ABSTRACT
The current study evaluates the suitability of Neem (Azadirachta Indica) wood ash as raw material in the production of ceramic bricks for their application in construction. Accordingly, for the fabrication of bricks, compositions were prepared by adding increasing amounts of Neem wood ash (0%, 5%, and 10% in wt.). The specimens were manufactured by mixing clay with a Neem wood ash amendment and subsequently compacted and fired at 850 °C, 950 °C, and 1050 °C. The fired samples were characterized to determine their technological properties. The results indicate that brick formulations containing Neem wood ash decreased the bulk density up to 8%. Water absorption increased up to 10% and porosity also increased up to 20% with wood of ash. These values meet the Turkish TS EN standards for masonry structures. Due to the interesting performances observed, the potential used up to 10 wt% of Neem Wood ash in ceramic formulations of industrial interest was confirmed. Therefore, incorporating ash into a clay material reduces environmental problems and the total cost of raw material disposition. This is very important in the Sahelian zone and it provides a great opportunity for the inhabitants of this zone.
ABSTRACT
This study assessed the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of geophagic clays sold in some markets in Cameroon to ascertain their provenance, contamination status and human health risk. To achieve this, 40 samples from 13 markets in Cameroon were purchased and analysed using X-ray diffractometry, X-ray fluorescence and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for their mineralogy and geochemistry, respectively. The geophagic clays were dominantly made up of kaolinite and quartz. Their chemistry was dominated by SiO2, Al2O3 and LOI with means of 48.76 wt%, 32.12 wt% and 13.93 wt%, respectively. The major, trace and rare earth elements data showed that these geophagic clays were predominantly derived from felsic rocks. The contamination assessment indicated no enrichment of metals from anthropogenic sources, except for Zn in samples from Acacia, Madagascar and Mfoudi markets. The index of geo-accumulation indicated no contamination to moderate contamination of the clays. The non-carcinogenic index values for Fe, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were generally less than 1, suggesting no non-carcinogenic risk exposure to children and adults consuming the geophagic clays from these metals. The carcinogenic risk index (TCR) for Ni and Cr were above 10-6, which implies that children and adults are vulnerable to minimal carcinogenic health risk. The TCR values from Ni posed the highest risk, especially to children consuming clays from some markets.
Subject(s)
Metals, Heavy , Soil Pollutants , Adult , Cameroon , Child , Clay , Environmental Monitoring , Humans , Metals, Heavy/analysis , Risk Assessment , Silicon DioxideABSTRACT
Large quantities of earth materials are consumed daily in Mashau Village; nonetheless, this practice had not been studied. Furthermore, the motivations for this geophagic behaviour in the study area were unclear. Thus, questionnaires were distributed to 200 participants in the study area with the aim of generating data on the motivations of and potential medical conditions associated to this practice. About 91% of the participants were geophagists, of which 98.5% were female. Craving was found to be the main reason (73.9%) why people of the Mashau communities consume soil. The majority of the geophagists in Mashau craved for the soil upon seeing it (31.2%), during pregnancy (22.5%) and when experiencing sleeplessness (21%). About 60% of the geophagists had chronic illnesses, and they were diagnosed with headaches (31.6%), low haemoglobin level (29.9%), constipation (18.8%), iron deficiency (12.0%) and high blood pressure (7.7%). There is a concern that the soil from the study area may be adversely affecting individuals ingesting these soils. Since females mostly reported practicing geophagia, counselling and education of women and girls would be a useful public health measure. Soil characterisation and beneficiation for healthy geophagic practices should also be carried out at Mashau Village.
