Review About NORM Concentration and Behavior in Produced Water from Oilfield Activities and Its Assessment Methodology for Human Exposure

Nacer Hamza

NORM, Oilfield waste, Produced water, radium isotopes, radioactivity assessment

Produced water that is considered as the harmful waste result from petroleum extraction process according to the significant concentration of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) is frequently disposed into the nearby areas, leading to the contamination that increase the possibility of human exposure to NORM in various pathways. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of NORM reported in produced water associated with the oilfield activities from previous studies and the methodology often followed for assessing radiation risks of human exposure. The comparison of NORM values in oilfields worldwide provides more understanding of radionuclides behaviors and the oil extraction operation. The results indicate Ra isotopes as the most radionuclides present in produced water; especially, radiological indices noticed to vary from one region to another in a high average. Oil extraction is increasing, which leads to more produced water being disposed of, which consist of genuine concern for human health, so a depth study is recommended focusing on minimization and other management methods of produced water instead of being disposed of. Furthermore, the NORM waste and its influence could be reduced by complying with the recommended standard set by IAEA and other environmental protection agencies.

https://doi.org/10.31871/WJRR.14.3.10