Environmental Forensics

Helford Geoscience LLP provides specialist consultancy services in the growing area of Environmental Forensics where geological data can be used in the identification and provenancing of contaminants in the environment. We use a wide range of analytical methods including transmitted and reflected light microscopy, cathode-luminescence microscopy, manual scanning electron microscopy with linked EDS analysis, automated SEM-EDS analysis using QEMSCAN® technology, X-Ray Diffraction, X-Ray Fluorescence, Stable Isotope Geochemistry and Electron Microprobe analysis to quantify and provenance inorganic contaminants in the environment. The main areas of application where we can provide expertise are:

• Mine tailings and other waste streams
• Inorganic contaminants in industrial products
• Atmospheric dusts
• Contaminated soils and sediments
• Wildlife crime
• Illegal dumping of building, construction and other wastes

We can utilise our expertise and scientific methods developed in criminal forensics for environmental investigations. Recent projects include: characterisation of secondary effervescent mineral growth on historic mining related buildings; identification of the source of arsenic poisoning in cattle; characterisation of atmospheric dusts; and in criminal investigations linking offenders to locations where badger baiting has occurred.

Recent scientific publications
Pirrie, D., Butcher, A.R., Power, M.R., Gottlieb, P. & Miller, G.L. 2004. Rapid quantitative mineral and phase analysis using automated scanning electron microscopy (QEMSCAN®); potential applications in forensic geoscience.
In: Pye, K. & Croft, D. (eds) Geological Society, London, Special Publication, 232, 123-136.

Camm, G.S., Butcher, A.R., Pirrie, D., Hughes, P.K. & Glass, H.J. 2003. Secondary mineral phases associated with a historic arsenic calciner identified using automated scanning electron microscopy; a pilot study from Cornwall, U.K. Minerals Engineering, 16, 1269-1277.

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