Geochemical exploration of gold and heavy metals in stream sediments from major tributaries of River Swat, Pakistan

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.