Affiliation:
1. Physics Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
2. Physics Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University, Al-Kharja 72511, Egypt
Abstract
Abstract
Forty-nine different samples (crude oil, surface soil, produced water and sludge) from onshore oil fields in the Western Desert of Egypt were assessed for naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) levels using HPGe gamma-ray spectrometer. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were 25 ± 1.3, 26 ± 1.0 and 21 ± 1.5; 9.8 ± 0.50, 11 ± 0.40 and 94 ± 6.9; 130 ± 6.6, 91 ± 3.4 and 41 ± 3.0; and 180 ± 16, 70 ± 6.9 and 1300 ± 110 Bq kg−1 for crude oil, surface soil, produced water and sludge, respectively. The obtained NORM levels are much below the International Atomic Energy Agency NORM clearance levels. Radiological parameters (radium equivalent activity, absorbed dose rate and annual effective dose) were calculated and compared with the international acceptable limits. The annual effective doses are below 1 and 20 mSv, the ICRP safety limits for the public and workers, respectively. Consequently, insignificant radiological hazards could present for the workers and surrounding environment from petroleum extraction activities in the studied area.
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health,Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging,General Medicine,Radiation,Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
Cited by
3 articles.
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