ISSN: 2381-8719
+44 1478 350008
Imasuen IO
Nigeria
Research Article
Physico Chemical Investigations and Health Implications of Geophagial Clays of Edo State, Mid-Western Nigeria
Author(s): Eigbike CO, Nfor BN and Imasuen IO
Eigbike CO, Nfor BN and Imasuen IO
Geophagy is the habitual and intentional consumption of earth and clay deposits by animals and humans. This research investigates the physical, chemical and the mineralogical composition of some selected clay samples collected across the three political zones of Edo state, in order to ascertain claims about their effectiveness in curing certain ailments. Among the properties investigated are: texture, pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Water Retention Capacity (WRC), Organic Matter Content (OM) and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). Results show that the pH values range from 5.22 to 6.46. EC values are generally high but those of OM are low (0.13 to 0.75%). The WRC values are generally very high (above 50%) except for the Auchi-Jattu clay whose value is 42.83.The samples were observed to have low CEC, ranging from 2.76 to 3.07. Results of the AAS analysis show that major and minor element.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2329-6755.1000140