Mineralogy and Textural Properties of Sandbar Deposits in River Forcados along Patani and Environs
Abstract
Sixteen samples were taken from the top and bottom of a mid-channel sandbar within the lower reaches of Forcados River along Patani and environs to determine the mineralogy and textural characteristics of the sediment. XRF was used for the bulk chemistry and grain size analysis was used to determine the statistical parameters. The grain size analysis shows the sediments are majorly fine grained sediments transported by suspension transport in a low energy regime. The mean ranges from 3.43 ф – 6.30 ф with an average of 5.93 ф, which is coarse silt size grade. The values of the median range from 5.60 ф – 6.40 ф with an average of 6.09 ф in the medium silt size grade. The modal class is >6 ф; the sediments are unimodal. They are moderately well sorted with average sorting value of 0.63 σ, negatively skewed with a value of -0.12 on the average and very leptokurtic with an average value of 1.69. These are a reflection of the maturity of the river and the distance and duration of travel of sediment from source. The proportion of coarse grains is very minimal and the sediment size indicates a down current decrease in grain size. The bulk chemistry shows enrichment in quartz (SiO2); with average concentration value above 82% which indicates sediment maturity. Also, there is enrichment of MgO, Fe2O3, P2O5, CaO and TiO2 in some of the locations, which may be related to localize formation of clay minerals and carbonates such as dolomite. SiO2/Al2O3 ratio ranges from 14.550 to 20.914. This indicates SiO2 enrichment, sediment maturity and also, infers intense weathering and long distance of travel that enabled the weathering. The sediment can therefore be further concentrated and mined for silica for industrial uses or dredged for high quality construction and engineering material.
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