Abstract
In recent years, heavy metal contamination in the environment has been attracted worldwide attention due to their toxicity, persistence, extensive sources and non- biodegradable properties. We herein investigate variation trend and risk of heavy metal and radiation distribution in the former mine stope, former mineral ore stockyard, and mine road with surface soils of a retired uranium mine in the mid- south of China. The mean concentrations ( mg/ kg) of Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, As, Hg, Cr, Mn, Ni, U, and Th-232 were analyzed according to the corresponding background values in Hunan, China. The Geo- accumulation index ( Igeo) were used for the assessment of pollution level of heavy metals and the radioactive elements of U and Th-232. Then, Pollution load index (PLI) and GIS techniquewere integrated to assess spatial distribution of heavy metal contamination and radioactive contamination. Results confirmed that three areas in the retired uranium mine was a primary source of pollution, which showed anthropogenic origin mainly from agricultural runoff, hydrometallurgy from chemical industries, radioactive tailings, and electroplating industriesfinally drained into Zishui River and Xiangjiang River. Based on the actual situation, some suggestions were put forward for the treatment of the retired uranium mine in conclusion.