Abstract: The X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of geological materials requires a robust analytical method because a large variety of elements to determine can be present in each sample and the concentration range of each one can be very large. In order to extract the maximum accuracy from the measured XRF intensities, a Fundamental Parameters (FP) method is proposed, but an adapted one to such an analytical context. The proposed adapted FP method consists of an appropriate sample preparation, a unique concentration calculation method and calibration procedure. It includes also a management of volatile components.

Abstract: Malaria is one of the major public health problems in Zimbabwe. The research was aimed at deriving a predictive model for malaria epidemiology in the Masvingo province of Zimbabwe at a scale that is sensitive to local changes in risk factors. Eight risk factors were used in the model build up. Each risk factor was first spatially classified in a geographic information system (GIS) according to how it promotes malaria incidence. The factors were then weighted using a pair wise comparison matrix which is part of analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The final malaria prediction model was then prepared by combining all risk factors and their derived weights through the index overlay model in a GIS. Results showed that northern districts of Chivi, Masvingo and Gutu have the least risk of malaria epidemic while as the southern districts of Chiredzi and Mwenezi have the highest risk. In terms of area, places classified as low risk covered 18.86%, moderate risk 35.67% and high risk 45.45% of the total area of the province. Predictions made by the derived model compared favourably with observations from field trials, health clinics and other models being used in Zimbabwe but had finer spatial coverage than previous models.

Abstract: Sediments from the Kolmani River -1 well in the Gongola Basin, Northern Benue Trough, Nigeria, have been analyzed for palynomorphs from 900 ft to 9140ft. The main lithologies encountered in the well consist of sandstones, sandy shales, mudstones and siltstones. The result of the pollen analysis shows that angiospermous pollens and pteridophyte spores dominate the five palynological Assemblage Zones delineated in the well. Each zone represents a time stratigraphic unit.correlatable to the identified lithostratigraphic units penetrated by the well. The Aquilapollenites minimus Assemblage Zone (Late Maastrichtian) correlates with the Kerri Kerri Formation. The Longapertites marginatus Assemblage Zone (Early Maastrichtian – Late Campanian) correlates with the Gombe Formation. The Dictyophyllidites harrisii Assemblage Zone (Early Santonian), the Syncolporites subtilis Assemblage Zone (Coniacian) and upper part of the Steevesipollenites binodosus Assemblage correlate with the Pindiga Formation while the lower Steevesipollenites binodosus Assemblage Zone (Turonian – Cenomanian) correlates with the Yolde Formation. The absence of the Late Santonian confirms the presence of the Santonian unconformity in the northern Benue Trough. Based on quantitative and qualitative biostratigraphic and sedimentological analyses, the overall depositional environment of the analyzed interval of the well varies from coastal plain/estuarine to open marine.

Abstract: Soil erosion not only makes agricultural lands unproductive, it also contributes to sedimentation of water bodies leading to the eventual filling up of these water bodies. The control of sedimentation in reservoirs requires that the potentially significant sources of sediments be known and characterised. Knowledge of the spatial variations in the erosion hazard of a catchment is a good starting point. Using the Soil Loss Estimation Model for Southern Africa (SLEMSA) within a Geographic Information System (GIS), we characterized the spatial variations in erosion hazard in the Runde catchment in Zimbabwe. Results from this study show that the greater part of the catchment (around 64%) is in the moderate to negligible erosion hazard classes. Around 17% of the total catchment is in the moderately high to extremely high categories. We concluded that under the current land cover and land use regimes, water bodies in the Runde catchment are not at risk from abnormal rates of sedimentation.