1
|
Faanu A, Tettey-Larbi L, Akuo-ko EO, Kwabena Gyekye P, Kpeglo DO, Lawluvi H, Kansaana C, Adjei-Kyereme S, Efa AO, Tóth-Bodrogi E, Kovács T, Shahrokhi A. Radiological landscape of natural resources and mining: Unveiling the environmental impact of naturally occurring radioactive materials in Ghana's mining areas. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24959. [PMID: 38317974 PMCID: PMC10838772 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
This study provides a general observation of the status of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) distribution in mining and industrial areas of Ghana in order to establish regional and national data on NORMs. The study includes data on radioactivity concentrations of U-238, Th-232, and K-40 in soils and for water concentrations of Ra-226, Th-228, and K-40 from various mining, oil, and gas communities, as well as water sources used for crop farming and farmlands. The average activity concentrations of U-238, Th-232, and K-40 in the soil samples were found to be 59 ± 16 Bq/kg, 48 ± 15 Bq/kg, and 286 ± 57 Bq/kg, respectively. The average concentration of Ra-226, Th-228, and K-40 in the water samples were found to be 1.62 ± 0.33 Bq/L, 2.08 ± 0.53 Bq/L, and 22.36 ± 3.44 Bq/L, respectively. The estimated average annual effective doses from external and internal exposure pathways in soil and water samples were 0.09 mSv/y and 0.54 mSv/y, respectively. The total annual effective dose resulting from both exposure pathways was calculated to be 0.63 mSv/y, which is below the 1 mSv/y dose limit recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) for controlling public radiation exposure. Based on the radiological hazard indices, the majority of the soil samples were found to be suitable as building materials as their respective indices were below the limits except for two sample locations and the sludge and scale samples. The average Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) value of the water samples was 1.6 times greater than the recommended value of 1.16 × 10-3, presenting a relatively higher risk to the public of developing cancer. No significant regional differences in the levels of radioactive elements. The regression models demonstrate strong interrelationships between the studied elements, with high R-squared values suggesting a predictable nature of one element's concentration based on others.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Augustine Faanu
- Radiological and Non-ionizing Installations Directorate, Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ghana
| | - Lordford Tettey-Larbi
- Radiological and Non-ionizing Installations Directorate, Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ghana
- Research Centre for Biochemical, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, University of Pannonia, 8200, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Esther Osei Akuo-ko
- Research Centre for Biochemical, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, University of Pannonia, 8200, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Prince Kwabena Gyekye
- Radiological and Non-ionizing Installations Directorate, Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ghana
| | - David Okoh Kpeglo
- Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Ghana
| | - Henry Lawluvi
- Radiological and Non-ionizing Installations Directorate, Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ghana
| | - Charles Kansaana
- Radiological and Non-ionizing Installations Directorate, Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ghana
| | - Serwaa Adjei-Kyereme
- Radiological and Non-ionizing Installations Directorate, Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ghana
| | - Alexander Opoku Efa
- Radiological and Non-ionizing Installations Directorate, Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ghana
| | - Edit Tóth-Bodrogi
- Research Centre for Biochemical, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, University of Pannonia, 8200, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Tibor Kovács
- Research Centre for Biochemical, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, University of Pannonia, 8200, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Amin Shahrokhi
- Research Centre for Biochemical, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, University of Pannonia, 8200, Veszprém, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Internal radiation exposure from TENORM for workers conducting cleaning activities on equipment used at geothermal energy plant. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 248:114061. [PMID: 36608494 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Geothermal energy is predicted to be one of the most important renewable energy sources in the near future. In geothermal energy plants, the secondary products such as the scale containing naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) and adhering to the surface of equipment produce radiation fields. The workers who maintain and clean such equipment are at a risk to be exposed by the technically enhanced NORM (TENORM). To estimate the risks of radiation exposure to the workers, we assessed internal doses resulting from the cleaning activities on 150 heat exchanging boards used at a geothermal energy plant, focusing on 222Rn, 226Ra, 210Pb, 228Ra and 228Th. The experiment was performed with the subjects of workers and office workers as control, supplying prepared foods and drinks. Using the analytical results of 210Pb, 226Ra, 228Ra, and 228Th in the excretions of subjects, committed effect doses were determined. The annual internal dose for the workers with protective clothing due to the cleaning activities on removing scale, assuming the cleaning activities requires 170 h (standard monthly working time) a year, was obtained as 26 μSv/y and the total dose including 222Rn inhalation dose was calculated as 323 μSv/y. The additional dose for the cleaning workers was less than the dose limit of 20000 μSv/y for radiation workers, even less than for general population (1000 μSv/y) recommended by International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). However, the elevated inhalation dose for workers conducting cleaning activities may present a health hazard to workers if they deal with excessive materials containing TENORM, work for excessive time or are under inappropriate safety measures.
Collapse
|
3
|
Fall ELHM, Nechaf A, Niang M, Rabia N, Ndoye F, Faye NAB. Assessment of occupational radiation exposure of NORM scales residues from oil and gas production. NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.net.2023.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
|
4
|
Redistributions of NORMs in and around a gas-field (Shabazpur, Bangladesh): radiological risks assessment. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-08107-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
5
|
Salahel Din K, Rashed W. ASSESSMENT OF NORM LEVELS AND RADIOLOGICAL HAZARDS FROM PETROLEUM EXTRACTION IN THE ONSHORE OIL FIELDS, EGYPT. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2021; 194:223-232. [PMID: 34251025 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncab099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Salahel Din
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Wafaa Rashed
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University, Al-Kharja 72511, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hassan NM, Mansou NA, Salama S, Seoud MS. ASSESSMENT OF RADIOLOGICAL HAZARDS OF USING PETROLEUM RAW MATERIALS AND THEIR WASTE. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2019; 185:494-506. [PMID: 30989182 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncz043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K in raw and waste petroleum materials (Egypt and Kuwait) were measured using gamma ray spectrometer. The average values of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were 21.1 ± 3.2, 7.6 ± 1.3 and 88.4 ± 8.2 Bq kg-1 for Egyptian samples while for Kuwaiti samples, they were 25.2 ± 3.4, 6.1 ± 2.2 and 67.8 ± 6.4 Bq kg-1, respectively. All samples had activity less than the exemption level recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Moreover, radiological indices of radium equivalent, external, internal, alpha and gamma indices and radiation dose as well were calculated and their values were lower than the recommended regulatory limits. Thus, radiation exposure to petroleum materials did not present a significant radiological hazard.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nabil M Hassan
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - N A Mansou
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - S Salama
- Radiation Protection and Civil Defense, Nuclear Research Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - M S Seoud
- Calibration and Radiation Dosimetry Division, Radiation Protection Department, Ministry of Health, Kuwait
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abdelbary HM, Elsofany EA, Mohamed YT, Abo-Aly MM, Attallah MF. Characterization and radiological impacts assessment of scale TENORM waste produced from oil and natural gas production in Egypt. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:30836-30846. [PMID: 31446598 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06183-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to identify the analytical and radiological characterization of scale TENORM waste produced from oil and natural gas productions in the western desert in Egypt and evaluates their radiological impacts. The mean activity concentration of 238U, 226Ra, 210Pb, 228Ra, 224Ra, and 40K measured in scale TENORM samples is 660 ± 63, 1979 ± 435, 1399 ± 211, 645 ± 104, 794 ± 116, and 556 ± 86 Bq/kg, respectively. Radiological hazard parameters (Raeq, Hex, Hin, etc.) were estimated form the scale TENORM waste sample. All the calculated hazard parameters were found greater than the permissible and recommended safe levels. So the exposure to radiations released from the accumulation of the petroleum scale TENORM waste may cause health risks to the operators and who inhale radioactive radon gases and/or ingest contaminants by radiotoxic nuclides of U, Th, Ra, and Pb. Also, the risks may be extended to the near and/or the general environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanan M Abdelbary
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Control, Hot Laboratories Center, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, 13759, Egypt
| | - Entessar A Elsofany
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Control, Hot Laboratories Center, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, 13759, Egypt
| | - Yasser T Mohamed
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Control, Hot Laboratories Center, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, 13759, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Abo-Aly
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed F Attallah
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Control, Hot Laboratories Center, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, 13759, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ali MMM, Zhao H, Li Z, Maglas NNM. Concentrations of TENORMs in the petroleum industry and their environmental and health effects. RSC Adv 2019; 9:39201-39229. [PMID: 35540685 PMCID: PMC9076086 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra06086c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Crude oil and its products and wastes are among the significant sources of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs). These materials may be enhanced to high levels due to technological and human activities, which are called technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORMs). Thus, the average radioactivity of these radionuclides sometimes exceeds the exemption level of 10 000 Bq kg−1, which is recommended by the IAEA's safety standards. TENORMs in the oil and gas industry may generate greater radioactivity levels, which eventually represents potential environmental and health risks. This will require continuous attention by monitoring and surveillance during routine processes in the petroleum industry. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the published literature is conducted to evaluate the TENORM concentrations in the oil and gas industry. Moreover, their environmental and health hazards in different regions of the world are discussed. Crude oil and its products and wastes are among the significant sources of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs).![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen M. M. Ali
- Fundamental Science on Nuclear Safety and Simulation Technology Laboratory
- Harbin Engineering University
- Harbin 150001
- China
- National Atomic Energy Commission-Yemen
| | - Hongtao Zhao
- Fundamental Science on Nuclear Safety and Simulation Technology Laboratory
- Harbin Engineering University
- Harbin 150001
- China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- Fundamental Science on Nuclear Safety and Simulation Technology Laboratory
- Harbin Engineering University
- Harbin 150001
- China
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mohammed H, Sadeek S, Mahmoud AR, Diab H, Zaky D. Natural radioactivity and radiological hazard assessment of Egyptian oil ashes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:15584-15592. [PMID: 27126872 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6736-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Oil fly and boiler ash samples were collected from the four major Egyptian power plants in order to determine their natural radioactivity. Secular equilibrium between (238)U and (232)Th and their decay products is significantly disturbed in oil ash samples. The (226)Ra/(238)U ratios were between 440 and 1993 with an average value of 801, indicating that the concentrations of daughters (226)Ra were very high compared to the parent (238)U in the oil ash samples. While, the average ratios for (210)Pb/(226)Ra in most samples were 1.19 ± 0.05, indicating a secular equilibrium in the (226)Ra-(210)Pb sub series. The natural radioactivity due to (238)U and (232)Th was found to be negligible. While the activity concentrations of (226)Ra ranged from 3205 to 12,320 Bq kg(-1) with an average value of 9284 Bq kg(-1), (210)Pb ranged from 5960 to 13,930 Bq kg(-1) with an average value of 11,513 Bq kg(-1). The results are compared with the reported data from other countries. The average value of radium equivalent activity was 9308 ± 2729 Bq kg(-1), while the external and internal hazard indexes were found to be 25 ± 7 and 50 ± 15, respectively. All the studied radiological parameters were higher than the recommended limit by the IAEA in all ash samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hesham Mohammed
- Production Division, Nuclear Materials Authority, P.O. Box 530, Maadi Kattameya, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Sadeek Sadeek
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Abu Rehab Mahmoud
- Production Division, Nuclear Materials Authority, P.O. Box 530, Maadi Kattameya, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hanan Diab
- Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Doaa Zaky
- Production Division, Nuclear Materials Authority, P.O. Box 530, Maadi Kattameya, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Parmaksız A, Ağuş Y, Bulgurlu F, Bulur E, Öncü T, Özkök YÖ. Measurement of enhanced radium isotopes in oil production wastes in Turkey. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2015; 141:82-89. [PMID: 25562751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2014.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Gamma dose rates of oil production equipment and wastes were measured externally by survey meter. They were found to be between 0.2 μSv h(-1) and 25.7 μSv h(-1). Activity concentrations of radium isotopes in crude oil, scale, sludge, contaminated soil and water samples were determined by gamma spectrometric method. Activity concentrations of (224)Ra, (226)Ra and (228)Ra in samples varied from MDA to 132,000 Bq kg(-1). Radium isotopes enriched up to 14,667 times in scale samples. The highest value of (226)Ra was found to be 35,122 ± 1,983 Bq kg(-1) for sludge samples. Activity concentrations of a considerable number of samples were found to be higher than the exemption level recommended by IAEA. Measurement results revealed that oil production wastes caused soil contamination up to 70,483 Bq kg(-1). They may pose a radiological risk for workers and members of the public.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Parmaksız
- Sarayköy Nuclear Research and Training Center, Istanbul Road 30 km., 06983 Saray, Kazan, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Y Ağuş
- Sarayköy Nuclear Research and Training Center, Istanbul Road 30 km., 06983 Saray, Kazan, Ankara, Turkey
| | - F Bulgurlu
- Sarayköy Nuclear Research and Training Center, Istanbul Road 30 km., 06983 Saray, Kazan, Ankara, Turkey
| | - E Bulur
- Sarayköy Nuclear Research and Training Center, Istanbul Road 30 km., 06983 Saray, Kazan, Ankara, Turkey
| | - T Öncü
- Sarayköy Nuclear Research and Training Center, Istanbul Road 30 km., 06983 Saray, Kazan, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Y Ö Özkök
- Sarayköy Nuclear Research and Training Center, Istanbul Road 30 km., 06983 Saray, Kazan, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Parmaksiz A, Agus Y, Bulgurlu F, Bulur E, Yildiz Ç, Öncü T. Activity concentrations of 224Ra, 226Ra, 228Ra and 40K radionuclides in refinery products and the additional radiation dose originated from oil residues in Turkey. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2013; 156:481-488. [PMID: 23598594 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/nct098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
A total of 56 crude oil, refinery product, waste water, sludge and scale samples collected from three refineries were measured by gamma-ray spectrometry. Except for nine samples, all refinery product samples were found to have activity concentrations below the minimum detectable activity (MDA) values. The maximum (224)Ra, (226)Ra, (228)Ra and (40)K activity concentrations in crude oil and refinery product samples were measured as 11.7 ± 4.5, 14.9 ± 3.5, 11.6 ± 4.5, 248.5 ± 18.5 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The maximum (224)Ra, (226)Ra, (228)Ra and (40)K activity concentrations in scale, sludge and water samples were measured as 343.7 ± 11.8, 809.2 ± 29.0, 302.5 ± 21.6, 623.0 ± 80.9 Bq kg(-1), respectively. Radium equivalent activities of the residue samples were calculated up to 1241.8 ± 42.4 Bq kg(-1). The maximum activity concentration index and the alpha index were found to be 4.2 and 4.0, respectively. The annual effective doses of residue samples were calculated below the permitted dose rate for the public, i.e. 1 mSv y(-1).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Parmaksiz
- Sarayköy Nuclear Research and Training Center, Istanbul Road 30 km, Saray, Ankara 06983, Turkey
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Otwoma D, Patel JP, Bartilol S, Mustapha AO. Estimation of annual effective dose and radiation hazards due to natural radionuclides in Mount Homa, southwestern Kenya. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2013; 155:497-504. [PMID: 23486485 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/nct031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The radiological hazard of naturally occurring radioactive material in Mount Homa in southwestern Kenya was investigated after 210 point measurements and 44 samples were analysed. In situ measured average outdoor absorbed dose rate in air using survey meters was found to vary from 154.8 to 2280.6 nGy h(-1). The mean (range) values of radioactive concentrations measured using an HpGe detection system for (40)K, (226)Ra and (232)Th were 915 ± 3 (64-3017), 195 ± 8 (17-1447) and 409 ± 4 (23-1369) Bq kg(-1), respectively. The calculated range of the annual effective dose for a person living in Homa Mountain area varied from 28.6 to 1681.2, with a mean of 470.4 µSv. All calculated average radiological indices, namely Radium equivalent, Representative level, Gamma activity, External and Internal hazard, were higher than the limits set by various national and international bodies. These results imply that Mount Homa region is a high background radiation area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Otwoma
- Ministry of Energy, PO Box 30582, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|