Abstract:
The basic intent of this study was to carry out geochemical and stereoscopic
analysis of alluvial sediments in major tributaries of River Swat for gold and heavy
metals concentration. Six samples from major tributaries were collected and then
panned to get desired sample concentration. The samples were then taken to the
Centralized Resource Laboratory, University of Peshawar for further tests, where
sample was dried in oven then crushed into powder followed by digestion and
filtration process. Filtered sample was then examined with the atomic absorption
spectrometer to find out the concentration of gold. A portion of concentration of each
sample was examined under Olympus SZ61 stereoscope for stereoscopic analysis.
Each sample is treated carefully using modern methods. The result of geochemical
analysis shows that Khwazakhela, Harnoi, Ugodh and Shamozai have minor
concentration of gold present. Stereoscopic analysis shows that the major minerals
present in each tributary are magnetite, emerald, quartz and feldspar, whereas trace
minerals are tourmaline, lapis lazuli, garnet and pyrite.
