Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author: S. I. H. Jafri

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.02.2025.113.116

Twenty-one small Paleocene-Pliocene Rotaliid benthic foraminiferal species of the genus Angulogerina are distributed in some localities in the Northern Tethys (USA, Atlantic Ocean, England, Spain, France, Belgian, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Hungaria, Slovenia), and also Southern Tethys (Pakistan, Japan, New Zealand, Argentina and Chile). The modern taxonomic consideration of the recorded species are presented. These species are: Angulogerina abuzeidi Anan n. sp., A. angulosa, A. byramensis , A. cooperensis, A. cuneata, A. dubia, A. elongata, A. europaea, A. germanica, A. globosa, A. japonica, A. muralis, A. oligocenica, A. pulchella, A. reussi, A. rugoplicata, A. sagriniformis, A. tenuistriata, A. tortuosa, A. vicksburgensis and A. wilcoxensis. One of these illustrated species re believed to be new: Angulogerina abuzeidi Anan n. sp. The prominent environment of the genus Angulogerina and its members most probably in an open outer shelf-upper-middle slop marine environment during the Paleogene-Neogene.

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author: Khlieeq Ul Zaman, Mahmood Iqbal, Enayatallah Emami Meybodi, Hasnain Haider, Muhammad Awais Khan, Shaharyar

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.01.2025.49.56

Because of limited accessibility and the phantom nature of mineral occurrences, northern regions of Pakistan have no or very little understanding of the area’s mineral potential. Still, these regions are known to be rich in mineral resources. This research aimed to apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing technology for the identification and examination of different mineral deposits in the northern areas of Pakistan. The subject study area was analyzed for its mineral potential through ArcMap 10.5 and the ENVI software. ENVI software also includes satellite image processing capabilities, so it was used to apply the band ratio methods which contained relevant mineralogical information. The study area selection done previously was based on known deposits with unexplored extension region. The processing of the satellite images was done in the hopes of discovering certain minerals that signify the presence of valuable deposits. To achieve this, the band ratio technique was used separately for each spectral signature of various minerals. The b2/b1 ratio was used for detecting ferric iron, while the b1/b3 ratio was used in connection with clay mineral identification. Detection of sulphates was accomplished with the use of b1/b2, and identification of quartz was done with b13/b10 ratios. The b1/b14 ratio determined carbonates, while kaolinite was identified with b11/b12. Together, these data enabled the differentiation of various mineral compositions of the study area. This research demonstrates that eastern Hunza Valley contain major zones enriched in carbonated minerals and ferric iron, especially in Region A and Region B, which both showed high values for concentration of these resources. Furthermore, significant amount of clay minerals was also found to exist in these regions. These areas with rich mineral content can further investigated for mining purposes and developmental projects to boost the economy of the region while aiding future mineral exploration work.

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author: S. I. H. Jafri

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.02.2025.110.112

A fossil sea cucumber, Mesothuria karachiensis sp. nov. is being reported from Karachi, Pakistan. It is from the Cretaceous age, about 200 million years old.

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author: Anwana, U. E., Akpabio, Idara O.

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.01.2025.41.48

Investigation of the change in grain size distribution, pore fluid and lithologic association with respect to the influence of depositional environment was adopted to ascertain its imperativeness to hydrocarbon recovery. Suite of well logs (resistivity, gamma ray, density and neutron) from three wells, SB1, SB2 and SB3 were used to delineate lithologies and grain size distributions; identify fluid contact and volume of shale. Lithology and litho-fluid cross-plots show variability in lithofacies, while the two porosity logs (density and neutron) were used to compute porosity. In the three wells, the identified facies (funnel, cylindrical and bell shape trends)and litho-fluid cross-plot show gamma ray values ranging from 30 to 60 API; high resistivity values up to1123 Ω-m; mean porosity value of 22% to 32%; mean shale volume of 0.06 to 0.24. The results show a good to excellent reservoir properties capable of supporting hydrocarbon exploration and production. The intermittent variability in lithofacies of coarsening upward and downward and lithologies is not unconnected with the discrete velocities of different grain sizes during transportation and subsequent differential drag forces during deposition. The wells correlation and the results obtained have deepened the sedimentological and stratigraphic knowledge of reservoir quality and continuity as a proof of good prospect.

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author: Ojeaga, Kenneth, and Ehinlaye, Charles

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.02.2025.102.109

The study investigated and assessed groundwater quality and sources of dissolved geochemical constituents in groundwater within Iyuku and Ikpeshi, Edo State. A total of 32 groundwater samples were obtained from selected boreholes in Ikpeshi and Iyuku and environs. The physico-chemical parameters of the groundwater samples were analyzed using Atomic absorption spectrophometer (AAS) Bulk scientific. The result show that pH ranged from 4.7 to 7.6, EC ranged from 12.24, TDS ranging from 15.40 to 744 mg/l and was classified as fresh water with TDS<1000mg/l. The concentration of the major cation was in the following order Mg2+ > K+ > Ca2+ > Na+. The order of anions dominance/ abundance in groundwater was Cl- >SO42- > HCO3- > NO3- > PO4-. The mean result indicated that the hydrogeochemical constituents in the groundwater were within WHO (2015) standard except Mg2+and K+. The result of Results of correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis suggests that the major variations of hydrochemical constituents in the groundwater could be influenced geogenic sources which includes; mineral dissolution of carbonate and silicate rocks, reverse cation exchange and sea water intrusion. However, the presence of NO3-, PO43-, and SO42- also suggest anthropogenic influences linked to poor well depletion, improper waste disposal and surface run off due to application of fertilizers. The result of spatial distribution of cations, designated the southwestern part of the study area as major hotspots of Mg, K, Ca, and Na. The coliform count ranged from 11-20 cfu/ml and with a mean value of 14.03 cfu/ml, exceeded the Nigerian Standard Drinking Water Quality guideline. This indicates that some of the groundwater wells may have be contaminated with faecal coliform due nitrogenous wastes and poor septic conditions. It is therefore recommended that water, particularly those obtained from hand dug wells should be treated before domestic consumption. Further research on groundwater sources should be carried out by delineation of the prevalent hydrochemical facies using various ionic plots, piper, gibbs and schoeller models. Also health risk assessment studies should be carried out in the study area. Information about geochemical processes responsible for the dominance of some of these cations in groundwater be evaluated.

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author: Kuma Joshua Ayua, John Mkohol Uzer, Hadiza El-Nur Dongel

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.02.2025.96.101

This study examines the geoelectric characteristics of topsoil in Lokoja, Nigeria, using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) to assess soil competence for engineering structures. Resistivity sounding conducted in the study area identified three main curve types: three-layer (A and K type), four-layer (HA, QH and KH), and five-layer (HAK, HKH and QHA). The top layer resistivity within the study area ranges from 11.7 to 2702.7 ohm-m with thickness ranging from 0.15 to 3.85 m. The depth to basement in the study area ranges from 0.6 m to 49.1m with a mean depth of 15.1 m. The analysis classifies the study area into four competency zones based on resistivity values: incompetent (<100 ohm-m), moderately competent (101–350 ohm-m), competent (351–750 ohm-m), and highly competent (>750 ohm-m). The results indicate that the eastern and northeastern regions, which are dominated by clay, have lower resistivity and present geotechnical difficulties such as differential settlement and soil deformation, while the central and western regions, which are underlain by lateritic and sandy formations, have higher resistivity and are appropriate for construction. Areas with thin overburden and shallow basement rock are further identified by depth-to-bedrock data, which correlates with reduced soil competence. The study provides useful suggestions for reducing geotechnical risks and improving infrastructure resilience in Lokoja, while highlighting the significance of geophysical techniques in urban planning and foundation design.

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author: Robert, Aniedi Udo, Etesin, Usoro Monday and Emaime Uwanta

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.02.2025.89.95

Alkalinity of surface waters is a measure of the capability of water to neutralize the level of acidity of water. This is really an expression of buffering capacity of water. Alkalinity is important for fish and aquatic life because it protects or buffers against rapid pH changes. Living organisms, especially aquatic life, function best in a pH range of 6.0 to 9.0. Calcium carbonate saturation indices (Langelier) commonly are used to evaluate the scale-forming and scale-dissolving tendencies of water, and is related to alkalinity of water. Higher alkalinity levels in surface waters will buffer acid rain and other acid wastes from anthropogenic activities and prevent pH changes that are harmful to aquatic life. For protection of aquatic life the buffering capacity should be at least 20 mg/L CaCO3. This study aims at the determination of seasonal variations of total alkalinity, total hardness and langelier saturation index of surface waters in Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and Eket , by computer aided potentiometry. From the results of alkalinity determination, it is significant that all the locations have higher than 20 mg/L total alkalinity, that falls within the limit of moderate alkalinity ( 50 mg/L – 160 mg/L ) , as the optimum alkalinity of surface waters for the protection of aquatic life and the surface waters not being negatively impacted by anthropogenic activities going on in these areas. Also, the p H of the surface waters in the studied locations in both seasons were less than 8.3, indicating that the dominant alkalinity was bicarbonate alkalinity. The total hardness determined in the surface waters of the studied locations during both rainy and dry seasons were within the water hardness classification of moderately hard ( 60 – 120 mg/L CaCO3 ) according to United State Geological Survey. The Langelier saturation index of surface waters determined in the study locations in both the rainy and dry seasons were outside the optimum range of – 0.5 to + 0.5, indicating that all the surface waters in the study areas are calcium carbonate dissolving and under -saturated with calcium carbonate, thereby have corrosive potential on metal substrates, also difficult in forming calcium carbonate scales. The seasonal variations in total alkalinity, Langelier saturation index and total hardness in the surface waters from Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and Eket were not significant at P ≤ 0.05.

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author: Andrew Sunday Oji, Odunyemi Anthony Ademeso, Sunday Olabisi Daramola, Kehinde Ibrahim Adebayo

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.02.2025.80.88

The study assessed heavy metal concentration and radiological hazards in selected basement rocks from Igarra, used in construction. Twenty rock samples were collected from two quarry sites (Calc-silicate-gneiss and Lamprophyre), Ten (five from each) were then carefully picked and analyzed for natural radioactivity and heavy metal concentrations using X-ray Fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). Standard conversion factors were applied to convert radioactive metals into activity concentrations of radionuclides, and radiological hazard indices were calculated. The mean heavy metal concentrations followed the order: Fe > Cr > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cu > Co > Th > Sn > Ra > As > Cd and Fe>Cr>Zn>Pb>Ni>Cu>Th>Co>Sn>Ra>As>Cd for calc-silicate-gneiss and lamprophyre respectively. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K varied between 19.34-74.65 Bq/kg, 28.18-195.29 Bq/kg, and 970.3-2115.88 Bq/kg respectively. Lamprophyre had higher activity concentrations and radiological indices, including radium equivalent activity, external and internal hazard indices, gamma representative index, absorbed dose rates, annual effective dose equivalents and excess lifetime cancer risk, compared to Calc-silicate-gneiss. Although both rock types exhibited activity concentrations, gamma indices, and absorbed dose rates and excess lifetime cancer risk (outdoor) above the world average, radium equivalent activity, external and internal hazard indices, annual effective doses and excess lifetime cancer risks (indoor) were within safe levels. The study concludes that while the radiological impact is tolerable, quarry workers might face higher exposure due to elevated outdoor radiation levels. Additionally, some trace metals exceeded Earth’s crust averages, presenting potential toxicity risks if inhaled or ingested. While the rocks are deemed safe for construction, their use in interior decoration is not recommended to avoid potential long-term radiation exposure indoors.

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author: Khawar Jalil, Dr. Tariq Feroze

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.02.2025.73.79

Mining is a vital part of Pakistan’s economy, providing essential resources for infrastructure, industry, and exports. However, the sector faces serious challenges such as environmental degradation, lack of regulation, unsafe labor conditions, and minimal community involvement. Responsible mining is no longer just an ideal; it is a necessity for Pakistan’s sustainable future. This paper aims to explore how the country can adopt better mining practices by enforcing environmental safeguards, improving governance, ensuring worker safety, and engaging local communities. By examining global best practices and real-world case studies, this research attempts to highlight practical solutions that Pakistan can implement to transform its mining sector. With growing pressure from environmental activists, policymakers, and international markets, the shift toward responsible mining is inevitable. If Pakistan embraces sustainable mining techniques, invests in cleaner technologies, and holds corporations accountable, the industry can become a driver of long-term economic growth without compromising the health of people or the planet.

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author: K. I. Adebayo, O. E. Faseki, A. S. Oji, M. A. Saliu, and O. A. Ademeso

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.02.2025.69.72

Los Angeles (LA) abrasion test is the best known and most widely applied method used to measure abrasion resistance. However, its preparation phase and execution are expensive and time consuming compared to other mechanical aggregate tests. As such, establishing empirical equations to predict LA abrasion from physical and mechanical methods that are simpler and cheaper to execute provides both time and money savings and is useful for forecasting purposes in preliminary studies. This study aims at obtaining empirical relationships between the LA abrasion and other practical aggregate properties such as aggregate impact value (AIV), aggregate crushing value (ACV), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), specific gravity of the calcareous sandstones collected from four different locations in parts of southeastern Nigeria. The rocks’ ACVs and AIVs ranged from 16.34 to 26.29 % and 15.87 to 22.52 % respectively, while the LAAVs varied from 38.62 to 53.1 %. The slake durability index is within the range of 91.1 to 96.7 % and the strength values of the studied rocks fall between 20 to 41 MPa. The correlation plots show that LA abrasion resistance had a very strong linear positive relationship of R2 = 0.98, 0.74 with the ACV, AIV; a moderate positive relationship (R2 = 0.49, 0.50) with porosity, water absorption and an inverse relationship with the UCS (R2 = 0.77), slake durability (R2 = 0.43), dry density (R2 = 0.69) and specific gravity values (R2 = 0.55). Furthermore, the highest correlation coefficient was obtained from the ACV while slake durability recorded the weakest correlation with LA abrasion values. In conclusion, the study suggests that ACV, AIV and UCS tests are the best empirical methods for estimating the LA abrasion value.