Statistical Analysis Of Trace Element Concentrations In Shale – Carbonate Sediments From Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Principal component and regression analysis of geochemical data in sampled shale – carbonate sediments in Guyuk, Northeastern Nigeria reveal enrichments of four predictor elements, Ni, Co, Cr and Cu to gypsum mineralisation. Ratios of their enrichments are Cu(10:1), Ni(8:1), Co(58:1) and Cr(30:1) The >70% intercorrelations between these elements plus >32% common factor loading and observed significant regression of Ca and Fe on Cu, Cr, Ni and Co depicts strong association between these trace elements and process of gypsum mineralisation.

Keywords: intercorrelations, regression, factor analysis, predictor elements, gypsum, shale.

Global Journal of Geological Sciences Vol. 6 (2) 2008: pp. 95-104