JOURNAL ARTICLE

Environmental radiological baseline in unconventional oil and gas areas of Mexico.

  • Published In: Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2023, v. 199, n. 18. P. 2189 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Hernández-Méndez, Beatriz; Balcázar, Miguel; Carranza, Arturo Ángeles; Suárez-Contreras, Sergio; Ponce, Esperanza Quintero; Robles, Mario Bárcenas; Meza, Juan Carlos Sánchez; Segura, Edith Erielia Gutiérrez 3 of 3

Abstract

This article presents the first environmental radioactivity study conducted in Mexico's unconventional hydrocarbon exploratory well (UHEW) areas, specifically within the Tampico-Misantla oil province. It establishes a baseline of natural radionuclide levels, including uranium-238 (^238U) and radium-226 (^226Ra), and equivalent gamma dose rates around four planned UHEW sites, using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and groundwater sampling. Results show that gamma dose rates ranged from 0.04 to 1.83 mSv per year, remaining within global natural background levels, and radionuclide concentrations in groundwater were below national and World Health Organization permissible limits, indicating no current radiological risk to human health. The study provides foundational data for future monitoring of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) impacts related to potential hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") activities in Mexico's shale gas development.

Additional Information

  • Source:Radiation Protection Dosimetry. 2023/11, Vol. 199, Issue 18, p2189
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Science
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:01448420
  • DOI:10.1093/rpd/ncad257
  • Accession Number:173432958
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