There are ways of overcoming the problem of moisture content as the effects
can be quantified and therefore taken into account in the analysis of the
data. Also it has been found (mainly by researchers in the US) that a very
short amount of time spent on simple in-situ sample prep can improve data
quality further.
With regards to only sampling the top few mm of soil, for an element such as
Pb this can still provide very representative data as Pb is immobilised
within the top soil. Further work has been done on core samples that have
indicated this. It's also worth bearing in mind that the equipments can also
be used with sampling cups thus enabling an auger sample to be taken and
prepared on site so one is not limited to using just the sampling method we
used in December on that rainy day!! Being able to use the equipment in
other ways means that it can be used more often for other things and can
therefore mean that it's money well spent!
Pete Millis Bsc
----- Original Message -----
From: Hugh Potter <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>; <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2000 4:51 PM
Subject: Portable soil sampling equipment -Reply
> I went on a one day field demonstration of a Pb test kit
> organised by the Open University (Dr. Phil Potts) &
> Sheffield University last December. We very successfully
> and quickly delineated the plume from a medieval smelting
> works in a grassy field in the Peak District near Matlock
> Bath. It worked very well under miserable weather
> conditions. Apparently it had previously compared well
> with lab tests.
>
> My main concerns with the technology are that it only
> measures a few millimetres into the sample and is heavily
> influenced by the moisture content of the soil. As with all
> fancy field tests, appropriate calibration is absolutely
> critical.
>
> The other problem was that the machine is several tens of
> thousands to buy - may be worth it if you have a lot of
> land to test.
>
> Let me know if you need any more information and I'll try
> to find Dr. Potts' email address.
>
> Regards
>
> Hugh
> *********************************************
> Dr. Hugh Potter
> Contaminant Hydrogeologist
> Environment Agency
> Phoenix House, Global Avenue
> Leeds, LS11 8PG
> Tel: (0113) 213 4817
> Fax: (0113) 213 4609
> email: [log in to unmask]
>
> The opinions in this message are not necessarily those of
> the Environment Agency.
>
> >>> "pollard, fabia" <[log in to unmask]>
> 26/July/2000 02:35pm >>>
> Does anyone have experience of using hand held soil
> analysis equipment such
> as the Niton xrf analysers? How do they compare with
> laboratory analysis of
> metals in soils?
>
> A Local Authority in the S East is considering the
> purchase of portable
> equipment for initial screening of potentially
> contaminated land and would
> appreciate your views.
>
>
> ***********************************
> Fabia Pollard
> Planning & Contaminated Land Technician
> Environmental Protection
> Medway Council
> Municipal Buildings
> Canterbury Street
> Gillingham, Kent
> ME7 5LA
>
> Tel: 01634 333062
> Fax:01634 333053
> e-mail: [log in to unmask]
>
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