Title: Evaluation of naturally occurring radioactive materials in oilfields of south east of Libya

Authors: Usama M. Elghawi; Feisal A. Abutweirat; Taha S. Barka

Addresses: Libyan Atomic Energy Establishment, P.O. Box 397, Tripoli, Libya ' Libyan Atomic Energy Establishment, P.O. Box 397, Tripoli, Libya ' Department of Environmental Health, Subrathah University, Libya

Abstract: An investigation was carried out to find out the concentration of NORMs in evaporation ponds sludge in south eastern oilfield of Libya. Activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K in soil generated during oil production operations were determined using a gamma spectroscopy system based on high purity germanium (HPGe) detector. Concentrations ranged from 83 to 1000 Bq kg⁻¹ for ²²⁶Ra, 59 to 315 Bq kg⁻¹ for ²³²Th and 109 to 304 Bq kg⁻¹ for ⁴⁰K. To evaluate the radiological effects, radium equivalent activity and external hazard are calculated. The magnitude of these results demonstrates the need of these ponds for a special treatment on site to reduce the exposure to a value below 100 μSv/y, by mixing the pond after drying the lagoon with clean soil to reduce the dose rate and minimise the environmental impact of NORM.

Keywords: NORM; radioactivity; NORM regulations and guidance; oilfield; evaporation ponds; health hazards.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLR.2017.087690

International Journal of Low Radiation, 2017 Vol.10 No.4, pp.304 - 313

Received: 28 Feb 2017
Accepted: 16 Jul 2017
Published online: 30 Oct 2017 *

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