article · Advances in Analytic Science
An investigation of soil geochemistry and source area weathering around Mount Bamboutos in the West Region of Cameroon analysed samples taken from depths of up to forty centimetres using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The findings reveal high silica contents alongside significant aluminium oxide concentrations, indicating the abundance of quartz, kaolinite, and various aluminosilicate minerals such as muscovite, feldspars, and clay minerals. Variable iron oxide levels point to the mechanical erosion of ferrallitic soils or the weathering of iron-rich source rocks. Elevated lanthanum to ytterbium ratios reflect heterogeneous source rocks. Multiple chemical weathering indices demonstrate that the parent materials experienced moderate to intense weathering under hot, humid climatic conditions, marked by the depletion of labile cations such as calcium, sodium, and potassium alongside the retention of stable aluminium and titanium.
Understanding soil geochemistry and weathering history helps clarify how regional landscapes evolve under tropical conditions. By mapping mineral composition and chemical alteration, geoscientists gain clearer insights into regional soil fertility, environmental change, and parent rock dynamics across volcanic terrains.
The abstract does not indicate an application pathway, as it focuses strictly on basic geochemical and weathering characterisation without referencing industrial, geotechnical, or commercial uses.
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This study aimed at investigating the weathering of the source area and the geochemistry of the soils around Mount Bamboutos, West Region, Cameroon. In this study, soil samples were collected from a depth of 0–40 cm. The soil samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Significant SiO2 (63.37–73.05 wt.%) content recalculated to an anhydrous basis and adjusted to 100% (SiO2 (adj)) indicates the abundance of quartz and kaolinite in soil samples. The enrichment of Al2O3 (9.98–15.12 wt.%) suggests the presence of aluminosilicate minerals such as clay minerals, muscovite, and feldspars. The considerable Fe2O3 (0.01–11.04 wt.%) content relates to the mechanical erosion of ferrallitic soil or to Fe-source rock weathering. The elevated LaN/YbN levels indicate that the soils were derived from heterogeneous source rocks during weathering. The inverse correlation between SiO2 and Fe2O3, MgO, TiO2, and P2O5 indicates the prevalence of heavy minerals, which are likewise influenced by the relative amount of quartz. The positive Ce anomalies may result from the redox conditions. Weathering indices such as the plagioclase index of alteration (PIA: 77.03%–97.75%), Chemical Index of Weathering (CIX: 58.25%–66.83%), chemical weathering index (CIW: 91.31%–99.13%), and chemical index of alternation (CIA: 50%–70%) all signify moderate to intense weathering in the source area, which occurred in hot, humid climatic conditions. This is evidenced by the removal of labile cations (Ca, Na, and K) in relation to stable residual components (Al and Ti). The relatively high Ce anomalies in the soil samples (Ce/Ce* = 0.01 to 7.44; average 2.39) suggest intense chemical weathering.
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DOI: 10.54517/aas3670
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