Inorganic Geochemical Evaluation of Maastrichtian Coal at Gombe, Gongola Basin, Nigeria: Implications for Resource Potential and Paleoenvironments — Oak Academic Publishing
Research ArticleOpen AccessGoogle Scholar indexed
Inorganic Geochemical Evaluation of Maastrichtian Coal at Gombe, Gongola Basin, Nigeria: Implications for Resource Potential and Paleoenvironments
Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences, Kwara State University Malete, Ilorin Kwara State, Nigeria
,
Department of Geology, Federal University Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria
1 Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences, Kwara State University Malete, Ilorin Kwara State, Nigeria
2 Department of Geology, Federal University Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria
The Benue Trough has been known to have great potential for resources such as coal, hydrocarbon, limestone, barite, gypsum, etc. The study area is Maiganga coal mine located at Gombe, Gongola Basin, northern Benue Trough in northeast Nigeria. Two coal seams, shales, siltstones, sandstones, and intercalation of ironstones make up the stratigraphic succession of 35 m thick. The coal is currently being exploited as a source of fuel at the Ashaka Cement Factory, Ashaka, Gombe state. Elemental and proximate analyses of the coal samples were carried out to investigate coking potential, acid generation potential and its suitability as a source of fuel. The paleodepositional condition and the original plant that form the coal were also examined. The proximate analysis showed that the moisture content ranges from 9.55% - 11.13%, volatile matter (40.88% - 44.89% dry), ash (5.29% - 13.99% dry), fixed carbon (41.30% - 53.41% dry) and calorific value (5469 - 6452 kcal/kg). Average values of the major elements; K 2 O, MgO and Fe 2 O 3 are low but a high loss on ignition was obtained for the coal ash. The samples recorded low concentrations in the trace elements, except for Ni, Cu, Ba, Sr, and Zr. Coal seam A exhibits negative europium anomaly and positive cerium anomaly indicating peat vegetation ( Sphagnum L. ) while coal Seam B showed negative cerium anomaly indicating soil grown plants (Mangrove and Vicia villossa ). The present investigation showed that the coals were deposited in fluvial to paralic environments. The coals are not suitable for coking but have potential as a source of fuel and power generation.
Olade, M.A. (1975) Evolution of Nigeria’s Benue Trough (Aulacogen): A Tectonic Model. Geological Magazine, 112, 575-583. https://doi.org/10.1017/S001675680003898X
Benkhelil, J. (1989) The Origin and Evolution of the Cretaceous Benue Trough (Nigeria). Journal of African Earth Sciences (and the Middle East), 8, 251-282. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0899-5362(89)80028-4
Wright, J.B. (1968) South Atlantic Continental Drift and the Benue Trough. Tectonophysics, 6, 301-310. https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-1951(68)90046-2
Obaje, N.G., Wehner, H., Scheeder, G., Abubakar, M.B. and Jauro, A. (2004) Hydrocarbon Prospectivity of Nigeria’s Inland Basins: From the Viewpoint of Organic Geochemistry and Organic Petrology. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 88, 325-353.
Obaje, N.G., Attah, D.O., Opeloye, S.A. and Moumouni, A. (2006) Geochemical Evaluation of the Hydrocarbon Prospects of Sedimentary Basins in Northern Nigeria. Geochemical Journal, 40, 227-243.
Jauro, A., Obaje, N.G., Agho, M.O., Abubakar, M.B. and Tukur, A. (2007) Organic geochemistry of Cretaceous Lamza and Chikila Coals, Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria. Fuel, 86, 520-532. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2006.07.031
Onoduku, U.S., Okosun, E.A. and Akande, W.G. (2013) An Assessment of the Hydrocarbon Potential of the Gombe Formation, Upper Benue Trough, Northeastern Nigeria: Organic Geochemical Point of View. Earth Science Research, 2, 203-213. https://doi.org/10.5539/esr.v2n2p203
Jimoh, A.Y. and Ojo, O.J. (2016) Rock Eval Pyrolysis and Organic Petrographic Analysis of the Maastrichtian Coals and Shales at Gombe, Gongola Basin, Northeastern Nigeria. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 9, Article No. 443. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-016-2467-x
Zarboski, P., Ugodunlunwa, F., Idornigie, A., Nnabo, P. and Ibe, K. (1997) Stratigraphy and Structure of the Cretaceous Gongola Basin, Northeastern Nigeria. Bulletin des Centres de Recherches Exploration-Production Elf-Aquitaine, 21, 153-185.
Guiraud, M. (1990) Tectono-Sedimentary Framework of the Early Cretaceous Continental Bima Formation (Upper Benue Trough, NE Nigeria). Journal of African Earth Sciences (and the Middle East), 10, 341-353. https://doi.org/10.1016/0899-5362(90)90065-M
Whiteman, A.J. (1982) Nigeria: Its Petroleum Geology, Resources and Potential. Graham and Trotman, London, 381. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-7361-9
Carter, J.D., Barbar, W., Tait, E.A. and Jones, G.P. (1963) The Geology of Parts of Adamawa, Bauchi and Borno Provinces in Northeastern Nigeria. Geological Survey of Nigeria Bulletin, 30, 1-108.
Wuyep, E.O. and Obaje, N.G. (2012) Petrographic Evaluation of the Ranks and Technological Applications of Some Coal Deposits in the Anambra Basin and Middle Benue Trough of Nigeria. Journal of Earth Science and Engineering, 2, 220-234.
Obaje, N.G., Amadi, A.N., Aweda, A.K., Umar, U.M. and Shuaibu, I. (2018) Processing Nigerian Coal Deposits for Energy Source. Environmental Earth Sciences, 77, Article No. 176. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-018-7362-1
Ehinola, O.A. and Adene, T.M. (2018) Preliminary Investigation on Acid Generating Potential of Coals from Benue Trough, Nigeria. Petroleum & Coal, 50, 19-26.
Abubakar, M.B., Obaje, N.G., Luterbacher, H.P., Dike, E.F.C. and Ashraf, A.R. (2006) A Report on the Occurrence of Albian-Cenomanian Elater-Bearin Pollen in Nasara-1 Well, Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria. Biostratigraphic and Palaeoclimatological Implications. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 45, 347-354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2006.03.008
American Society for Testing and Materials (1974) Standard Specifications for Classification of Coals by Rank, ASTM Designation: D388-66 (Reapproved 1972). In: Gaseous Fuels; Coal and Coke; Atmospheric Analysis: American Society for Testing Materials, pt. 26, 54-58.
Mackowsky, M.Th. (1982) The Application of Coal Petrography in Technical Processes. In: Stach, E., Mackowsky, M.Th., Teichmuller, M., Taylir, G.H., Chandra, D. and Teichmuller, R., Eds., Stach’s Textbook of Coal Petrology, Gebruder Borntraeger, Berlin, 413-483.
Fatoye, F.B. and Gideon, Y.B. (2013) Appraisal of the Economic Geology of Nigerian Coal Resources. Journal of Environment and Earth Sciences, 3, 25-31.
Obaje N.G. and Hamza, H. (2000) Liquid Hydrocarbon Source-rock Potential of Mid-Cretaceous Coals and Coal Measures in the Middle Benue Trough of Nigeria. International Journal Earth Sciences, 89, 130-139. https://doi.org/10.1007/s005310050321
Raask, E. (1985) Mineral Impurities in Coal Combustion Behavior, Problems and Remedial Measures. Hemisphere Publishing, New York, 484 p.
Englund, J.-O. and Jørgensen, P. (1973) A Chemical Classification System for Argillaceous Sediments and Factors Affecting Their Composition. Geologiska Föreningen i Stockholm Förhandlingar, 95, 87-97. https://doi.org/10.1080/11035897309455428
Nesbitt, H.W., Young, G.M., McLannan, S.M. and Keays, R.R. (1996) Effects of Chemical Weathering and Sorting on the Petrogenesis of Siliciclastic Sediments, with Implication for Provenance Studies. The Journal of Geology, 104, 525-542. https://doi.org/10.1086/629850
Campbell, R.N., Linndsay, P. and Clemens, A.H. (2001) Acid Generating Potential of Waste Rock and Coal Ash in New Zealand Coal Mines. International Journal of Coal Geology, 45, 163-179. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0166-5162(00)00031-8
Nesbitt, H.W. and Young, G.M. (1982) Early Proterozoic Climate and Plate Motion Inferred from Major Element Chemistry of Lutites. Nature, 299, 715-717. https://doi.org/10.1038/299715a0
Skodras, G., Orfanoudaki, Th., Kakaras, E. and Sakellaropoulous, G.P. (2002) Production of Special Activated Carbon from Lignite for Environmental Purposes. Fuel Processing Technology, 77-78, 75-87. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-3820(02)00062-0
Panov, B.S., Dudik, A.M., Shevchenko, O.A. and Matlak, E.S. (1999) On Pollution of the Biosphere in Industrial Areas: the Example of the Donets Coal Basin. International Journal of Coal Geology, 40, 199-210. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0166-5162(98)00069-X
Zheng, B., Ding, Z., Huang, R., Zhu, J., Yu, X., Wang, A., Zhou, D., Mao, D. and Su, H. (1999) Issues of Health and Disease Relating to Coal Use in Southwestern China. International Journal of Coal Geology, 40, 119-132. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0166-5162(98)00064-0
Caswell, S.A., Holmes, I.F. and Spears, D.A. (1984) Water-Soluble Chlorine and Associated Major Cations from the Coals and Mudrocks of the Cannock and North Staffordshire Coalfields. Fuel, 63, 774-781. https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-2361(84)90067-X
Liu, K., Xie, W., Li, D., Pan, W.P., Riley, J.T. and Riga, A. (2000) The Effect of Chlorine and Sulphur on the Composition of Ash Deposits in a Fluidised Bed Combustion System. Energy & Fuels, 79, 963-972. https://doi.org/10.1021/ef990197k
Shearer, J.C., Moore, T.A., Vickridge, I.C. and Deely, J.M. (1997) Tephra as a Control on Trace Element Distribution in Waikato Coals. Proceedings of 7th New Zealand Coal Conference, Wellington, New Zealand, 1997, 505.
Spears, D.A. and Zheng, Y. (1999) Geochemistry and Origin of Elements in Some UK Coals. International Journal of Coal Geology, 38, 161-179. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0166-5162(98)00012-3
Anthony, E.J. and Jia, L. (2000) Agglomeration and Strength Development of Deposits in CFBC Boilers Firing High-Sulphur Fuels. Fuel, 79, 1933-1942. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0016-2361(00)00054-5
Bouska, V. and Pesek, J. (1999) Quality Parameters of Lignite of the North Bohemian Basin in the Czech Republic in Comparison with the World Average Lignite. International Journal of Coal Geology, 40, 211-235. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0166-5162(98)00070-6
Ketrich, M.P. and Yudovich, Y.E. (2009) Estimations of Clarkes for Carbonaceous Biolithes: World Average for Trace Element Contents in Black Shales and Coals. International Journal of Coal Geology, 78, 135-148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coal.2009.01.002
Wakita, H., Ray, P. and Schmitt, R.A. (1971) Abundances of the 14 Rare Earth Elements and 12 Other Trace Elements in Apollo 12 Samples: Five Igneous and One Breccia Rocks and Four Soils. Proceedings of the 2nd Lunar Science Conference, 1971 Oxford Pergamon Press, 1319-1329.
McDaniel, D.K., Hemming, S.R., Mclennan, S.M. and Hanson, G.N. (1994) Resetting of Neodymium Isotopes and Redistribution of REE’S during Sedimentary Processes: The Early Proterozoic Chelmsford Formation, Sudbury Basin, Ontario, Canada. Geochima Cosmochimica Acta, 58, 931-941. https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(94)90516-9
Milodowski, A.E. and Zalasiewkz, J.A. (1991) Redistribution of Rare Earth Elements during Diagenesis of Eurbidice /Hemipelagic Mudrock Sequences and Age from Central Wales. In: Mortan, A.C., Todd, S.P. and Houghton, P.D.W., Eds., Geological Society London Special Publications, Vol. 57, Geological Society, London, 101-124. https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.SP.1991.057.01.10
Cross, A.T. and Phillips, T.L. (1990) Coal-Forming Plants through Time in North America. International Journal of Coal Geology, 16, 1-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/0166-5162(90)90012-N
Eskenazy, G. (1987) Rare Earth Elements and Yttrium in Lithotypes of Bulgarian Coals. Organic Geochemistry, 11, 83-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/0146-6380(87)90030-1
Birk, D. and White, J.C. (1991) Rare Earth Elements in Bituminous Coals and Underclays of the Sydney Basin, Nova Scotia: Element Sites, Distribution and Mineralogy. International Journal of Coal Geology, 19, 219-251. https://doi.org/10.1016/0166-5162(91)90022-B
Querol, X., Whateley, M.K.G., Fernández-Turiel, J.L. and Tuncali, E. (1997) Geological Controls on the Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the Beypazari Lignite, Central Anatolia, Turkey. International Journal of Coal Geology, 33, 255-271. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0166-5162(96)00044-4
Mukhopadhyay, P.K., Goodarzi, F., Crandlemire, A.L., Gillis, K.S., MacNeil, D.J. and Smith, W.D. (1998) Comparison of Coal Composition and Elemental Distribution in Selected Seams of the Sydney and Stellarton Basins, Nova Scotia, Eastern Canada. International Journal of Coal Geology, 37, 113-141. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0166-5162(98)00020-2
Fu, F.F., Akagi, T., Yabuki, S. and Iwaki, M. (2001) The Variation of REE (Rare Earth Elements) Patterns in Soil-Grown Plants: A New Proxy for the Source of Rare Earth Elements and Silicon in Plants. Plant and Soil, 235, 53-64. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011837326556
Akagi, T., Fu, F.F. and Yabuki, S. (2002) Absence of Ce Anomaly in the REE Patterns of Peat Moss and Peat Grass in the Ozegahara Peatland. Geochemical Journal, 36, 113-118. https://doi.org/10.2343/geochemj.36.113