Environmental Mineralogy
and Geochemistry

Helford Geoscience LLP provides specialist Environmental Mineralogy and Geochemistry consultancy services in studies where mineralogical or geochemical data can be used in the identification and sourcing of contaminants in the environment. In addition mineralogical and geochemical data can be used to predict contaminant bioavailability. We have expertise in environmental geochemistry, particularly of estuarine and nearshore sediments, mining-related contaminated soils and sediments and mineral precipitates related to past mining activity. We are also specialists in the understanding of the interactions and mineralogical transitions between minerals and fluids at the Earth surface. Key areas of expertise are:

• Soil and sediment mineralogy, mineral chemistry, minor and trace element geochemistry
• Mine tailings and other waste streams
• Mineralogy and geochemistry of dusts
• Mineral – water interactions
• Mining and mineral process related contamination
• Building and construction materials

Our expertise in environmental mineralogy and geochemistry includes data collection using a range of methods depending upon the nature of the investigation, including X-ray Fluorescence, ICP-MS, wavelength dispersive electron microprobe analysis, low vacuum scanning electron microscopy with EDS and image analysis, automated SEM-EDS mineral analysis using QEMSCAN® technology, X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy. Recent projects have included: examination of the impact of mining on the mineralogy and geochemistry of estuarine sediments; remediation strategies for contaminated sediments; evaluation of point sources of arsenic contamination leading to mortality of livestock; examination of the mineralogy and chemistry of mineral precipitates from mine discharge.

Recent scientific publications
Pirrie, D., Power, M.R., Rollinson, G., Camm, G.S., Hughes, S.H., Butcher, A.R. & Hughes, P. 2003. The spatial distribution and source of arsenic, copper, tin and zinc within the surface sediments of the Fal Estuary, Cornwall, UK. Sedimentology, 50, 579-595.

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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