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Site Investigation Trial Pitting and Using Tablet to Log Results in Real Time

INNOVATION

Innovation is important to ERS’ continued development and success.

 

ERS innovates by solving complex client problems, improving our internal processes and thereby increasing standards and efficiency, as well as striving to push boundaries with industry leading research achieved both independently and through collaboration with academia. 

 

 

To help us innovate, we: 

 

  • Host regular staff seminars to disseminate information to staff on the various projects underway, the difficulties faced, and how they were approached and solved. (We can also organise webinars for clients, please click here for more info).

 

  • Encourage staff involvement in all types of projects within the company so that fresh eyes can look at client and company problems.

 

  • Employ highly qualified staff experienced in designing and delivering research and development 

 

 

  • Host UK and international students on industrial placements.

 

  • Collaborate with the UK’s top universities.

 

 

Recent examples of innovative projects include: 

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  • Temperature and nutrient input for soil bioremediation: In 2022 ERS hosted a MSc student on a research project based in our treatability laboratory in Glasgow. The aim of the project was to assess the relative importance of incubation temperature and nutrient input on microbial activity in hydrocarbon contaminated soil. The research is ongoing but the initial results are already helping to shape our bioremediation approach(es). 

  

  • CO2 emissions calculator: In 2022 ERS ‘remotely’ hosted a MSc student for a project to develop a Microsoft Excel based calculator to determine the direct CO2 emissions from our ex situ soil remediation approaches. Results from this work were presented at the World Congress of Soil Science held in Glasgow between 31st July – 5th  August 2022. ERS are using the results to continuously improve the sustainability of our ex situ soil remediation projects. ​

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  • Novel process to separate plastic contamination from seaweed: In 2020 ERS developed a process that is effective at separating plastic from seaweed (patent pending, ref GB2015205.4).  The project was partly funded by Zero Waste Scotland. We are now working towards scaling up of the process. 

 

  • In-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) treatability testing: in 2019, ERS hosted an undergraduate student from Glasgow University to work on a research project focused on laboratory treatability testing and assessment of activation methods in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO). Through the project we developed a novel assay for treatability testing based on measurement of carbon dioxide, which is now applied as required to commercial chemical oxidation projects. 

 

  • Molecular biology capability: In 2018 ERS developed its treatability laboratory to include quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) testing capability to support bioremediation projects.  Find out more on our Laboratory Technologies page. 

 

  • Electronic data recording: In 2018 ERS introduced field logging software / hardware to allow our field geologists and scientists to record site investigation data electronically. Data is stored directly to a cloud database and enables data to be issued to clients whilst geologists are still on-site. Since then, we have also replaced all our gas monitoring instruments to allow electronic recording of data and move towards fully paperless site operation.

 

If you would like to know more about our problem-solving innovations or collaborate with us in our industry leading research, contact us and ask to speak to a member of our Technical Team.

 

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