Termite mound as a biogeochemical tool for mineral exploration: A case study from a part of Nellore mica schist belt, Andhra Pradesh, India

In the famous Nellore mica belt area, concentrations of major and trace elements were determined in termite mounds and their adjacent surface soils. A biogeochemical parameter called "Biological Absorption Coefficient" (BAC) [ratio of concentration of the element in the termite mound (C-TS) to that of its adjoining soils (C-SS)] of these mounds is computed which helps in the evaluation of the mounds in biogeochemical orientation surveys. These studies reveal that the mounds exhibit indicator characteristics for Fe, Al, Na, P, Cu, Zn, Co, Ba, Cr, Li, Ni, Be, V, Y, Ce and La for use as tool in mineral exploration.