We are leading in environmental forensics
Environmental forensics
Environmental forensics combines the expertise of environmental chemists with consultants to investigate contamination incidents. We use various techniques to identify pollutants and understand their origins, helping develop a comprehensive picture of environmental issues.
Our multi-level approach for environmental forensics
The approach we provide for environmental forensics is broken down into the following tiers:
Tier 1: Identifying the contaminant
We start by identifying the type of contaminant present in environmental samples, laying the foundation for our investigation. We use standard and specialised methods to identify contaminants like petroleum hydrocarbons, PAHs, PCBs, metals, and chlorinated solvents.
Tier 2: Targeting specific compounds
In this phase, we pinpoint signature compounds unique to the contamination identified in Tier 1.
We employ techniques like gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry to analyse specific compound families, helping us determine similarities to source materials and the degree of weathering or biodegradation.
Tier 3: Data visualisation and analysis
Building on evidence from Tiers 1 and 2, we visualise data using techniques like chemical component histograms and compound ratio analysis spider plots. These visualisations help us translate complex environmental information into actionable insights, aiding in assigning responsibility for contamination incidents.
Successful environmental forensics requires an understanding of contaminant fate and transport, as well as proficiency in forensic tools and techniques. By combining scientific expertise with innovative methodologies, we strive to uncover environmental issues and promote sustainable practices.
Process
Three steps to results
1. Collection
Once you’ve taken your sample, contact our team to arrange collection and we’ll deliver the sample to our laboratory.
2. Analysis
Samples are prepared and analysed by our team of experts in accordance with the requirements set out by UKAS.
3. Report
A certificate of analysis will be sent containing the findings from the test carried out. Reports are issued in Excel and PDF, but can also be supplied in other formats.
Find companies near you
Normec DETS
Blackhill, Consett United Kingdom
Accreditations and recognitions
Quality is central to everything we do
Our laboratories are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to the British, European and International Standard for quality assurance in analytical laboratories – BS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017. The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) provides recognition to international customers that we are accredited to this standard by a recognised accreditation body. All accredited methods are inspected and approved by UKAS and the full standard covers quality assurance and method-specific procedures. Normec DETS also belongs to proficiency testing schemes, including Aquacheck, Contest, AIMS, AISS, RICE and DCC.
UKAS schedule of accreditation, Consett
Normec DETS Limited, a UKAS accredited testing laboratory No. 2139
UKAS schedule of accreditation, Lenham
Normec DETS Limited, a UKAS accredited testing laboratory No. 4480