Spectroscopic Characterization and Quantitative Estimation of Natural Weathering of Silicates in Sediments of Dikrong River, India

Abstract

The sediments samples were collected from the Dikrong River at various sites to assess the weathering nature and mineral characterization. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopic techniques have been used to characterization of minerals in the sediment samples. The plagioclase index of alteration (PIA), chemical index of alteration (CIA) and index of compositional variation (ICV) are investigated for evaluating the weathering nature in the sediment. The obtained results show the presence of quartz, feldspar in different structure and kaolinite as major minerals. Carbonates and organic carbon are found as minor minerals. The correlations of SiO2 with major elements are authenticated the presence of bulk quartz grains and primary depositional environment. The presence of metamorphosed pyrophanite (MnTiO3) in the adjoined areas is reported. The presence of infrared absorption peaks in between 1611 - 1622 cm?1 in this study is indicative to the weathered metamorphic origin of the silicate minerals. The index of compositional variation indicates the presence of less clay minerals and more rock forming minerals such as plagioclase and alkali-feldspar. The obtained results exhibit the area belongs to the intermediate silicate weathering.