Threshold values for the protection of marine ecosystems from NORM in subsea oil and gas infrastructure

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.107093
• Publication Date: 2023-01-06T10:52:25Z
• Authors: Darren J. Koppel; Tom Cresswell; Amy MacIntosh; Rebecca von Hellfeld; Astley Hastings; Stuart Higgins
• Keywords: Subsea; Radium; Threshold limit value

This modelling study uses the ERICA Tool and Bateman's equation to derive sediment threshold values for radiation protection of marine environment relevant NORM-contaminated products (radium-contaminated scales, 210Pb films 210Po films) found in subsea oil gas infrastructure. Threshold are calculated as activity concentration products' head chain radionuclide (i.e., 226Ra + 228Ra, 210Pb, or 210Po) that will increase dose rates sediments by 10 μGy/h most exposed organism at a given release time. The minimum value (corresponding peak from ingrowth progeny) were radium-contaminated 0.009 Bq/g 226Ra, 0.029 228Ra (in absence 226Ra) 0.14 presence 226Ra), followed 0.015 films, 1.6 films. These may be used default values. Added concentrations below these implies low radiological risk organisms while exceedances imply further investigation is necessary. Using contaminated product specific parameterisations, such Kd derived Ra BaSO4 matrix seawater, could greatly affect Strong consideration should deriving data part assessments products.