Abstract:In order to understand characteristics of radioactive contamination in surrounding environment of a uranium mining area and health risks to surrounding residents, farmland soil and river sediments around mining area were collected, activity concentrations and effective dose equivalent of 238U and 232Th were tested and analyzed, and distribution characteristics of activity concentration was analyzed by box plot and normal distribution. With the help of geological accumulation evaluation model and potential ecological evaluation model, risk assessment of farmland soil and river sediment is compared, so as to perfect entire evaluation process around tailings pond. The results show that there is a significant correlation between 238U and 232Th content, which is about 20—40 times of the soil background value in Jiangxi province. Concentrations of 238U and 232Th drop gradually and then remain stable with increase of distance from tailings pond. Geological accumulation index of 238U and 232Th in stream sediments is slightly higher than that in farmland soil. Farmland soil in T1 and T2 points are relatively close to tailings pond, so soil pollution is more serious, resulting in geological accumulation index is much higher than that of other points, presenting extremely heavy pollution. Medium or strong ecological risk of Er(238U) and Er(232Th) accounts for 50%. Therefore, the survey area shows overall moderate degree, local points shows serious pollution, it is suggested to take control measures in this area.