DustScan offers a range of dust data mapping services to enable visual assessment of dust levels. We are committed to promoting the use of monitoring equipment in dust and air pollution studies to validate theoretical modelling studies. Monitoring allows for actual levels of dust, or concentrations or proportions of specific pollutants, to be measured so that modelling predictions can be evaluated.

 

DustScan mapping packages can be tailored to meet specific requirements. Dust data can be integrated with spatial information such as site plans. AAC and EAC dust rose diagrams can be overlaid onto site plans or drawings (see dust detection plot top left). These diagrams are extremely useful when multiple gauges are installed in and around a site. Dust source directions and pathways can be recognised and compared relative to different sites, site areas and processes over time.

 

Deposited dust levels can also be plotted spatially.

 

DustScan also produce maps based on sample geochemistry following geochemical and forensic analysis of the data. A broad suite of typically 30 elements including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) and arsenic (As), can be plotted to provide information on element proportions at different monitoring locations.

 

The information generated from mapping can also be used to inform baseline studies prior to commencing work. It may also be used to investigate cases of air pollution on and around industrial sites. Maps of element concentrations may be used to monitor dust dispersion from a given location, providing a valuable method of source attribution. It may also be used to identify as yet unknown sources of dusts contributing to an area. Dust mapping has been used to investigate public concerns of dust dispersion at sites (see our Case Studies tab for more information).