Determination of terrestrial y-radiation dose rate and soil radon concentration in a river region of Southern China

Summary: In this study, the contents of ten heavy metals in surface soil samples from the Pearl River Delta region were investigated. The results showed that the soil quality was generally good, with slightly elevated levels of certain heavy metals compared to background values. The source apportionment analysis revealed that the majority of soil heavy metals in the PRD region could be attributed to natural and industrial sources, with smaller contributions from transportation and agricultural activities.