Publications by authors named "Edmundo Escareno-Juarez"
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.
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- Thorium is a common radionuclide found in the earth's crust that contributes to radiation exposure in living organisms, with concentrations altered by human activities like mining.
- In Zacatecas State, Mexico, historical mining has resulted in waste dumps that could affect soil composition, but previous studies on thorium levels in this area have been limited.
- Analysis of 33 soil samples revealed an average thorium concentration of 13.6 mg/kg, consistent with natural levels, suggesting no significant anthropogenic alteration, although slight isotopic disequilibrium was noted due to the region's climatic conditions.