Abstract
This study is the first attempt to assess the source area weathering, tectonic setting and trace metal enrichment in Wabane soils, Mount Bamboutos, Cameroon based on geochemical data. Twelve soil samples were analysed for major and trace elements using inductive couple plasma mass spectrometry and mineral content by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Mineralogical investigation of soil samples indicate the present of plagioclase and pyroxene as primary minerals and kaolinite and gibbsite as secondary minerals. Chemical investigation revealed high concentrations of SiO2 (adj), Al2O3 and Fe2O3 in soil samples. Weathering indices (CIW, PIA, CIA and CIX) indicate moderate to intense weathering in source area; supported by Ruxton index (SiO2/Al2O3) and K₂O/Na₂O ratios, prevailing during hot humid pre-depositional period and reflect by removal of labile cations (Ca, Na, K) relative to stable residual constituents (Al and Ti). The Log (Fe2O3/K2O) versus log (SiO2/Al2O3) plot reveals mainly wacke and litharenite, consistent with the dominant aluminous siliceous composition of the parent rocks and soils. The tectonic setting discrimination plots indicate that alluvial sediments, parent material of soils, originate from an active continental margin while the discriminant function-based multidimensional tectonic diagram indicate continental rift setting suggesting that parent materials are from the Pan-African basement of the Central African Fold Belt. Trace metal enrichment indicate predominantly geogenic sources of trace metals in soils of Wabane, Mount Bamboutos, Cameroon. Weathering may result in the undesirable accumulation of certain trace elements which adversely can contaminate the soils and affect agriculture.