About

We have recently developed new sticky pads with a ‘release’ adhesive, enabling us to remove the sampled dust by filtration after computer processing for AAC% and EAC%. This means that we can now report not only a mass deposition rate (mg/m2/day) from DustDisc samples, but also gravimetric concentrations of elements (e.g. mg/g) determined by geochemical analyses (e.g. ICP-MS).

This major development was carried out in conjunction with the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Portsmouth, with financial support from Finance South East’s proof of concept (PoCKeT) fund.

For sites that are still required to report a dust deposition rate, or for authorities that still prefer mass deposition measurements, our DustDisc now represents a cost-effective and more readily deployed alternative to older ‘Frisbee’ type dust monitors. DustDisc samplers can be mounted on angle brackets allowing them to be fixed to site hoardings or street furniture. DustDisc samples are also much easier to handle and transport than messy and heavy Frisbee bottles, and can be posted to our laboratory for analysis for just a few pounds.

Over the past 2 years we have been redeveloping our DustScan analysis software with a view to making it available on license to other consultancies and research organisations. This project is nearing completion and we are now at the stage where we are testing the software alongside our existing system. We hope to officially launch ‘DS2’ in 2012 and we’ll then be open to enquiries regarding the licensing of our sticky pad analysis software.