Distribution characteristics and health risk assessments in different surface and profile soils near a uranium mine tailings pond of Southeast China

The study investigates the radioactive nuclides ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K in surface and profile soils near the Lefu uranium mine tailings pond in southern China. It is found that concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, and ²³²Th are significantly elevated (4.10, 13.57, 2.83, and 1.90 times the global average, respectively), and they decrease with soil depth, while ⁴⁰K remains stable in both surface and profile. Health risk assessments reveal that all soils in the bordering area and surface soils in nearby areas of the tailings pond poses higher risks, although overall risk levels are low. Correlation analysis indicates a strong positive correlation among ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra and ²³²Th, suggesting a potential common source for them. These findings enhance understanding of contamination in uranium mining areas and inform remediation strategies.