Thin section photomicrographs of rock samples from Lodwar and its environs, Turkana County, Kenya

Ten of 69 rock samples collected during a comprehensive geological mapping exercise in Lodwar (Turkana County, Kenya) conducted in February and May 2018 were petrographically analyzed. Thin sections were prepared at the Department of Mines and Geology laboratory using standard mounting techniques. The thin sections underwent detailed petrographic analysis to characterize mineral composition, texture, and rock fabric. Quality control measures included careful preparation of samples to avoid contamination, adherence to standard procedures for mounting and polishing, and detailed microscopy observations to ensure accurate interpretation of mineralogical and textural properties in the rock samples.

The petrographic analysis facilitated the identification of key minerals within the rock samples, such as quartz, feldspar, and various silicates, which play a significant role in determining the chemical behavior of the rocks. The mineralogical composition has direct implications for groundwater quality, as it affects the leaching processes and the subsequent chemical composition of the groundwater. For instance, the presence of reactive minerals may influence the concentration of ions in the groundwater, impacting water quality and potentially affecting its suitability for consumption and agricultural use. Understanding these mineralogical characteristics is essential for predicting the interactions between rock formations and groundwater chemistry in the region.

Related publications include: Tanui, F., Olago, D., Dulo, S., Ouma, G. & Kuria. Z. (2021). Petrography and Geochemistry of the Rocks in Lodwar, Kenya and their Influences on Groundwater Quality. Africa Journal of Physical Sciences Vol. 6, pp. 15-44. https://uonjournals.uonbi.ac.ke/ojs/index.php/ajps/article/view/1026/932 (https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:775da78c-a7a7-47bf-b296-9ac5e88948f7)