TITLE:
Characterization of Sediment from Ourokessoum, North Cameroon: Morphostructural, Mineralogical, and Physicochemical Properties
AUTHORS:
Atangana Jacqueline Ntsama, Kadaguina Doussana, Joseph Roland Atenga Essama, Akoa Philémon Rémi Etoundi, Bilobi Roland Touna, Jean Pierre Nguetnkam
KEYWORDS:
Morphostructural, Sediments, Clay Layers, Sedimentary Basin, Hamakoussou
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.12 No.9,
September
24,
2024
ABSTRACT: The present study examines the morphological, physicochemical, and mineralogical specificity of clay sediments in the Hamakoussou Basin with the objective of exploring their potential applications. Field data collection was followed by a series of physicochemical and mineralogical tests on the clay samples. Results show that the clay layers, which range in thickness from 11 - 120 cm, exhibit gray, yellowish, or greenish colors. From a physicochemical perspective, these clay layers are found to be basic with a pH ranging from 8.5 for the higher Hama2 layer to 7.6 for the lower Hama1 layer. The sum of exchangeable bases (S) is medium to high with higher values in the Hama1 layer (53.45 meq/100g) and lower values in the Hama3 layer (17.09 meq/100g). Similarly, the cation exchange capacity (CEC) varies from 62.32 meq/100g for the higher Hama1N4 clay layer to 35.6 meq/100g for the lower Hama1N3 clay layer. Mineralogically, the clay materials are primarily composed of smectites, with illite, kaolinite, calcite, quartz, feldspar, hematite, and goethite also present. This study emphasizes the versatility of clay in various industries and scientific domains. It is known for its impermeability, plasticity, and fossil-preserving capabilities, making it a valuable material for economic, practical, and academic applications.