from boreholes in Bongo area. Specific objectives are to determine (1) geochemical and mineralogical compositions of the clays using ICP-MS and X-ray diffraction devices, respectively; (2) fluoride degradation in groundwater using a Batch test (3) water quality after fluoride removal. The Batch test uses 250 ml of groundwater with 2.29 mg/l fluoride and clay masses of 25, 50, 100 and 200 grams to perform within a minimum and varying time of 10 minutes to a maximum of 120 minutes. Results indicate enrichments of major elements in Termitaria clay and trace elements in residual clay. Fluoride reduces to 0.778 mg/l and 0.294 mg/l at a mass of 0.8 kg/l over 80 minutes for Termitaria and residual clays, respectively. Optimum defluoridation time occurs within an hour in the pH range of 7.83 to 8.04. Quartz-hematite-magnetite-illite-montmorillonite suite occurs in residual clay with defluoridation capacity of 66.25 %, while quartz-illite-montmorillonite suite occurs in Termitaria clay with defluoridation capacity of 87.25 %, and constitute the more efficient adsorbent. TDS and conductivity are within WHO standard guidelines, which confirms the clays as non-toxic.

GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF GOLD-BEARING GRANITOIDS AT AYANFURI IN THE KUMASI BASIN, SOUTHWESTERN GHANA: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE OROGENIC RELATED GOLD SYSTEMS

This study investigates auriferous granitoids from the Esuajah and Fobinso pits within the Ayanfuri environment in the Paleoproterozoic Kumasi basin. The aim is to establish the geochemical characteristics of the granitoid gold ores and the possible deposit type which may influence mineral project development. 13 major and 51 trace elements were analyzed using XRF and ICP-MS devices, respectively. The granitoids are mainly classified as granodiorite that crystallized from a calc-alkaline magma series. The Fobinso granodiorite derived from the partial melting of the Birimian metasedimentary rocks, while the Esuajah granitoid derived from igneous rock melts. The granitoid are linked to magma source depleted in mantle material that contains crustal components through subduction processes. Major oxides of the granitoid vary lowly from the average background values derived for basin type granitoid in such terrains. Generally, the granitoid are enriched in Large Ion Lithophile Elements (LILE), while High Field Strength Elements (HFSE) and base metals are within background values when compared to Primitive Mantle (PM) values. Gold mineralisation is associated with Ag, As, Bi, Sb, Te, Pb and S in the peraluminous granitoids. Geochemical characteristics and field observations identify the deposit style as an orogenic related gold deposit type.

PETROGRAPHY AND GEOCHEMISTRY OF SOME PALEOPROTEROZOIC GRANITOIDS AT THE NORTH-EASTERN MARGIN OF THE KUMASI BASIN IN GHANA

This study investigates basin-type granitoid samples from the north-eastern margin of the Kumasi Basin in Ghana to establish their source and geodynamic setting. Petrographic analysis, TAS and A/NK-A/CNK plots classify the granitoids as metaluminous quartz diorite, metaluminous granodiorite, and peraluminous monzogranite; and exhibiting I-type signatures. These rocks are formed by magma differentiation and/or partial melting at various stages. Distribution patterns of incompatible elements and the positive Eu/Eu* anomalies of 1.15 and 1.47 exhibited by quartz diorite and granodiorite, respectively, the values suggest the rocks crystallized from melts formed in a water-saturated environment. The negative Eu/Eu* anomaly exhibited by monzogranite indicate fractionation of plagioclase in the final stages of the magma evolution. The water-rich environment is probably due to dewatering of the basin’s foreland volcaniclastic sediments during regional subsidence, burial and metamorphism. K2O enrichments and wide variations suggest that the granodiorite and monzogranite are formed from fractional crystallization and/or crustal assimilation of the continental crust by under-plating dioritic magma. The higher Al2O3/TiO2 enrichment and the shift from metaluminous to peraluminous in the monzogranite suggest a longer residence time within the continental crust, during which fractional crystallization and the assimilation of pre-existing crustal components into the dioritic magma that resulted in the formation of the monzogranite. The study requires replication at other areas within the basin to generate enough data to enhance metallogenic studies in the terrain.