Geochemical Exploration (Geol.

651) Lab

Objective: estimate the amount of Zn in the ash of twigs of Acacia nilotica*. The initial
weight of twigs was 200grams, after complete ashing, 20grams mass left as ash.

Procedure: weigh exactly 1.0000gm of moisture-free ash sample and transfer in a 250 ml glass
beaker. Add 1ml concentrated HNO 3, keep warm for some time, add ~100ml distilled water and
warmed. The solution was filtered through No. 1 filter paper and the residue was washed with hot
distilled water and the filtrate was collected in a 250ml volumetric flask.
Pipette out 100ml original solution using a pipette into a 250 ml glass beaker, to remove R 2O3. Add a
small piece of red litmus paper, a pinch of NH 4Cl and 1:1 NH4OH gradually, until precipitates are
formed. The solution was filtered through No. 1 filter paper and the filtrate was collected in a 250ml
volumetric flask.
Pipette out 50ml R2O3 removed solution, using a pipette into a 250 ml glass beaker. Add a pinch of
Ascorbic Acid, little KCN, a metal indicator (Eriochrome Black T) and buffer of 10pH, till the colour
of the solution turns red. Titrate this solution against 0.01M EDTA, until the colour changes from
wine red to sky blue. Note the volume of EDTA consumed in the titration (ml). The volume will
represent the amount of Ca+Mg in the Acacia nilotica ash.
Add 10ml formaldehyde (CH2O), de-masking reagent. The solution turns red again, further titrate
with 0.01M EDTA until the colour changes from wine red to sky blue. Note the volume of EDTA
consumed in the titration (ml). The volume will represent the amount of Zn in the Acacia nilotica ash.

Assignment: let suppose, the volume of EDTA consumed in the Zn titration is (0.9ml),
calculate the amount of Zn in the ash of Acacia nilotica tree and interpret this amount as a
possible anomalous value. Take help from following supplementary materials, online
lectures, labs, books and the internet. Submit the soft copy of the assignment, maximum by
July 26, 2020.
Supplementary Materials

*Acacia nilotica is one of the most common wild and native flora of Saharo-Sindian region. In Urdu, it is
known as Babool or Keekar. Acaia nilotica is a moderate-sized perennial (evergreen) tree that grows up to 20m.
It has a flattish or umbrella-shaped crown (Fig. 1a). Leaves are small (30-40mm) and compound (Fig. 1b).
Spines (thorns) thin, straight, light-grey, usually in pairs, 5–7.5 cm long (Fig. 1c). Flowers are small globules
and golden-yellow (Fig. 1c). Pods straight or slightly curved, 5–15 cm long, contain 5-8 seeds.

Collection Site: Acacia nilotica is commonly distributed in Pakistan. The samples (Twigs) were collected from
east of Bela Town, where mafic and ultramafic rocks of Bela ophiolites are exposed. These rocks are associated
with volcanogenic massive sulfide, containing Cyprus-type Zn and Cu deposits. Furthermore, Jurassic
sedimentary rocks (Ferozabad Group) also have significant Zn deposits at Duddar and Juri in Lasbela District.

Biogeochemistry: The twigs of Acacia nilotica contains an appreciable quantity of Zn (~800mg/kg) in the Bela
region while it is reported less (600mg/kg) in the Winder area. Worldwide, Zn in twigs >570mg/kg is
considered as anomalous for biogeochemical prospecting of Zn in an area.

Fig. 1a) Acacia nilotica tree Fig. 1b) Compound leaves Fig. 1c) Flowers Fig. 1d) Seed pods