Abstract
Background. In arid regions water is vital and large bodies of waste water that are returned to the environment penetrate the ground and re‐emerge as surface water to be used for domestic purposes.
Results. Waste water from oil is disposed of in this way and this study showed that waste water from this origin produced activities of 40K that exceeded the domestic admissible limit of 0.2 Bq L−1. This was used as an indicator to evaluate the threat of contamination to underground aquatic supplies. Several samples were collected and monitored for gamma rays for a period of 1 year. In some cases 40K levels were as high as 100 Bq L−1.
Conclusions. The potential impact of these raised levels on aquatic resources and the general environment is discussed. The thrust of this paper is of considerable benefit to oil‐producing countries throughout the world from the perspective of potential contamination by 40K from produced water that is returned to the environment.