Assessment of natural radioactivity in environmental samples near Al-Nafoura oil field, Al-Jikharra, Libya

Najat Erhoumah; Karima Musa; Eman Abd El-Halim

doi:10.1209/0295-5075/ae3d5f

Issue		EPL Volume 153, Number 3, February 2026


Article Number		34001
Number of page(s)		7
Section		Nuclear and plasma physics, particles and fields
DOI		https://doi.org/10.1209/0295-5075/ae3d5f
Published online		10 February 2026

EPL, 153 (2026) 34001

Assessment of natural radioactivity in environmental samples near Al-Nafoura oil field, Al-Jikharra, Libya

Najat Erhoumah¹ (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ), Karima Musa² and Eman Abd El-Halim³

¹ Department of Physics, Faculty of Education, University of Benghazi - Benghazi, Libya
² Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Tripoli - Tripoli, Libya
³ Department of Physics, Faculty of Women for Arts, Science and Education, Ain-Shams University - Cairo, Egypt

Received: 21 July 2025
Accepted: 26 January 2026

Abstract

This study evaluates natural radioactivity levels in environmental samples from Al-Nafoura oil field and surrounding areas in Al-Jikharra, Libya. Fourteen samples (soil, plant, and water) were analyzed to assess radiological hazards associated with oil and gas activities. Radionuclide concentrations of $Mathematical equation: ${^{226}\text{Ra}}$$ , $Mathematical equation: ${^{238}\text{U}}$$ , $Mathematical equation: ${^{235}\text{U}}$$ , $Mathematical equation: ${^{232}\text{Th}}$$ , and $Mathematical equation: ${^{40}\text{K}}$$ were measured using a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. Results show elevated radionuclide levels in several samples, with some exceeding recommended limits. Notably, $Mathematical equation: ${^{226}\text{Ra}}$$ accumulation was pronounced in evaporation ponds, indicating localized radiological sources. Radiation hazard indices, including $Mathematical equation: $Ra_{\text {eq}}, I_{{\gamma }}, H_{\text {ex}}, D_{\text {out}}, AED_{\text {out}}$$ , and outdoor ELCR, were calculated; all remained within safe limits except for sample SO3-3, which exhibited $Mathematical equation: $Ra_{\text {eq}}$$ of 2091 Bq/kg, surpassing the permissible threshold. AGDE values exceeded the world average in plant samples, signaling potential health risks. Water-source indicators stayed within acceptable ranges but neared other limits, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring. The findings highlight radiological pollution risks for groundwater-dependent irrigation and agriculture, urging pollution reduction, water safety assurance, and protective measures for communities and ecosystems.

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