MMs (metals and metalloids) based 238U, 226Ra, 232Th,40 K contamination and health risk assessments in different surface soils near an uranium mine of Southeast China
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose
The radionuclides pollution base on MMs (metals and metalloids) near uranium mines has been drawing broad attention, but the extent of their impact on soil and human health is still unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and health risk assessments of 238U, 226Ra, 232Th and 40 K base on MMs (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) in different surface soils near an uranium mine.
Materials and methods
Surface soil samples were extracted from 35 representative sites near the Lefu uranium mine. Radionuclides and MMs were measured using high-purity germanium (HPGe) N-type coaxial detector and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, respectively. Pollution status was evaluated using DR, Raeq, AEDE, Hext, and ELCR for radionuclides and Pi, Igeo, RI and health risk index for MMs. Their correlation was analyzed through Pearson/Spearman correlation analysis.
Results and discussion
The average activity concentration of 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, and 40 K are 504, 1227, 118, and 769 Bq·kg−1 respectively and the average concentration of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb are 200, 33.9, 41.3, 132, 18.4, 0.26, and 78.7 mg·kg−1, respectively. Values of DR, Raeq, AEDE, Hext, and ELCR all exceed the world average to varying degrees and values of Pi, Igeo, RI and the health risk index are within the acceptable ranges. Correlation analyses showed that 238U, 226Ra, 232Th and Pb are strongly correlated (correlation coefficient > 0.6) with each other.
Conclusions
On the basis of the obtained values, it can be concluded that generally higher radionuclides and MMs were distributed near the Lefu uranium. There are potential health risks associated with the elevated radioactivity. The overall situation of MMs is controllable, however, particular attention is warranted for Cr and Cd, as they approach values-at-risk. The strong correlations between 238U, 226Ra, 232Th and Pb imply a uniform pollution level or a possible shared source.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Soils and Sediments (JSS) is devoted to soils and sediments; it deals with contaminated, intact and disturbed soils and sediments. JSS explores both the common aspects and the differences between these two environmental compartments. Inter-linkages at the catchment scale and with the Earth’s system (inter-compartment) are an important topic in JSS. The range of research coverage includes the effects of disturbances and contamination; research, strategies and technologies for prediction, prevention, and protection; identification and characterization; treatment, remediation and reuse; risk assessment and management; creation and implementation of quality standards; international regulation and legislation.