Evaluation of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) in Produced Water and Oil-Field Equipment stations NA/100 and BD/200

This study investigates Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) in produced water and oil-field equipment at two Libyan stations, NA/100 and BD/200. The aim is to quantify radioactivity levels and assess associated environmental and occupational hazards. Field surveys used Gamma Ray Spectrometers and Dose Meters. Five samples (three sludge, two produced water) were collected from various equipment. These were analyzed using a High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector to determine activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K. Results show significantly elevated NORM. Dose rates reached 15.2 µSv/h at equipment like the Low-Pressure Production Separator. ²²⁶Ra in produced water exceeded Canadian guidelines (5 Bq/L). Sludge sample S3 from BD/200 showed extreme concentrations: 15500 Bq/kg for ²²⁶Ra and 24800 Bq/kg for ²³²Th. The calculated radiological indices (Raeq, D, Hex, AEDE) for all samples substantially exceeded worldwide averages. Hazard index (Hex) values were 10-14 times greater than the recommended limit (≤1), indicating a significant radiological hazard from NORM accumulation. The findings reveal substantial NORM accumulation in the Libyan oil and gas industry, posing serious environmental and occupational safety concerns that necessitate immediate attention and regulatory control measures. Key words: NORM, Radiation, Oil and Gas, Safety, Dose, Hazard, Environment.