Water

Covalently bonded hydrogen and oxygen, nothing more, nothing less, a simple molecule. What else can be said except that it is the driving force behind the planet; continuously moving and sculpting the earths surface: eroding, dissolving, transporting and depositing, cleaning and nourishing the earths surface, all life depends upon it and what it does. It is the ultimate recyclable material that we can use for the benefit of all life, if we measure its' quality throughout the cycle. 

Soil

Soil falls into a number of different categories, depending upon its' current condition and its' intended future use. This can range from agricultural use to building & contaminated land (Green to Brown-field sites), from wasteland to lush meadows; in each case the type of testing required will depend entirely upon where the soil is within that cycle.

Air Quality & Health

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a major cause of disability and death.  It is the 4th leading cause of death throughout the world.   ‘There are approximately 30,000 deaths each year from COPD in the UK (NICE 2004).  Smoking is the main cause, however evidence suggests that there would be around 4,000 fewer of these deaths if occupational risks (dusts, smoke, fume, etc) were removed.’

Mineral Products

The building blocks of our civilisation; the appropriate quality mineral in the right place at the right time can empower the people of the world to produce amazing things and to change their lives forever. The value of a mineral is determined by its quality; quality is measured by mineral content and the concentration of other impurites. Hence the original ore is subsequently refined to produce a better quality mineral. 

Construction Materials

Heat limestone to 1450'C, grind it to a fine powder, mix it with an aggregate, then add water; the chemistry involved in this process is still being investigated, but the effect is a product that can be cast into almost any shape, and once hardened, can become a structural element. Its use is dependant upon its chemical composition and therein lies the problem; structures fail because of material defects, concrete & mortar are just one of the many materials we test.