SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF SCIENCES

Background: The desire to create a database of research documents providing information about the tracts of gold deposits across the local geological province provides the impetus for a study of the kind being considered here. Geospatial identification of built-up structures within Phase I Development along the Kazaure-Karaukarau-Kushaka-Ilesha Schist Belt, trending through Minna town and its outlying districts, constitutes the veritable reference material desired in this regard. Methods: This study began by segmenting the area of study for ground-based and remotely sensed attribute mapping, using the key reference map from a previous study as the area-of-study guide. A handheld Garmin GPSmap78® global positioning system unit and a standard smartphone with a built-in camera were the key equipment used for the fieldwork. Polygonal-format georeferenced coordinate information was collected at conveniently detached buildings, beginning with the cluster of residential homes at the Staff Quarters, for the ground-based survey. Result: Nine of the ten built-up structure clusters on the path of the Belt in Phase I Development were mapped for this study, as well as six neighborhoods in the Minna built-up area beyond Phase I. The nine clusters occupy almost 40% of the circa 2 km2 areal extent of the Phase I Development. The belt's trend and structures were north-northeast. Discussion: The nine cluster structures in Phase I and the six neighborhoods of Minna identified in this study have been determined to align with the path of the belt. Conclusion: Having now determined that the trace of the belt exits the Campus at the northern sector of the Gidan Kwano village and trends in a long arc beyond the town, this study becomes the desired reference material to be archived and consulted for information relating to gold exploitation in the Minna Area geological province.

Background: Sugarcane juice is an excellent substrate for the growth of a large and diverse microbiota, and poor quality of it can affect the health of consumers. This study aimed to evaluate the acidity parameters of the juice extracted from minimally processed sugarcane at three different points in Cuiabá - MT. Methods: In the juice samples, the following parameters were analyzed: Brix (soluble solids), pH, acetic (volatile) acidity, and sulfuric (total) acidity. Results: All the Brix values were above 18. The pH values were between 5 and 6. The total and volatile acidity was below 0.8. Discussion: The Brix values found in this study are similar to other studies (standard deviation of 1.7). The variety of sugarcane significantly influences the Brix and its sampling period. Inappropriate handling of sugarcane promotes the microbiological decrease of the final product. The pH values were satisfactory, but the changes in temperature in one of the juices (sudden change from 24 to 22.7ºC) caused its pH to differ from the value found for the others. The total and volatile acidity content is related to the storage time of the juice, which can be contaminated by bacteria and microorganisms, affecting the characteristics of the product. When the acidity value is more significant than 0.8, there was a change in these characteristics, which did not happen in this work. Conclusions: The Brix values indicate an adequate maturation of the analyzed juices. The pH values are in the ideal range for sugarcane juice. The volatile and total acidity is in the ideal range, indicating quality standards for sugarcane juice.

Introduction: The detection of methanol in alcoholic beverages represents a critical public health issue, particularly in light of the recent outbreak of poisonings in Brazil, which registered 58 confirmed cases and 15 deaths through October 2025. Methanol's toxicity, with an estimated lethal dose ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 g/kg, requires reliable analytical methods for health surveillance. Brazilian legislation establishes a maximum limit of 20 mg/100 mL of anhydrous alcohol; however, the need for accessible screening methods in field settings remains an important challenge. Objective: To critically compare three analytical methods for methanol determination: classical qualitative methods (Lucas Test and dichromate/Schiff), Brazilian colorimetric method, and gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID), evaluating their performance and applicability in resource-limited contexts. Methods: Theoretical-comparative approach through critical analysis of specialized literature and normative technical documentation. Methods were evaluated according to: operational principle, sensitivity (LOD/LOQ), selectivity, operational complexity, analysis time, and practical applicability. Results: The Lucas Test is not applicable for methanol detection. Colorimetric methods showed moderate sensitivity (LOD ~20-160 mg/100 mL), a 10-30-minute execution time, low operational complexity, and excellent portability. The Brazilian method presented chemical equivalence with international standards, differing only in the type of reading performed. GC-FID has shown superior sensitivity (LOD ≤ 1 mg/100 mL) and high specificity, but it requires extended time (~45-60 minutes), complex laboratory infrastructure, and specialized operators. Sugars interfere with colorimetric methods. Conclusions: The methods are complementary within a hierarchical system. Colorimetric methods enable rapid field screening, while GC-FID serves as the confirmatory method for forensic analyses. We recommend implementing integrated protocols that combine in situ colorimetric screening with GC-FID confirmation in accredited laboratories for effective health surveillance.