Journal of Petroleum & Environmental Biotechnology

Abstract

Studies on the Radiological Impact of Oil and Gas Activities in Oil Mineral Lease 30 (Oml30) Oil Fields in Delta State, Nigeria

GO Avwiri and EO Agbalagba

A preliminary studies on the radiological impact of oil and gas exploration activities in the oil and gas production land area of Delta State has been carried out insitu, using two radiation meters (Digilert 50 and 100) synchronized and calibrated and a geographical positioning system (GPS). Readings were taken in nine different facilities in each of the oil and gas fields and one sample each in their host communities. Measured radiation values in the oil field facilities ranged from 0.011 ± 0.003 mRh-1 in Evwreni campsite to 0.031 ± 0.01 mRh-1 at the Otorogu gas plant. Mean field exposure rates/equivalent dose rates in the oil fields ranged from 0.016 ± 0.006 mRh-1 (1.4 ± 0.5 mSvy-1) to 0.0213 ± 0.008 mRh-1 (1.8 ± 0.7 mSvy-1). While in the host communities values ranged from 0.011 ± 0.003 mRh-1 (0.9 ± 0.3 mSvy-1) in Evwreni community to 0.021 ± 0.007 mRh-1 (1.8 ± 0.7 mSvy-1) in Otujeremi town and the control study area value been 0.009 ± 0.002 mRh-1 (0.8 ± 0.06 mSvy-1). The results show that all the oil and gas fields and host communities except Evwreni community yearly radiation dose rate exceeded the 1mSvy-1 maximum permissible limit recommend for the public and non-nuclear industrial environment by International Council on Radiological Protection [1]. All the oil fields and host community except Ughelli East and Evwreni community radiation levels exceeded the normal world average BIR level of 0.013 mRh-1 and other reported values in similar environment. This shows that the oil fields environment and the host communities have been impacted radiologically. However, these results obtained may not have immediate health hazard, but will pose some long-term health side effects on the staff working in the facilities and residents of the host communities. Interim proactive measures are recommended while further and a detail study is ongoing.