Biogeochemistry using Melastoma Malabathricum and fern from mineralised area in Sokor, Kelantan

Abstract

This research is about biogeochemistry which investigates the relationship of heavy metals concentration contained within plants versus soil samples in the selected area of Sokor, Kelantan. The identified lithology of the study area is argillaceous and calcareous units and the geological structures of folding which contribute to the current bed dipping and hydrothermal alteration through joint infilling has indicated an ore deposit region. Four sets of soil and plant samples had been collected and characterized through X-Ray Diffraction, X-Ray Fluorescence and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry respectively. The main composition of soil is clay minerals, kaolinite, dickite and pyrophyliite which can indicate argillic alteration and possible supergene enrichment for ore deposition. Phyllic alteration has also been found in area close to the study area with mineral assemblage of pyrite, quartz and sericite. A relationship between the geomorphology, plant morphology and the ore element content in the soil also have been discussed. The metal elements concentration is found higher in lower elevation except aluminium and iron; the differential morphology of Melastoma Malabathricum can indicate iron concentration in the soil.