Service Information Pack · sampled directly onto the correct sample media for analysis back at the environmental laboratories. The trace box is designed to meet the differing flow

socotec.co.uk

Service Information Pack

Environmental Laboratories and Instruments

At SOCOTEC, the UK’s leading provider of testing, inspection and compliance services, the use of environmental laboratories and instruments is integral to the wide range of environment and safety services we deliver.

All organisations, whatever their size or function, will have an impact on the environment. Our team of experts perform tailored services including site investigation, sampling and analysis, monitoring, interpretation and consultancy.

Using a multidisciplinary approach, SOCOTEC has a comprehensive range of environmental monitoring services including on-site testing, analysis of surface waters, gases and boreholes, sample collection, dust / gas monitoring and equipment maintenance and hire.

This information pack defines the environmental laboratories and instruments service SOCOTEC can offer clients.

INTRODUCTION

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For over 25 years, SOCOTEC’s field team has provided expertise to clients conducting UKAS accredited on-site testing*, analysis of surface waters, gases and boreholes, along with collecting samples for our UKAS accredited* laboratories.

Members of SOCOTEC’s field team hold safety passports, ensuring that safety in the workplace is maintained. The team is also trained for work in a range of confined spaces, using knowledge and skills to work effectively and safely in these environments.

Specialist areas:

> Installation, maintenance and repairs of bespoke gas monitoring systems

> Flux box studies of landfill sites

> Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) risk assessments

> Ventilation surveys

GENERAL WORK

On-Site Testing for Gas and Water

The field team offers UKAS accredited* gas and water testing, along with MCERTS accredited water sampling.

SOCOTEC has a wide scope of testing and analysis capabilities, including:

• Ambient air• Boreholes / shafts (some up to hundreds of metres

deep)• Atmospheric, static pressures and flows• On-site analysis of pH, conductivity, turbidity and

temperature• Dissolved oxygen content of water

Our instruments are calibrated daily and are thoroughly checked for damage, service dates and quality before use. On-site testing is UKAS accredited* and is backed up with a comprehensive report of all readings, site observations and notes for the exercise.

Sampling for Gas

Our expertise was developed over many years of specialising in the mining industry. Since the closure of collieries, we have diversified and can now offer sampling from many different sources such as gas engines, landfills, boreholes, offices and mines. Using various sampling media, our technicians are trained to use the most appropriate medium for the site and analysis. Samples are then hand delivered to our UKAS accredited* gas analysis laboratories.

Sampling for Water

SOCOTEC’s team of technicians are trained in various methods of water sampling, from pumps at the bottom of boreholes, to fast flowing rivers. Our technicians are trained to use different storage media for each type of analysis and each sample is thoroughly labelled and marked onto a chain of custody with the date, location, reference and time the sample was taken. Once the sampling has been completed, these are taken to our UKAS accredited* laboratories for analysis.

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* A listing of SOCOTEC’s UKAS accredited activities can be found in our schedule of accreditation - Testing Laboratory 1015 – at socotec.co.uk

Gas Walkovers and Flux Box Surveys

Gas walkover surveys follow the principles outlined in the Environment Agency Guidance Document LFTGN07 (V2 2010) - Guidance on Monitoring Landfill Gas Emissions. SOCOTEC provides gas walkovers on any sites which can be accessed by our technicians on foot.

Walkovers comprise of a three metre wide sweep above the surface of the site and the survey is undertaken in a 50 metre grid pattern, in order to detect any potential leakage areas. During the walkover, visual checks are performed on areas such as surface fissures, liquid discharges, stressed / discoloured vegetation, along with gas and leachate wells. We offer comprehensive reports and highlight potential issues, as well as a map of the route taken.

SOCOTEC also provides specialised flux box surveys in accordance with the principles outlined in Environment Agency Guidance LFTGN07 (V2 2010) - Guidance on Monitoring Landfill Gas Emissions. Firstly, vegetation is removed to ensure that the results are a true reflection of the gas present, and then the flux box survey can begin. Each point is surveyed for 20 minutes to ensure that there are consistent readings and any interference caused by the initial set up of the flux box have long since diminished.

We survey in a grid pattern basis; the size and distances apart are calculated from the total area of the site being surveyed. As part of the flux box survey, SOCOTEC also performs a walkover survey of the site to cover the areas which have not been tested.

Trace Box Sampling

A trace box is a specialised method to determine the presence of trace gas at your site. Gases are sampled directly onto the correct sample media for analysis back at the environmental laboratories. The trace box is designed to meet the differing flow rates requirements for optimum absorption levels.

SOCOTEC has experience sampling for priority landfill, aldehydes and ketones, offering clients arsenic, mercury and ammonia sampling on request. Samples are usually taken from boreholes though, as sampling is based on client instruction, we can cover ambient air.

DSEAR Risk Assessment

Dangerous substances are any substances used or present at work that could, if not properly controlled, cause harm to people as a result of a fire, explosion or corrosion of metal. They can be found in nearly all workplaces and include such things as solvents, paints, varnishes, flammable gases (such as liquid petroleum gas), dusts from machining and sanding operations, dusts from foodstuffs, pressurised gases and substances corrosive to metal.

SOCOTEC’s trained and experienced risk assessors have helped many different companies with a comprehensive DSEAR report and suggested improvements.

DSEAR reports are particularly important for insurance purposes and sale of business / sites. SOCOTEC offers explosive reports of any substances found on site to better understand the risk in the case of an emergency.

Bespoke Gas Monitoring Systems

Our specialists design, build and install bespoke gas monitoring systems for a range of applications, including real-time workplace monitoring and landfill gas monitoring. Gas monitoring services include:

• Remote access to gas monitoring data• Built-in warning systems such as warning lights and

sirens• Maintenance service• Calibration checks• Repair work

Ventilation and Pressure Surveys

SOCOTEC’s environmental engineers have a combined experience of over 60 years in ventilation and pressure surveys for various aggregate mines, rail depots, laboratories and warehouses.We are able to accurately plot the flow within the area in question and advise on the best way to proceed in making improvements or increasing efficiency.

SITE SURVEYS

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Originally created to support collieries to monitor working conditions, SOCOTEC’s occupational hygiene and environmental dust monitoring laboratory has been operational for over 30 years.

We offer the equipment and UKAS accredited* analysis for sampling both occupational workplace dust and ambient (fugitive) dust, along with sampling and training as required. Reported results are directly comparable against the limits listed in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Document EH40 Workplace Exposure Limits or in compliance with Environmental Agency guidelines.

SOCOTEC also provides a comprehensive occupational hygiene consultancy and monitoring capability through our nationwide teams of British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) trained and qualified hygienists.

We operate across the following sectors:

• Construction• Demolition• Quarries• Mining• Agriculture• Manufacturing• Transport

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Total Inhalable and Respirable Dust

Dust is tiny, dry particles in the air and can be produced when materials are cut, drilled, demolished, sanded, shovelled etc. This means many work activities can create dust. Dust is not always an obvious health hazard as the particles which cause the most damage are often invisible to the naked eye and the health effects of exposure can take many years to develop.

Inhalable dust is the fraction of airborne material that enters the nose and mouth during breathing and is therefore available for deposition anywhere in the respiratory tract. Respirable dust is the inhaled airborne material that penetrates to the lower gas exchange region of the lung.

As part of our dust monitoring capability, SOCOTEC uses sampling media to detect all forms of respirable dust, determining the composition of the dust using scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. We offer sampling pumps, sample heads and media to enable clients to undertake their own monitoring.

We deliver UKAS accredited* gravimetric analysis of filters in order to determine airborne dust concentrations during the sampling period, enabling an assessment of exposure to be made against current workplace exposure limits.

Respirable Crystalline Silica (Quartz) Analysis

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is found in stone, rocks, sands and clays.

Exposure to RCS over a long period can cause fibrosis (hardening or scarring) of the lung tissue with a consequent loss of lung function. Silica may also be linked to lung cancer, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

SOCOTEC’s UKAS accredited* quartz analysis enables clients to determine the concentration of quartz within the respirable dust deposit.

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

The compositional analysis of dust or other materials can be completed by analysing the sample. Our SEM scans several points within the sample to determine the composition of the materials, which can assist in the identification of the source. A report is then generated detailing the materials found.

DUST ANALYSIS

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Harmful substances are not limited to dust. SOCOTEC has experience with the analysis of gases, vapours and mists, reporting any contaminants found through passive or active sampling techniques.

Passive Sampling

We can passively sample for gases and vapours on sites for any period of time. The advantages of passive sampling include:

• Unobtrusive and discrete methods• Larger sample size of data to be collected• Spatial and long term data acquisition

Pumped Sampling

SOCOTEC offers sampling for particulates, vapours or gases for periods of up to 24 hours. This ensures accurate air quality data for assessing compliance with environmental permits, or for determining the effects of short term activities.

ENVIRONMENTAL GASES AND VAPOURS

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DEPOSITED FUGITIVE DUST SAMPLINGConstructing buildings, roads and other infrastructure can have a substantial, temporary impact on local air quality. The most common impacts are increased particulate matter (PM) concentrations and dust soiling. Depending on the risk of dust effects occurring, monitoring may need to be carried out during both demolition and construction activities.

One of the most commonly used sampling methods for dust monitoring is that of directional deposited fugitive dust gauges, more commonly known as ‘Frisbees’. Frisbees are useful for determining the migration of dust around the site. SOCOTEC can place the Frisbees in locations outlined by the customer, either on hard standing or a rural location. When setting up Frisbees they are orientated in a northern direction and positions are recorded using a GPS tool and site map.

Frisbees may also be deployed around existing industrial facilities, including landfills, quarries and factories, to determine compliance with environmental permits.

SOCOTEC also offers continuous particulate monitoring using Topas and Osiris real-time analysers.

Instruments Available for Dust Analysis

We have a variety of instruments available for dust sampling and analysis, whether these are pumps for personal monitoring or long term, real-time internet based data logging systems. For more information, please see the instruments section.

Over recent years, the emphasis of SOCOTEC’s gas analysis laboratory has shifted to working with landfill site operators and local authorities, as well as energy from waste and bioenergy plants.

SOCOTEC’s state of the art gas analysis laboratory works with the field team to ensure that the samples are collected in the appropriate medium and are returned to the laboratory swiftly to avoid gas effusion and sample deviance. If you wish to send samples to the laboratory, you can do so by courier or we can arrange collection by a member of our field team.

SOCOTEC holds UKAS accreditation* for:

• n-Alkanes from methane (C1) to octane (C8)• Bulk gases (N2, O2, and CO2) • Trace gases (H2, He and CO)• Sampling and collections

We are equipped to analyse gas samples from:

• Gresham tubes• Tedlar bags• FlexFoil bags• Gas cylinders • Water (dissolved gas)

Reporting and Certification

All of the analysis within the gas analysis laboratory is reported using our custom designed laboratory information management system (LIMS), which sends a PDF certificate directly to your email address. All reports clearly identify which method of analysis was used, whether the test was accredited or not and can be tailored to your requirements.

We have a standard turnaround time of 10 working days upon receipt of the sample, but we also offer a five / three day priority service. SOCOTEC has a variety of fixed or customised analytical suites charged at a flat rate. If you would like a sample to be taken by one of our experienced field staff, please refer to the field team section.

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Suite 1 Bulk Gas Analysis

We’ve adapted our bulk gas suite to monitor air quality in a more general capacity.

Gases analysed within this suite are:

• Carbon monoxide• Methane• Carbon dioxide• Oxygen • Nitrogen

Suite 2 SynGas Analysis

SOCOTEC was one of the first laboratories in the country to hold UKAS accreditation* for the analysis of SynGas. We can offer a comprehensive and quality assured suite of analytes for this fuel.

Analysis consists of (but is not limited to):

• Carbon monoxide • Hydrocarbons from methane to Hexane • Gross and net calorific value

As part of this suite, we provide an oxygen concentration as a means of quality control.

Suite 3 Hydrocarbons Analysis

The hydrocarbons suite is often used as part of another suite or for testing the quality of natural gas, usually in gas engines. We offer analysis on n-Alkanes from methane, octane and any other hydrocarbons (see our gas list for full details).

Suite 4 Landfill Analysis

Primarily used to monitor former landfill sites, the ethane results obtained from the landfill suite can clarify that the gas is biogenic (from a landfill) or thermogenic (from a natural source). SOCOTEC offers analysis on hydrogen and carbon monoxide (two key indicators of combustion) and hydrogen sulphide (a toxic and corrosive gas).

Suite 5 Dissolved Gas Analysis

On an ad-hoc basis, SOCOTEC has the capabilities for dissolved gas work. We take a water sample and agitate it under vacuum to cause any gases to effervesce; these are then captured and analysed.

GAS ANALYSIS LABORATORY SUITES

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* A listing of SOCOTEC’s UKAS accredited activities can be found in our schedule of accreditation – Testing Laboratory 1015 – at socotec.co.uk

GAS LIST

GAS ANALYSIS

ANALYTE CHEMICAL FORMULA

ACCREDITATION LDL % UDL % SUITE

Oxygen O2 UKAS 0.1 21 1, 2, 4

Nitrogen N2 UKAS 1 100 1

Carbon Dioxide CO2 UKAS 0.02 100 1, 4

Carbon Monoxide CO UKAS 0.0005 30 1, 2, 4

Helium He UKAS 0.0005 0.1 -

Hydrogen H2 UKAS 0.0005 30 2, 4

Methane CH4 UKAS 0.0005 100 1, 2, 3, 4

Acetylene C2H2 Non-UKAS 0.0005 100 -

Ethene C2H4 Non-UKAS 0.0005 100 -

Ethane C2H6 UKAS 0.0005 100 2, 3, 4

Propene C3H6 Non-UKAS 0.0005 100 -

Propane C3H8 UKAS 0.0005 100 2, 3

Butene C4H8 Non-UKAS 0.0005 100 -

Iso-Butane iC4H10 Non-UKAS 0.0005 100 -

Butane C4H10 UKAS 0.0005 100 2, 3

Iso-Pentane iC5H12 Non-UKAS 0.0005 100 -

Pentane C5H12 UKAS 0.0005 100 2, 3

Hexane C6H14 UKAS 0.0005 0.1 2, 3

Heptane C7H16 UKAS 0.0005 0.1 3

Octane C8H18 UKAS 0.0005 0.1 3

Hydrogen Sulphide H2S Non-UKAS 0.0001 10 4

CV Calculation as part of a suite 2

Below is a full list of gas analysis SOCOTEC can provide. Here you can find information on our accreditation status for each gas, along with the lower detection limit (LDL) and upper detection limit (UDL) percentages. Details on which analysis suite each gas is covered by is listed here to help you decide the most suitable option.

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DISSOLVED GAS LIST

DISSOLVED GAS

ANALYTE CHEMICAL FORMULA

ACCREDITATION LDL μg/l LDL mg/l SUITE

Carbon Dioxide CO2 Non-UKAS 7000 7 5

Carbon Monoxide CO Non-UKAS 10 0.010 5

Helium He Non-UKAS 1 0.001 5

Hydrogen H2 Non-UKAS 1 0.001 5

Methane CH4 Non-UKAS 6 0.006 5

Acetylene C2H2 Non-UKAS 10 0.010 5

Ethene C2H4 Non-UKAS 11 0.011 5

Ethane C2H6 Non-UKAS 11 0.011 5

Propane C3H8 Non-UKAS 17 0.017 5

Butane C4H10 Non-UKAS 22 0.022 5

Pentane C5H12 Non-UKAS 27 0.027 5

Hexane C6H14 Non-UKAS 32 0.032 5

Heptane C7H16 Non-UKAS 38 0.038 5

Octane C8H18 Non-UKAS 43 0.043 5

Hydrogen Sulphide H2S Non-UKAS 1 0.001 5

Below is a full list of dissolved gas analysis SOCOTEC can offer. Here you can find information on the lower detection limit (LDL) μg/l and mg/l for each dissolved gas. All analysis of dissolved gasses is covered by Suite 5.

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Our instrument maintenance department has a wealth of experience and skills dating back over 40 years. SOCOTEC’s team design, build, maintain and service bespoke gas monitoring systems to ensure compliance with the most stringent regulations and have experience working with gas monitoring systems used for gas generation plants. We routinely service MSA, Gas Data, Crowcon, Draeger and other manufacturer’s gas monitors.

SOCOTEC’s instrument maintenance team provides a service and repair centre for Gas Data Ltd’s multigas instruments. We are also a ‘channel partner’, authorised distributor and service centre for MSA Safety Ltd instruments and equipment.

Training

As part of our agreement with MSA, SOCOTEC is authorised to train staff in the use, operation and maintenance of MSA self-rescuer units. Other training includes the use and operation of multi-gas equipment and sample pumps.

Servicing

Specialising in servicing portable multi-gas instruments, we work to a maximum of a 10 working day turnaround time from receipt of the instrument to its shipping, ensuring that you have your instrument returned to you as soon as possible. For long-term hire, SOCOTEC will also ensure that all calibration certificates are kept up to date and notify you when the next service and calibration is due.

Repairs

SOCOTEC’s thorough inspections of instruments can help clients to identify the cause of the fault. A turnaround time can then be offered, dependant on the repair work needed.

Quality Control

Operating under our ISO - 9001:2015 - quality management system, all our servicing equipment is traceable to international standards. We also have access to UKAS accredited laboratories and instruments*.

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* A listing of SOCOTEC’s UKAS accredited activities can be found in our schedule of accreditation – Testing Laboratory 1015 – at socotec.co.uk

Landfill Monitoring System (LMS)

The LMS is manufactured by SOCOTEC’s partners at Gas Data. Each instrument comes equipped with sensors to detect methane, carbon dioxide and oxygen as standard, though we have a range of other sensors available. These systems can be left to data log for up to a week or be used to collect live data from sites.

Other options available are differential pressure and borehole flow monitoring.

Gas Field Monitor (GFM)

A smaller but just as reliable and robust newer version of the standard LMS monitor, the GFM gives all the benefits of the LMS but in a hand-held version. The GFM comes as standard with methane, carbon dioxide and oxygen detectors fitted and can be enhanced with up to three additional toxic sensors plus flow.

ALTAIR 4 / 4X

The ALTAIR 4X is a durable, reliable and easy to use multigas detector. It measures up to four gases with oxygen, carbon monoxide and combustibles as standard, and a choice of hydrogen sulphide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide as optional sensor units.

Features include:

• A 24 hour battery run time • Survival from falls of up to six metres• Glove-friendly buttons• High contrast displays • Can record up to 500 events, or 50 hours of periodic

data

ALTAIR 4XR

The ALTAIR 4XR is an upgrade to the 4X, providing real-time incident awareness to team members, supervisors, safety managers and others when paired with the MSA ALTAIR Connect app via a Bluetooth wireless connection. Readings can be taken from off site or from a safe distance. During vertical entry into enclosed spaces, an ALTAIR 4XR can be lowered into the opening and real-time data can be monitored to give a representation of the gases at different levels in the space.

ALTAIR 5X

The ALTAIR 5X multigas detector offers a combination of up to six gases, including combustible gases, oxygen, and toxic gas detection.

Features include:

• Rugged polycarbonate housing for durability• Field proven integral pump for consistent gas

flow without the problems of externally attached components

• Ergonomic design• Glove-friendly buttons• A high contrast display

W65-2 / W95 Filter Self Rescuers

The MSA W65-2 and W95 are filter self-rescuers for use in emergency situations underground following fire or explosion. These are designed to remove toxic carbon monoxide gas from the inhaled air and convert it to safer carbon dioxide. The smaller W95 was the UK coal mine standard self-rescuer, designed to operate for up to four hours, while the slightly heavier W65-2 unit operates for up to two hours. Both are compliant with EN404 with regard to filter self-rescuers.

SSR30 / 100 / SavOx SC Self-Rescuers

The MSA SSR30 / 100 and SavOx are self-contained, oxygen generating, self-rescuers for use in situations where a deficiency of oxygen in the breathable atmosphere may be encountered.

These units are also known as “re-breathers”. They operate by the moisture and carbon dioxide in the user’s breath being captured by a chemical reaction, which liberates oxygen from a strong oxidiser chemical (potassium super-oxide). The user’s breath is contained within a rubber bag and the exhaled air passes through a cartridge containing potassium super-oxide. This chemically releases oxygen into the exhaled breath within the breathing bag and is “re-breathed” as oxygen enriched exhaled air, thereby promoting life.

The major difference between the SSR30 / 100 and the SavOx unit is that the SavOx has a starter chemical which gives an immediate oxygen enrichment and increased volume at start up. Both are compliant with EN13794.

EQUIPMENT – GAS MONITORING

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socotec.co.ukSOCOTEC HOUSE - BRETBY BUSINESS PARK - ASHBY ROAD - BRETBY - BURTON UPON TRENT - DE15 0YZ - TEL. : +44 (0) 845 603 2112

TOPAS Units

A TOPAS unit is a (preferably) mains powered, continual dust monitoring instrument which can display real-time results in total dust, PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 fractions in µg / m3.

Features include:

• Alarms to email whoever is required once pre-determined and pre-agreed dust levels are triggered

• Web based results • A data report

The TOPAS unit can be supplied with a wind gauge / weather station when hired.

Continual Dust Monitoring Instruments - DustMate Units and Osiris Units

Features include:

• Real-time results in total dust, PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 fractions in µg / m3

• A hand-held battery powered unit• A datalog facility - records results in selectable one

to 15 minute intervals• Downloadable results to Microsoft Excel

The Osiris unit can be used either indoors or outside with the option of a weatherproof enclosure.

Casella Apex Pump and Tuff Pump

The Apex pump is an easily usable pump designed for air sampling at up to three litres per minute. Using supplied filter housings and filters or adsorption tubes, various environmental sampling tasks can be undertaken. SOCOTEC maintains, calibrates and repairs the pumps in-house using in-house processes covered by ISO 9000:2015 accredited procedures.

The Tuff pump is an underground intrinsically safe group 1M1 approved pump based on the successful Apex pump. It performs the same functions as an Apex pump but within the intrinsically safe equipment requirement of a hazardous environment. Again all pumps are maintained, serviced, repaired and calibrated in-house.

EQUIPMENT – DUST MONITORING

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SOCOTEC’s environmental chemistry team work out of UKAS accredited* state of the art laboratories. Our team of specialists are experienced in testing and analysis of soils, waters, leachates, effluents, industrial wastes, marine waters and sediments.

We have significant experience in producing analytical reports in a variety of formats including AGS and Equis, and in addition to our standard packages, we offer bespoke reporting on a client or project basis.

Building upon our core skills in the generation of robust, high volume analytical measurements to strict standards and deadlines, our specialist facilities have become the laboratory of choice for all organisations seeking robust environmental data supplied to a defined programme.

Methods

A comprehensive range of services and expertise enables us to offer you a complete solution including the collection of samples from sites / offices by our UK wide courier service, analysis, electronic delivery of results in a variety of formats and advice or guidance on the results produced if required.

All analytical methods used are fully documented in-house techniques developed from published standard procedures. Our flexible, client focused systems of operation mean that we can tailor our offering to meet a huge variety of requirements.

Quality Assurance and Control

Tailored systems and procedures have been installed to control quality at every stage of operation. Through participation in a number of quality assurance schemes including CONTEST and AQUACHECK, we are able to demonstrate confidence in the results that our clients rely upon.

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MCERTs Soil Analysis

SOCOTEC provides MCERTs standard soil analysis and soil testing for the environmental industry. The MCERTs performance standard for soil analysis is assessed by UKAS* on behalf of the Environment Agency.

Ammonia and Other Nitrogen Compounds

Ammonia is a naturally occurring substance from decaying organic matter but also comes from man-made sources such as industrial processes and the degradation of waste in landfills. Ammonia can cause harm to vegetation and is particularly toxic to aquatic organisms. SOCOTEC can offer testing and analysis for ammonia and other nitrogen compounds to help you to comply with pollution prevention regulations. We aim to support you with as much information as possible about the substances we are dealing with.

Dioxins and Furans These groups of chemicals are persistent environmental pollutants (PoPs) which are considered to be highly toxic. They can be found in many types of matrix from soils, ash and dust. At SOCOTEC we can establish harmful levels of these compounds using our range of high-resolution mass spectrometers.

Marine Environmental Testing

As one of the UK first companies to gain Marine Management Organisation (MMO) accreditation, SOCOTEC has an extensive range of supporting services for marine, ports and harbours. In addition to UKAS Accreditation*, we have over a decade of proven performance in the Quality Assurance for Marine Environmental Monitoring (QUASIMEME) scheme.

The environmental chemistry team is able to carry out analysis for a number of pollutants for your company, including:

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons • Polychlorinated biphenyls • Heavy metals (ICP-OES and ICP-MS)• Microplastics

Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

PAHs are often absorbed onto particles of soot emitted from combustion sources and some are known carcinogens. SOCOTEC can support you with analyse of PAHs by extracting your environmental sample with solvent and then analyse by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS).

Groups of PAH compounds that require environmental testing include the US Environmental Protection Agency 16 Priority PAHs due to their potential toxicity. Our environmental chemistry team can offer you a range of PAH analysis options to help develop a greater understanding of these compounds.

Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC)

WAC testing needs to be undertaken once waste (including soils) has been characterised as hazardous. It should also be carried out if non-hazardous waste can be classified as inert for the purpose of disposal at an inert landfill site. SOCOTEC can carry out chemical analysis for contaminants expected to be present, followed by WAC or inert WAC testing to help you identify which landfill to send your waste to.

If you wish to save time, the WAC testing can be scheduled alongside the testing for characterisation.

Total Organic Carbon (TOCs)

The determination of total organic carbon is an essential part of any site characterisation or ecological assessment since its presence or absence can markedly influence how chemicals will react in the soil or sediment at your site. At SOCOTEC, we have an automated high throughput method for the analysis of TOCs and can offer fast turnaround times.

Pesticides and Herbicides SOCOTEC has recently developed methods to determine low-level contamination using our liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS / MS).

TESTING AND ANALYSIS

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FOR MORE INFORMATIONFor more information or advice on the best service for you, please call 0845 603 2112 or email [email protected]

Documents

Service Information Pack · sampled directly onto the correct sample media for analysis back at the environmental laboratories. The trace box is designed to meet the differing flow