Natural radioactive elements in the region of closed uranium mines on stara planina, eastern Serbia

Abstract

The region of the Mezdreja, Gabrovnica and Srneći Do uranium mines on Stara Planina Mt., eastern Serbia, was prospected for concentrations of uranium, thorium, equivalent radium, radon and potassium in subsurface and surface waters, stream deposits, soil (humus), mine spoil heaps and air. Field activities included radiometric survey, emanation and hydrochemical tests, and sampling for laboratory analyses. The extent, level and kind of water, soil and air contamination by radioactive elements are considered on the basis of field and laboratory data. The presence of radionuclides around the closed uranium mines was established through geological investigation.