Radioactivity Levels and Heavy Metal Concentration in Mining Areas in Zacatecas, Mexico.

The state of Zacatecas (Mexico) is one of the places most affected by pollution from the mining industry. A total of 21 samples from two areas were collected (6 samples from zone A and 15 samples from zone B) to evaluate the level of radioactivity and the degree of contamination with heavy metals. The activity concentration for U and Th was within typical values but that of Ra exceeded the value of 60 Bq kg in both areas.