Petrology and Geochemistry of Rocks of Ishiagu and Environs Southeastern Nigeria Using Ed-Xrf Method

Authors : Young Ezenwa Obioha ; Collins Chukwuemeka Mbonu

DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjsr.43.76.84

Abstract:
Geochemistry of rocks of Ishiagu area was carried out using Energy Dispersive X-Ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) method. Twelve samples were analyzed and their geochemical properties determined using Excel-Software. Geological mapping reveals that basalts, dolerites and diorites emplaced in shale and mudrock country hosts are the main lithological units occurring in the area. They have silica content of 40.4–49.2wt.%, indicating they are basic-ultrabasic in character. The dolerite and diorite contain average plagioclase (An_70-17.4vol.%), hematite 26.29vol.%, showing enrichment in ferromagnesian minerals and depletion in quartz. The Na₂O and K₂O averaged 1.22wt.% and 1.46wt.% respectively, indicating depletion in alkali, thus corroborating their basic–ultrabasic property. The TiO₂ value is 3.6wt. %, indicating oceanic magma derivation. The industrial metals Pb, Cu, Ni and Zn were relatively similar with average values of 37.13, 23.96, 23.69, and 20.08ppm respectively, showing common protolith. The diorite and dolerite are enriched in trace elements Zr, Sr, with average concentration of 172.49, 109.73ppm, and relatively depleted in As and Au with values of 0.04 and 0.03ppm respectively. Petrogenetic analyses using ternary diagram TiO₂–K₂O–P₂O₅ for discriminating magma type, the dolerites and diorites all plot in continental basaltic field. In the AFM, and P₂O₅ versus Zr plots all the dolerites and diorites fall in the tholeiitic field, corroborating that they originated from tholeiitic basaltic magma, probably derived from lower crust/upper mantle. In the Na₂O/Al₂O₃ versus K₂O/Al₂O₃ diagram the dolerites and diorites all plot in the igneous field, the shale plot in metasedimentary field, while the ironstone fall on the boundary between igneous and metasedimentary fields indicating hybrid provenance.

Harnessing the Challenges of Covid-19 Ethics on Students Learning in Chemistry

Authors : Julie N. Nnoli

DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjsr.43.70.75

Abstract:
This paper discusses the challenges of covid-19 ethics on students’ learning of chemistry in secondary schools in Anambra State and how to harness the challenges. Three research questions and one null hypothesis guided the study. A descriptive survey design was used. Three hundred (300) SS3 chemistry students drawn from 45 secondary schools out of 258 public schools in Anambra State formed the sample for the study. Twenty (20) item structured questionnaires on a four-point rating scale developed by the researchers were used for data collection. A reliability coefficient of 0.85 was established using Cronbach Alpha techniques. After the administration of the instrument to the respondents, the data obtained were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research question and z-test to test the null hypothesis at the significance level of 0.05. The results obtained showed that male chemistry students have greater challenges on covid-19 ethics than their female counterparts. They are faced with the following challenges of covid-19 ethics that hinder the inculcation of chemistry learning. Lack of interest in STEM education (chemistry) due to persistence lockdown, lack of E-learning abilities, lack of ICT knowledge, lack of computer or android phone to study at home and tired of being locked indoors. There is no significance difference between male and female chemistry students’ level on covid-19 ethics in the learning of chemistry in Anambra State. It was recommended that students should be encouraged to develop interest in chemistry, have access to ICT gadgets and computers, engage in E-learning abilities and inculcate more study habit at home. This should help the government and chemistry teachers to assist in ameliorating the predicaments in STEM education.

Understanding and Assessing Flood Risk Management in Balochestan Iran: With Integrated River Basin Approach, Future Direction

Authors : Mohammad Anwar Zainudini ; Asadollah Sardarzaei

DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjsr.43.60.69

Abstract:
A holistic perspective on changing rainfall-driven flood risk is provided for the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Balochistan is exposed to different types of floods that cause severe economic losses, damage to infrastructures, and loss of lives. Reliable information on the drivers, patterns and dynamics of flood risk is crucial for the identification, prioritization and planning of risk reduction and adaptation measures. Here, we present a systematic review of existing flood risk assessments in Balochistan. We evaluate the current status, persisting gaps, and challenges regarding the understanding and assessment of flood risk in this large province. A society well-aware of risks must not only give attention to the prevention of flood risks but must also consider disaster management, i.e. minimizing casualties and flood damages, and enhancing recovery. Balochistan has No solid network of levees along any of the rivers that protect the many low-lying polders from flooding, however the government trying to build few in Sarbaz river from Shirgwaz to Kolani and in Kajo river from Kalat to Dalgan. Well, nature is unpredictable, extreme events may happen, and absolute protection against flooding cannot be offered. It is common practice to perform technical and economic analyses to determine the feasibility of flood protection plans and also institutional and administrative aspects are addressed. But how the people that live in the polders feel about the flood risk and protection plans seldom gets attention.

Petrochemical Features of Manganese Nodules in Madaka (Sheet 142) SE and Part of Kwana - Bala (Sheet 142) NE, Nigeria

Authors : Akintola Ojo Adeoye ; Najime Tavershima ; Danladi Bello Abubakar ; Ogunleye Paul Olusegun ; Abubakar Ismail Yusuf

DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjsr.43.52.59

Abstract:
Manganese nodule occurs in Madaka (Sheet 142) SE and part of Kwana - Bala (Sheet 142) NE, Nigeria.  Four (4) samples of manganese nodules were analyzed petrochemical using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), reflected light microscopy, Electron probe micro analysis (EPMA), Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS).  XRD reveals sphalerite, manganates and ilmenite as major minerals in the nodules. Accessory minerals are siderite and rutile. Chemical study of the manganese nodules from Madaka and Kwana - Bala reveals that Mn-, Fe-, Co-, Ni-, and Cu-, minerals (including native elements and sulfides) commonly occur in the samples. Also, the results indicate that increased in Mn relative to the manganite content (10AO- plus 7AO), led to increase in Ni and Cu recovery.  However, slightly greater amounts by weight of Ni and Cu were dissolved from the manganites than from Mn. This followed from the much higher Ni and Cu contents of manganites relative to Mn. The exploration for Ni and Cu from nodules on assay criterion was inadequate; the sphalerite Mn02 phase structure would also be a necessary criterion. It was suggested that nodules could be processed upon beneficiation for Ni and Cu contents for a future time relative to the original processing. It was thus proposed that Ni and Cu could be produced from manganese nodules in the study area