Environment Protection and Climate Change by Khalid Tarawneh
Jordan has huge limestone reserves which are used to produce aggregates for construction purposes... more Jordan has huge limestone reserves which are used to produce aggregates for construction purposes. These reserves are very important economic sectors in Jordan, but many of these reserves belong to quarries that are located near urban territories. The mining operation type is mainly open cast and this activity has fugitive dust sources that contribute to increasing air quality levels in the urban areas around the quarries. Many of the biggest quarries in Jordan surrounded with urban territories are located in the north of Jordan district Irbid (Sammad area). Due to the quarrying activities, especially those from limestone quarrying (e.g. drilling and blasting, excavation, and transportation) in North Irbid, it is noticed that there is a primary source of an increased level of particulate matter (PM10), which leads to a potential representing pollution to the surrounding areas. PM consists of very small liquid and solid particles floating in the air with a diameter less than 10 microns that are subject to be inhaled into the deepest parts of the lung, and subsequently cause harmful health problems for population. PM10 dust re-suspension factors of the surrounding areas near the limestone quarries close to Sammad area/Irbid province were measured for different seasons at two station areas: Shatana and Rahma. To obtain data and assessment of the impact from this source, measurements included PM10 mass, particle size distributions, wind speed, and wind direction. The results showed that PM10 concentrations could be as high as 130 μg/m3, and that most of the airborne PM was in the coarse fraction. The results revealed that in winter season during the workday, the concentration of PM10 was equal to or below the Jordanian standard, while in summer season during workday the concentration of PM10 was over the Jordanian standard. However, forward trajectories showed that pollutants were attributed to the mining activities inside the quarries and distributed outside the mining area surrounding with urban territories.
Papers by Khalid Tarawneh
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 2022
Surface water quality is largely influenced by both natural processes and anthropogenic inputs. T... more Surface water quality is largely influenced by both natural processes and anthropogenic inputs. This study involves the characterization of the concentration of heavy metals of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn, and the sources of pollution in water and sediment of the Upper Litani River Basin (ULRB) in Lebanon. The investigation was performed during three seasons of rainy, mid-rainy spring and wet periods for two years during different flow rates. Sediments were characterized by a set of chemical analyses, cation exchange capacity (CEC), mineralogy of the sediments, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). To assess metal contamination in sediment, Consensus-Based Sediment Quality Guidelines of Wisconsin (CBSQG) were applied. The metals contamination in the sediments was also evaluated by contamination factor (Cf). The test results showed that the effect of seasonal variations was significant in the Upper Litani River Basin. Principal Compound Analysis (PCA) and Pearson's correlation were also performed in this study to compare and determine the correlation between metals in water and sediments. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr and Zn in all sediment samples are above the norms in winter, while Fe was increased in summer. The results showed that the importance of monitoring of changes of heavy metals values and physico-chemical characterization of different parameters could represent the possibility of a comprehensive assessment of negative pressures on the water and soil ecosystem of Litani River Basin during different seasons.
Open Journal of Civil Engineering, 2022
Due to the mass demand for excellent construction materials for infrared and super structures in ... more Due to the mass demand for excellent construction materials for infrared and super structures in Jordan, intensive field and laboratory works were carried out to determine the quality of basalt as a source for construction uses or as aggregate materials. Representative basaltic samples were collected from four quarries in Harrat Ash Shaam Basalt (HASB), northeast Jordan (Al-Azraq, Tel-Hassan, Q'a-Khanna and Al-Aritayin). Necessary and accentual quality control tests were carried out on 17 samples of basalt to determine the physical and mechanical properties of target samples, whereas petrographic and chemical analysis for some representative samples have been carried out using a polarizing microscope and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). This study aims to focus on the main engineering characteristics of the basalt rocks and to shed some light on their properties. This work represents the results of petrographic and chemical analysis, tests of abrasion, absorption, specific gravity, unit weight and void ratio, sieve analysis (gradation), soundness, flakiness and elongation indices, pulse velocity and compressive strength. Petrographic studies show that the basalt is characterized by a presence mainly of calcicplagioclase feldspar, pyroxene-augite and olivine. The composition of the basaltic samples reflects ultrabasic-basic (Basanite-Tholeiitic basalt type). The basalt is characterized by higher specific gravity, lower absorption and medium abrasion loss values, and resistance to corrosion, with medium to high compressive strength. The results of the studied physical and mechanical properties of the basalt that have been tested comply with the standard requirements. In most of the studies, basalt has good physical and mechanical properties that can be used for engineering applications.
International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering, 2019
The benefits and impacts of mineral resource extraction and processing in Jordan are changing and... more The benefits and impacts of mineral resource extraction and processing in Jordan are changing and whilst our vast endowment of phosphate will not be exhausted soon, extraction and production are becoming more challenging. This paper establishes a conceptual analysis of peak phosphate as a powerful tool and it uses Gompertz and logistic models for measuring Jordan's phosphate peak year, peak production and depletion time. Our results showed that based on logistic and Gompertz models results, Jordan's phosphate is likely to peak in 2044 and 2048, respectively. Phosphate production has already passed the peak year in Al-Hasa and Al-Abiad mines. The logistic model for Jordan phosphate which has a peak year of 2048 and a production volume of 15.2 million tonnes matched exactly the Gompertz model for Al-Shidiyah mine which confirms that Jordan's future phosphate production will totally depend on Al-Shidiyah mine.
Open Journal of geology, 2016
Jordan's mining sector is considered the cornerstone to the Jordanian economy. It plays a vital r... more Jordan's mining sector is considered the cornerstone to the Jordanian economy. It plays a vital role in growth of many other important sectors in the economy and contributes to the Jordan's standard of living. The mining industry in Jordan is dominated by the production of phosphate, potash, building and decoration stones, glass sand and other nonmetallic resources. Recently, Jordan has been ranked as the sixth largest producer and the second largest exporter of phosphate, the fourth largest producer and the second largest exporter of potash, and has the 5th largest oilshale reserves in the world. Also, Jordan has sustainable amounts of uranium around 3% of the world resources. The main objective of this research is to focus on the present status of mining industry in Jordan with the aim to emphasis the most important industries, and its effect on the economy of Jordan in order to generate new wealth depends on its mineral endowment. A literature review has been carried out by reviewing the most published articles and the publicly available reports published by various Jordanian Institutions as well as from the private sector. The author reveals that there are many positive outlooks which are looming with an increasing domestic added value along with investing in other areas, such as feldspar, clays, travertine, gypsum, zirconium, uranium, copper and rare earth elements (REE). This requires activating the exploitation of many other untapped mineral resources in the country to achieve a progress that works for meeting the global great demands worldwide. In this context, successive governments have put effort into policies that promote and facilitate investment in the mining sector in Jordan. A comprehensive outlook of the mining sector in Jordan has been discussed in this article. The author also highlighted the opportunities and threats in this sector and more important dilemmas focused on what needs to be carried out by the Jordanian government, including important recommendations to encourage investment in this field and inspire investors in the mining industry in Jordan.
The Cenozoic continental basaltic rocks exposed in northeast Jordan are the northern extension of... more The Cenozoic continental basaltic rocks exposed in northeast Jordan are the northern extension of the North Arabian Province, which covers a total of more than 46,000 km2, of which 12000 km2 are only in Jordan. The mineral resources of the Badia region in northeast Jordan are very important to the national economy of Jordan, due to the fact that unlimited reserves of industrial commodities are widely distributed in the region. Therefore, one of this research aims of this map is to indicate the occurrences and distribution of the mineral resources in the northern Badia Region. To facilitate study, evaluate and exploit these resources for the investors in this sector. The idea was to shed light the location of the previously indicated mineral resources and to indicate the location and distribution of the newly discovered localities during this mapping project. The paper summarizes the available data published on the mineral commodity and the results of the analysis, which were carried...
Natural Resources, 2020
A semi-precious stone is known as a gem or gemstone (also a jewel, a gem, a precious stone), whic... more A semi-precious stone is known as a gem or gemstone (also a jewel, a gem, a precious stone), which is a portion of mineral in refined and cut form that could be used to create a jewelry or other embellishments. A gem also can be defined as any mineral that is highly prized for its beauty, durability, and rarity, is used for personal adornment and has been enhanced in some manner by altering its shape usually by cutting and polishing. Semi-precious stones occurred as xenolithes are widespread in Jordan within different source of rocks. High grade of copper as malachite and chrysocolla and plancheite is suitable for gemstone manufacture found in Finan area. High purity of garnet can be found in metamorphic rocks in Wadi Araba area, whereas xenoliths of pyroxene, olivine and spinel-perioditite and garnet are wide spread in basalt and pyroclastic materials in northeast Jordan. The studied semi-precious stones are part of the Miocene alkali basaltic rocks that covered the northeastern part of Jordan within Harrat Al-Shaam Basaltic Super Group Plateau concentrated mainly in volcanic centers and volcaniclastic materials of Aritian, Hassan, Ufiyahim and Bishriyya formations. Some of these xenoliths and xenocrysts can be considered as semi-precious stones. This study is focused on characterization of petrography, mineralogy and geochemistry of these semi-precious stones like olivine, pyroxene and garnet xenoliths that have been collected from selected areas in northeast Jordan. The samples were analyzed by polarizing microscope, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Cutting and polishing tests have shown that some of the studied xenoliths are suitable for manufacturing attractively colored gemstones and could be considered as semi-precious stones. The geological chances for the discovery of some hundreds of tons of these gemstone-raw materials are considered to be good in volcaniclastic materials that are associated within different volcanic centers at How to cite this paper: Tarawneh, K., Alnawafleh, H. and Yasin, I.B. (2020) Mineralogical Studies on Some Selected Semi-Precious Stones from Northeast Jordan. Natural Resources, 11, 168-183.
Journal of Geography and Geology, 2013
This is the first study focuses on the characteristics of newly discovered subsurface oil shale d... more This is the first study focuses on the characteristics of newly discovered subsurface oil shale deposit in Isfir Al-Mahata Area in the southern part of Jordan. This area considered as one of the promising oil shale resources that are located in the southern region. This study aims through mineralogical and geochemical analyses to shed light on the characteristics of this potential resource. Oil shale is described as bituminous chalk marl phosphatic rich at the bottom. A total of 115 meters of oil shale were penetrated and recorded. Oil content is about 6% in the first 80 meters and increases to 11% in the remaining part. Petrography indicates that the oil shale of this borehole is foraminiferal wackestone changes to grainstone in the lowermost part. Amorphous organic matter is filling foram's cavities and dispersed within the mineral matrix. The later consists mainly of calcite with minor amounts of quartz, clay and apatite. With exception of the lower most part, major and minor elements oxides reveals minor variation indicate stagnant formational conditions. High terrestrial input contribution is expected.
Geosciences research, May 30, 2020
Lebanon is a small mountainous country with a typical Mediterranean climate with a large spatial ... more Lebanon is a small mountainous country with a typical Mediterranean climate with a large spatial variability of rainfall, a substantial amount of which is in the form of snow. In addition, the country is strongly urbanized with a great anthropic pressure on the water resources. the cost of waterresources degradation in the Upper Litani River Basin (ULRB) was estimated at $227 million, which is equivalent, on average, to 2.2% of the GDP in the ULRB and 0.5% of the GDP at the current national GDP of Lebanon. The contamination of groundwater in the lower Litani River Basin (LLRB) has in recent years become highly vulnerable. Thus, anthropogenic pressure, high infiltration of karistic aquifer features, and excessive usage of fertilizers resulted in extensive pollution stress. This article aims to understand ground water quality of the LLRB by studying the physicochemical characteristics of ground water, the levels of bacteria and heavy metals in this river. In addition to evaluate the influence of human activities on groundwater quality at different sites. Microbiological pollution was dominant in all sites unlike the heavy metals pollution, which was detected through the presence of lead and copper parameters solely. Elevated levels of sulfate and calcium were perceived in all sites with the total absence of phosphate. High levels of nitrate was found in all localities, except in Chhour (1, 2, 3), Arzoun (1 and 2) and Kaakeih el Jese. As for lead, high levels were predominant everywhere except in Tar Felsai, Chhour (3), Arzoun (1 and 2) and Kaakeih el Jeser sites. Ammonium levels were low in Borj Rahal, and Ain Abou Abdallah (2). The principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the Zahrani site is the most polluted. Most sources of pollution are related to wastewater discharges, agricultural activities and industrial activities. In addition to monitoring groundwater quality, it is of prime importance to consider it as an integral component for the management of water resources of the lower Litani basin.
The feldspar deposits in Jordan are belong to the alkali granite rocks type, as leucogranite, fel... more The feldspar deposits in Jordan are belong to the alkali granite rocks type, as leucogranite, feldspar pegmatites and alkali-rich granite, occurring as medium to coarse-graine d, light colored igneous rocks such as aplite and alaskite, respectively. They are characterized by granite composition and low content of iron-bearing mafic minerals. The paper aims to evaluate the feldspar of the plutonic rocks in southwest Jordan, particularly in Wadi Sadir Al-Mulghan and adjacent areas, and to shed light on investment opportunities of this ore with aim to be used in building tiles, ceramic, glass and other applications. The feldspar has a lower content of mafic minerals and a higher content of alkalis (K2O+Na2O), comparing with the other localities of feldspar ore deposits in southwestern Jordan. A review and interpretation of geology, mineralogy, petrography and chemical composition of the feldspar ore in these areas are discussed in this work.
Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 2014
Applied Surface Science, 2012
ABSTRACT Two organic–inorganic hybrid sol–gel coatings were developed in order to modify the surf... more ABSTRACT Two organic–inorganic hybrid sol–gel coatings were developed in order to modify the surface energy and moisture behaviour of the commercial impregnated paper. The surface characteristics of the paper samples were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (ATR-FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS). It was found that the applied sol–gel coatings as well as the curing process changed the surface structural and chemical properties of the impregnated paper. The chemical bonding between the hydroxyl groups present on paper surface and silanol groups from sol–gel coatings was confirmed by the FTIR spectra. The measured surface energies divided into polar and dispersive components indicated that the coating B resulted in less polar surface than did the coating A which was more polar than the reference (the impregnated paper with water and heat treatment). Coating B brought about the lowest total surface energy. It was obtained that the water repellence of the impregnated paper was improved by both coatings and the curing process.
International Journal of Geosciences, 2015
Petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical investigations were carried out on representative sam... more Petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical investigations were carried out on representative samples from the Mudawwara-Quwayra Dike (MQD) in southern Jordan. The MQD intruded Paleozoic and Cretaceous rocks as sub-vertical basaltic plugs, striking NW-SE along a fault zone and extending for more than 100 km. The MQD forms irregularly positive features, and is represented by symmetrical, elliptical, elongated or circular hills. It comprises thin basaltic layers intercalated with pyroclastics and inclusions of different size and lithology, including limestone, sandstone, phosphate, quartzite, and marble. Petrographically, the rock exhibits phyric, porphyritic, vitrophyric and locally glomerophyritic textures manifested by plagioclase, clinopyroxene and rare olivine and set in a matrix of plagioclase, pyroxene, brown glass and opaque phases. Clinopyroxene and olivine phenocyrsts show disequilibrium textures such as reaction/resorbed rims in the forms of corroded ends. The paragenetic sequence shows that olivine is the first phase to be crystallized and coexisting with pyroxene at sometime, while pyroxene continues crystallization. Plagioclase might have crystallized in contemporaneous later than the pyroxene. The MQD rocks are classified as basalt and exhibit a narrow range of silica with a unique subalkaline affinity. This is most probably attributed to assimilation of the abundant siliciclastic inclusions by the ascending magma. Emplacement of the MQD is attributed to regional phase of magmatism in Jordan and Saudi Arabia, which is probably the peripheral extension of a large magmatic event widely exposed in the Red Sea realm.
Jordan has huge limestone reserves which are used to produce aggregates for construction pur-pose... more Jordan has huge limestone reserves which are used to produce aggregates for construction pur-poses. These reserves are very important economic sectors in Jordan, but many of these reserves belong to quarries that are located near urban territories. The mining operation type is mainly open cast and this activity has fugitive dust sources that contribute to increasing air quality levels in the urban areas around the quarries. Many of the biggest quarries in Jordan surrounded with urban territories are located in the north of Jordan district Irbid (Sammad area). Due to the qua-rrying activities, especially those from limestone quarrying (e.g. drilling and blasting, excavation, and transportation) in North Irbid, it is noticed that there is a primary source of an increased level of particulate matter (PM10), which leads to a potential representing pollution to the surrounding areas. PM consists of very small liquid and solid particles floating in the air with a diameter less than 10 mic...
ABSTRACT. The occurrences deposits of the zeolitic tuff were studied in four areas through detail... more ABSTRACT. The occurrences deposits of the zeolitic tuff were studied in four areas through detailed geological mapping at a scale 1:50.000 in northeast Jordan and through exploration project. These deposits covered large areas and characterized by rich content, lateral and vertical homogenous distribution of the zeolite minerals. The zeolites are an abundant constituent in these deposits, which form more than 50 % of the rock. A detailed field investigation was carried out along systematic horizontal and vertical sampling and subsurface samples from boreholes and trenches. A detailed petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical investigations including XRD, XRF, optical, electron microscopy, binocular microscope, polarizing microscope and SEM were carried out on the samples to understand the nature of the zeolite minerals of these deposits. The new zeolitic tuff deposits are of commercial value due to the high content of the zeolite minerals, contain large grain size zeolite minerals...
Jordan limestone has a broad distribution and occurs in several stratigraphic levels. It is used ... more Jordan limestone has a broad distribution and occurs in several stratigraphic levels. It is used for construction of composite wall for aesthetic purposes, as thin polished tiles (marble), floor tiles and monumental architecture or dry stonewalling that characterizes the countrysideof Jordan buildings. The main goal of this study is to characterize the limestone rocks in Ma'an area in southern part of Jordan and to assess their suitability for building stone. For this purpose a detailed geological, petrographic and physico-mechanical tests were carried out on some representative samples of this area aiming at establishing a better understanding of the important properties of these rocks. It is shown that the controlling factor of the classification of Ma'an area limestone is the uniaxial
A preliminary investigation of geological conditions carried out to locate potential sites for re... more A preliminary investigation of geological conditions carried out to locate potential sites for repositories for high- and medium- level radioactive wastes. These sites should have potentially being able to provide satisfactory conditions for radioactive waste disposal. Therefore, large effort has been done to review and study the foreign experience in this field. To characterise the properties of the host rock, extensive laboratory investigations have been performed using various geological, petrographycal, mineralogical, physical and mechanical tests. Three recommended areas have been selected, the basalt in northeast Jordan, 30 Km north of Safawi city. The second area is the limestone from Ma’an area, and the third area is the granite from Aqaba area. Detailed geological, petrographyical, mineralogical, and physico-mechanical tests have been carried out for each rock from the selected areas. All results are discussed in this study. Keywords: Nuclear waste, Geological disposal, The...
Journal of Environment and Earth Science
This study focused on the geology, stratigraphy and structure of the Ma'an area at the coordinate... more This study focused on the geology, stratigraphy and structure of the Ma'an area at the coordinates: 350 30/350 45 / E 300 00/-300 15/ N. Field and laboratory studies have been carried out with aim to get a better understanding on the main geological features at the study area. Therefore, the importance of this study is due to the fact that Jordan is witnessing an expansion in investment in the extractive and exploration industries, and Ma'an Governorate is considered as a huge reservoir of mineral and industrial rocks that will play an important role on mining industries in Jordan. Rocks like phosphate, limestone, coquina, clay, dolomite, sandstone and different types of aggregates are the main source for many industries in the area.The study area is located at 210 km south of Amman and is covered mainly by sedimentary rocks. This study includes a detailed explanation of the sedimentary rocks covering the whole area, including the Ajloun group which consist the Wadi Sir Limestone Formation, and the Balqa group which consist the following formations: Umm Al-Ghudran, Amman Silisicified Limestone, Al Hisa Phosphorite, Muwaqqar Chalk Marl and Umm Rijam Chert Limestone, as well as the lake sediments which appear in different localities in the study area .The study also includes the most important geological structures, where the most prominent direction of these structures are the north-south, northeastsouthwest, northwest and southeast faults, with few folds in different parts of the region.
Journal of Analytical Sciences, Methods and Instrumentation, 2016
Surface and subsurface oil shale (OS) rocks in Jordan have potential economic value for the count... more Surface and subsurface oil shale (OS) rocks in Jordan have potential economic value for the country and still unutilized. This research paper focuses on central and southern OS deposits in Jordan. Brief characterization of four OS deposits is presented. Size distribution test and elemental analysis were performed. Shale oil was extracted via three solvation methods: Soxhlet extraction, extraction via mixing and stirring, and lastly super-critical fluid extraction. Major shale oil fractions were obtained from extract fractionation on chromatographic column. The nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy technique was used to study qualitatively the fractional composition of OS extract. Results show that all studied OS deposits have quite similar trend in their particle size distribution and their elemental composition. These OS deposits are found to be varying in their solvation behavior, fractional yield, and shale oil composition. Highest yield is obtained from polar solvents. The OS extraction via solvation processes is promising under certain extraction conditions such as super-critical conditions. The solvation variability of Jordanian OS indicates that different extraction techniques suit different OS deposits. Such variability should be considered in any future extraction options.
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Environment Protection and Climate Change by Khalid Tarawneh
Papers by Khalid Tarawneh