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Geochemistry of Limestone from the Douala Sub-basin, Cameroon: Implications on Diagenesis, Depositional Environment and Paleotemperature

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Abstract

The geochemistry of limestone from Nkapa and Logbajeck formations, Douala sub-basin, has been studied using major, trace elements and stable isotopes in order to decipher paleo-redox condition, depositional and post-depositional imprints and paleotemperature. Collectively, U/Th Ni/Co, V (V + N), V/Cr and Ce/Ce* ratios clearly indicate an oxic depositional condition for the samples. The ratios of Mn/Sr suggest less significant diagenetic alteration on limestone composition. The carbon isotopic signals δ13C ranged from − 0.26 to 0.86‰ PDB while oxygen isotope δ18O is from − 2.24 to − 7.94‰.‰ PDB. The isotopic composition of δ13C (− 1.9 to 0.79‰) shows a discrepancy from modern carbonate sediments. The poor correlation and scattered distribution of δ13C versus δ18O plot in calcareous sediments reflect different degrees of burial diagenesis and/or the potential impact of meteoric water. The average estimated temperature of formation for the limestone is 44.08 °C revealing a warm period during its deposition. The paleosalinity values (Z) for the studied area vary from 111.45 to 127.11‰ indicating a marine to fresh water depositional environment. The δ13O versus δ18O bivariate diagram indicates that the limestone is predominantly marine limestone, freshwater limestone, late cement and Pleistocene limestone.

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Acknowledgements

This paper is part of the PhD thesis of Ndengwe Alexander Tangwa at the University of Bamenda, Department of Geology, Mining and Environmental Science. The authors are thankful to the Stable Isotope Laboratory, University of Wyoming (USA), for stable isotope analyses. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.

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This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.

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  1. Department of Geology, Mining, and Environmental Science, University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon

    Ndengwe Alexander Tangwa, Njoh Olivier Anoh & Nowel Yinkfu Njamnsi

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  1. Ndengwe Alexander Tangwa
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  2. Njoh Olivier Anoh
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  3. Nowel Yinkfu Njamnsi
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Contributions

NAT participated in the project design, did the field work, sample collection, sample processing, data interpretation and compilation and conceived and wrote the manuscript draft. NOA conceived the project, developed the field work strategy, analytical techniques used and the general data interpretation. Edited, read and amended the manuscript. NNY edited, read and amended the manuscript. All authors read and approved the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Ndengwe Alexander Tangwa.

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Tangwa, N.A., Anoh, N.O. & Njamnsi, N.Y. Geochemistry of Limestone from the Douala Sub-basin, Cameroon: Implications on Diagenesis, Depositional Environment and Paleotemperature. Aquat Geochem 29, 127–143 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10498-023-09413-4

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