Abstract

Activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K in raw and waste petroleum materials (Egypt and Kuwait) were measured using gamma ray spectrometer. The average values of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were 21.1 ± 3.2, 7.6 ± 1.3 and 88.4 ± 8.2 Bq kg-1 for Egyptian samples while for Kuwaiti samples, they were 25.2 ± 3.4, 6.1 ± 2.2 and 67.8 ± 6.4 Bq kg-1, respectively. All samples had activity less than the exemption level recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Moreover, radiological indices of radium equivalent, external, internal, alpha and gamma indices and radiation dose as well were calculated and their values were lower than the recommended regulatory limits. Thus, radiation exposure to petroleum materials did not present a significant radiological hazard.