Redistributions of NORMs in and around a gas-field (Shabazpur, Bangladesh): radiological risks assessment

To study the potential redistributions of NORMs from gas-wells to ambient-environment in and around gas-field and to evaluate affiliated radiological-risks, a suite of systematically collected samples were measured by HPGe-detector. Radioactivity concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 40 K in gas-well samples are 60 ± 13, 94 ± 14, 2200 ± 400 Bq kg −1 whereas in environmental samples they are 40 ± 9, 73 ± 11, 873 ± 180 Bq kg −1 , respectively. Surface-soil possesses higher NORMs compared to the corresponding subsurface-soil which demonstrated technogenic incorporation of NORMs. Distribution of NORMs in ambient environment are controlled by several natural and anthropogenic factors. Evaluation of radiological indices suggests considerable risks and invoke routine monitoring of radiation in and around gas-fields.