Physiochemical Analysis of Clay Samples in Some Parts of Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract:

Nigeria is enriched with abundant mineral and natural resources; besides hydrocarbon resources, the exploration and mining of Nigeria mineral resources has not been given adequate attention it requires. In lieu of that physiochemical analysis of clay samples collected in some parts of Southeastern Nigeria were carried out in other to ascertain the physical and chemical constituents of the clay samples. The clay samples were collected from three states in southeastern Nigeria namely; Ozubulu clay from Anambra State, Ngwulangwu clay from Ebonyi State and Ngwo White clay from Enugu State. The physical properties of these clay samples were determined under the following: Moisture Content, Ash Content, Iodine number, pH Reading, Surface Area, Bulk Density/Porosity and Loss of Ignition. The chemical analysis was carried out so as determine the metallic oxide present in the clay using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). The result shows that Ngwo white clay has the highest percentage of moisture content of 8.00%, followed by Ozubulu clay 7.50% and then Ngwulangwu clay 7.00%. Also, high bulk density observed from these clays shows that they can be used as bleaching clay for high oil retention ability. The pH readings of the clay samples showed that they were all acidic. The iodine numbers of the three samples were high which shows that they can be used for agricultural purposes. Also, the result showed that the ratio of Na2O to CaO is greater than one for Ozubulu clay and Ngwo white clay samples which indicates the presence of swelling bentonites. The Iron oxide of Ngwulangwu clay is higher when compared to Ozubulu and Ngwo white clays. The Ferrous oxide impacted a red colour on the fired sample of Ngwulangwu clay. This high iron oxides of Ngwulangwu clay made the clay attractive and suitable for structural engineering works due to its mechanical strength and plasticity. Finally, the results obtained from the study of the three clay samples showed that they can be used for industrial and commercial purposes. It was also recommended that further studies be carried out to explore other potentials of these clays for other industrial utilization.