Distribution characteristics and pollution evaluation of heavy metals in surface water of a uranium tailing area based on spatial interpolation

The potential pollution risks and characteristics of heavy metal pollution in surface streams were assessed in a decommissioned uranium tailing. The results demonstrated that the concent of seven heavy metals in the tailing were comparatively high and were beyond the environmental quality standard limits of surface water. Correlation and enrichment factor studies demonstrated that mining operations were the main source of contamination. According to pollution evaluation indices, there was a high risk of contamination and notable enrichment and pollution features for Tl, Mo, Mn, U, and Al in the tailing. Ni and Cd were mildly contaminated and enriched.