To develop comprehensive models for predicting the pH and electrical conductivity of surface wate... more To develop comprehensive models for predicting the pH and electrical conductivity of surface water in Maiganga coal mine and environs affected by mining activities. Methodology. The research utilizes a combination of in-situ measurement, laboratory analysis, modeling technique using Ansys Workbench and Linear Regression for predicting the content of pollutants. In-situ measurement/data collection in the upstream and downstream were carried out to evaluate the potential impact of mining activities on surface and ground water quality. Electrical conductivity and pH were measured on the samples that were collected using Oakton 5/6 pH meter and TDS/EC meter. Findings. According to the results, the regression statistics model of pH and electrical conductivity (EC) shows that the predicted values have a pH range of 4.7-7.05 and a mean pH value of 5.5. In contrast, while the EC ranges from 454.52 to 2,720.68 µs/cm (EC) with a mean value of 905 µs/cm of the downstream flow which is completely dependent on the mine inlet (pH-in and EC-in). The findings show a direct correlation between surface water pH, electrical conductivity, and mining activities in the Maiganga coal mine area and their detrimental effects on the ecosystem and water quality. Originality. The results were obtained directly from the mine site during field visit and can be compared to data from active coal mine sites. Practical value. The detrimental effect of the results of mining activities can be controlled if monitoring sensors are introduced at mines' effluent outlet to alert the mine management of possible danger in real time.
Surface water from mining activities may undergo various physico-chemical changes that can impact... more Surface water from mining activities may undergo various physico-chemical changes that can impact its quality and ecological health. This study conducted a comprehensive physico-chemical assessment of surface water affected by mining operations, with a particular emphasis on heavy metal content. Methods. These parameters were chosen due to their importance as indicators of water quality and potential contamination. Water samples were collected from different locations within and around Maiganga Coal mine area and analyzed using standard laboratory techniques. The assessment included the measurement of physico-chemical parameters such as temperature, total dissolved solids and concentrations of heavy metals such as chromium, lead, manganese, cadmium and copper. Also, cations and anions such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, nitrate, chloride sulfate and fluoride that can impact water quality were considered. Findings. The results of the physico-chemical assessment revealed substantial variations of chromium (0.00-0.03 mg/l), lead (0.00-0.05 mg/l), manganese (0.00-12.11 mg/l), cadmium (0.10-0.14 mg/l) and copper (0.00-1.02 mg/l) concentrations. Also, cations and anions such as calcium (0.00-1.13 mg/l), magnesium (11.90-30.07 mg/l), sodium (0.20-1.11 mg/l), potassium (0.10-0.66 mg/l), nitrate (3.90-4.78 mg/l), chloride (84.0-319.0 mg/l), sulphate (8.0-240.0 mg/l) and fluoride (0.00-0.89 mg/l) can impact water quality levels across the sampled surface water bodies. Originality. Evidence of acid mine drainage, caused by mine effluents that are limited to surface water and do not reach groundwater, has been found through analysis of data from wells, ponds, and streams. Practical implications. These variations obtained could be attributed to the discharge of acidic or alkaline substances associated with coal mining activities.
Integrating GIS and field geological studies has provided the basis for a re-examination of the s... more Integrating GIS and field geological studies has provided the basis for a re-examination of the structural geology of the area, and has enhanced a new interpretation of the structural orientation of Miango and environs to be made. In addition to detecting structures(faults, fracture system), a number of important structures were mapped and analysed using the imagery, and the resulting map represents a modification from the existing publications. The analysed structures were interpreted in form of lineaments which show dominant trends of NE-SW, NW-SE, and N-S.Direction statistics and rose diagrams for all the interpreted linear features acquired in the study area by field geological observation were also prepared. The dominant trends of N-S, NW-SE and NE-SW respectively correspond to the general trend of Precambrian to Cambrian rocks in Nigeria, including rocks of the Basement Complex, as a result all the rock types are said to be Pan-African in age. These coincidence of structural o...
Detailed geological mapping of part of Kwolla Sheet 211 NE on scale 1:50,000 was carried out. Map... more Detailed geological mapping of part of Kwolla Sheet 211 NE on scale 1:50,000 was carried out. Mapping revealed that Tim-Kwalla Basalts occur as pyroclastics in form of boulders in a ring pattern and also as “flow” basalts as seen along stream channels. Three petrographic rock types are presented in the area; The Granite-gneiss, the Biotite granite and the Newer Quaternary basalts. Some major oxides were determine through XRF geochemical analysis which include SiO2, Al2O3, K2O, Fe2O3 and CaO. Plots from the major oxides suggest the Tim-Kwalla Basalts to be of pre-plate collision petrogenetic source having high Fe tholeiitic Basalts. XRF geochemical of the white crystalline substance revealed the presence of Ca-rich zeolite in form chabazite and phillipsite
—Artisanal mining plays a pivotal role in alleviating poverty in the developing world, and contri... more —Artisanal mining plays a pivotal role in alleviating poverty in the developing world, and contributes significantly to national revenues and foreign exchange earnings. Its contribution has been recognized by the United Nations and is being encouraged to be carried out in a sustainable and environmental friendly manner. This paper examines the characteristics of mining activities of a selected artisanal mining locality in Jos Plateau while underscoring the need for friendly environmental mining practice that will check the furtherance of menace of land degradation within acceptable measures pertinent to the industry. Two mining clusters were reviewed to ascertain the mining methods used and the extent of environmental degradation and exposures to possible radiation by the artisanal Miners. The traditional sub-Surface Loto mining methods were employed with little or no regard to health, safety and environmental considerations. Land subsidence observed in the mining environment resulted from ground pressure exerted on sub-surface excavations made without recourse considerations on geological factors (physical and mechanical properties) of the overlaying ground, the bedding conditions, the presence of water, the dimensions of the excavation and the amount of support provisions in the excavated areas. Alluvial gamma radiation was taken at two dimension, horizontally =0.357(µSv) and vertically=0.470(µSv). Gamma readings taken around Primary deposits around the ground sluice box gave horizontal reading of 0.385(µSv) and vertical reading is 0.401(µSv). This level of radiation is relatively low and not harmful by face value however long time exposures could impair on health of the artisanal Miners. It is recommended that adopting conventional mining methods and appropriate land reclamation will significantly reduce environmental degradation and health risk.
To develop comprehensive models for predicting the pH and electrical conductivity of surface wate... more To develop comprehensive models for predicting the pH and electrical conductivity of surface water in Maiganga coal mine and environs affected by mining activities. Methodology. The research utilizes a combination of in-situ measurement, laboratory analysis, modeling technique using Ansys Workbench and Linear Regression for predicting the content of pollutants. In-situ measurement/data collection in the upstream and downstream were carried out to evaluate the potential impact of mining activities on surface and ground water quality. Electrical conductivity and pH were measured on the samples that were collected using Oakton 5/6 pH meter and TDS/EC meter. Findings. According to the results, the regression statistics model of pH and electrical conductivity (EC) shows that the predicted values have a pH range of 4.7-7.05 and a mean pH value of 5.5. In contrast, while the EC ranges from 454.52 to 2,720.68 µs/cm (EC) with a mean value of 905 µs/cm of the downstream flow which is completely dependent on the mine inlet (pH-in and EC-in). The findings show a direct correlation between surface water pH, electrical conductivity, and mining activities in the Maiganga coal mine area and their detrimental effects on the ecosystem and water quality. Originality. The results were obtained directly from the mine site during field visit and can be compared to data from active coal mine sites. Practical value. The detrimental effect of the results of mining activities can be controlled if monitoring sensors are introduced at mines' effluent outlet to alert the mine management of possible danger in real time.
Surface water from mining activities may undergo various physico-chemical changes that can impact... more Surface water from mining activities may undergo various physico-chemical changes that can impact its quality and ecological health. This study conducted a comprehensive physico-chemical assessment of surface water affected by mining operations, with a particular emphasis on heavy metal content. Methods. These parameters were chosen due to their importance as indicators of water quality and potential contamination. Water samples were collected from different locations within and around Maiganga Coal mine area and analyzed using standard laboratory techniques. The assessment included the measurement of physico-chemical parameters such as temperature, total dissolved solids and concentrations of heavy metals such as chromium, lead, manganese, cadmium and copper. Also, cations and anions such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, nitrate, chloride sulfate and fluoride that can impact water quality were considered. Findings. The results of the physico-chemical assessment revealed substantial variations of chromium (0.00-0.03 mg/l), lead (0.00-0.05 mg/l), manganese (0.00-12.11 mg/l), cadmium (0.10-0.14 mg/l) and copper (0.00-1.02 mg/l) concentrations. Also, cations and anions such as calcium (0.00-1.13 mg/l), magnesium (11.90-30.07 mg/l), sodium (0.20-1.11 mg/l), potassium (0.10-0.66 mg/l), nitrate (3.90-4.78 mg/l), chloride (84.0-319.0 mg/l), sulphate (8.0-240.0 mg/l) and fluoride (0.00-0.89 mg/l) can impact water quality levels across the sampled surface water bodies. Originality. Evidence of acid mine drainage, caused by mine effluents that are limited to surface water and do not reach groundwater, has been found through analysis of data from wells, ponds, and streams. Practical implications. These variations obtained could be attributed to the discharge of acidic or alkaline substances associated with coal mining activities.
Integrating GIS and field geological studies has provided the basis for a re-examination of the s... more Integrating GIS and field geological studies has provided the basis for a re-examination of the structural geology of the area, and has enhanced a new interpretation of the structural orientation of Miango and environs to be made. In addition to detecting structures(faults, fracture system), a number of important structures were mapped and analysed using the imagery, and the resulting map represents a modification from the existing publications. The analysed structures were interpreted in form of lineaments which show dominant trends of NE-SW, NW-SE, and N-S.Direction statistics and rose diagrams for all the interpreted linear features acquired in the study area by field geological observation were also prepared. The dominant trends of N-S, NW-SE and NE-SW respectively correspond to the general trend of Precambrian to Cambrian rocks in Nigeria, including rocks of the Basement Complex, as a result all the rock types are said to be Pan-African in age. These coincidence of structural o...
Detailed geological mapping of part of Kwolla Sheet 211 NE on scale 1:50,000 was carried out. Map... more Detailed geological mapping of part of Kwolla Sheet 211 NE on scale 1:50,000 was carried out. Mapping revealed that Tim-Kwalla Basalts occur as pyroclastics in form of boulders in a ring pattern and also as “flow” basalts as seen along stream channels. Three petrographic rock types are presented in the area; The Granite-gneiss, the Biotite granite and the Newer Quaternary basalts. Some major oxides were determine through XRF geochemical analysis which include SiO2, Al2O3, K2O, Fe2O3 and CaO. Plots from the major oxides suggest the Tim-Kwalla Basalts to be of pre-plate collision petrogenetic source having high Fe tholeiitic Basalts. XRF geochemical of the white crystalline substance revealed the presence of Ca-rich zeolite in form chabazite and phillipsite
—Artisanal mining plays a pivotal role in alleviating poverty in the developing world, and contri... more —Artisanal mining plays a pivotal role in alleviating poverty in the developing world, and contributes significantly to national revenues and foreign exchange earnings. Its contribution has been recognized by the United Nations and is being encouraged to be carried out in a sustainable and environmental friendly manner. This paper examines the characteristics of mining activities of a selected artisanal mining locality in Jos Plateau while underscoring the need for friendly environmental mining practice that will check the furtherance of menace of land degradation within acceptable measures pertinent to the industry. Two mining clusters were reviewed to ascertain the mining methods used and the extent of environmental degradation and exposures to possible radiation by the artisanal Miners. The traditional sub-Surface Loto mining methods were employed with little or no regard to health, safety and environmental considerations. Land subsidence observed in the mining environment resulted from ground pressure exerted on sub-surface excavations made without recourse considerations on geological factors (physical and mechanical properties) of the overlaying ground, the bedding conditions, the presence of water, the dimensions of the excavation and the amount of support provisions in the excavated areas. Alluvial gamma radiation was taken at two dimension, horizontally =0.357(µSv) and vertically=0.470(µSv). Gamma readings taken around Primary deposits around the ground sluice box gave horizontal reading of 0.385(µSv) and vertical reading is 0.401(µSv). This level of radiation is relatively low and not harmful by face value however long time exposures could impair on health of the artisanal Miners. It is recommended that adopting conventional mining methods and appropriate land reclamation will significantly reduce environmental degradation and health risk.
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Papers by Aluwong, K.C.