Element is a global network of environmental soil analysis labs, providing accurate and reliable soil testing services across industries, including oil & gas, industrial, commercial, agricultural, government, and private customers, to help them meet regulatory requirements.
Working out of advanced testing laboratories, our team of experts uses the latest technologies to deliver a wide range of soil analysis services, from toxicity testing to nutrient analysis. Thanks to our global presence, we are sure to have a soil testing laboratory in your region, contact us to connect with our experts.
Comprehensive laboratory soil testing services
Element’s soil testing labs across the globe analyze different types of soils, sediments, and wastes, plus the soluble fractions of these matrices by preparing leachates in the laboratory before testing. The results are used to investigate soil nutrient levels and contamination in green or brownfield sites, including waste from processes such as production, mining, quarrying, or drilling. We work in partnership with our clients to provide reliable data for the full spectrum of soil analysis, including volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs), metals, petroleum/oil-derived compounds, inorganics, and asbestos.
Our soil testing experts understand the need for effective soil sampling and handling techniques to offer advice on best practices for environmental sampling and the various test methods. Element’s long history and extremely high standards have helped to make us among the most trusted soil testing companies in the world.
Our environmental testing laboratories also work with agricultural clients to determine fertilizer recommendations and achieve maximum crop quality and revenue through expert soil analysis. We help to understand soil pH, fertility, acidity, organic matter, and nutrient content, as well as any presence of potentially harmful organisms.
Soil index testing
- Moisture content by oven-drying method
- Liquid limit by Cassagrande apparatus method
- Liquid limit by cone penetrometer method
- Plastic limit and plasticity index
- Shrinkage characteristics by linear shrinkage
- Density by linear measurement method
- Particle Density by Gas Jar Method and small pyknometer method
- Particle size distribution by sieving (wet and dry) and hydrometer method
Soil strength test methods
- Unconfined compressive strength
- Shear strength by laboratory vane method
- Undrained shear strength in triaxial compression (without pore pressure measurement)
- Undrained shear strength in triaxial compression with multistage loading (without pore pressure measurement)
- Consolidated-undrained triaxial compression with pore pressure measurement
- Consolidated-drained triaxial compression with measurement of volume change
- Unconsolidated-undrained triaxial compression test with pore pressure measurement
- Determination of shear strength by direct shear
“We are thoroughly impressed with the caliber of [...]Testing provided by Element. Their unwavering commitment to precision and methodical analysis is commendable. Each sample undergoes meticulous scrutiny, resulting in exceptionally accurate results within the agreed turnaround times.”
M Muhammad
Tekcellent Private Limited
Soil permeability and compressibility tests
Element provides permeability tests of soil using the falling-head test method and can carry out a One-Dimensional Consolidation test to identify the consolidation characteristics of soils of low permeability.
Soil toxicity testing
We provide soil toxicity tests for the dumping of dredged materials, in accordance with MPA requirements. These tests allow the analysis of eight heavy metals:
- Arsenic (As)
- Copper (Cu)
- Cadmium (Cd)
- Chromium (Cr)
- Lead (Pb)
- Mercury (Hg)
- Zinc (Zn)
- Nickel (Ni)
Bioaccessibility testing (UK)
Element’s UK laboratory is one of the few in the country able to perform the Bioaccessibility Research Group of Europe (BARGE) and Fed Organic Estimation human Simulation Test (FOREhST) methods of bioavailability soil testing. Bioavailability testing replicates the process within the gastrointestinal tract to determine the concentration of contaminants in environmental test samples that will stay in the body if ingested or absorbed.
The BARGE method tests for inorganics and metals such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium, determining the amount of these contaminants that would stay in the body.
The FOREhST method tests for the bioaccessibility of organic contaminants such as PAHs that can have serious health effects such as mutations, congenital disabilities, and cancer if ingested.
The Element advantage
Our soil testing labs are accredited to the international standard ISO/IEC 17025 to ensure that our clients have complete confidence in accurate and reliable test results from our soil analyses.
We carry a variety of accreditations and operate our soil testing labs in accordance with various national and international environmental associations and regulatory agencies/standards. These include the Alberta Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) Directives, the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), and the United Kingdom Environment Agency Monitoring Certification Scheme (MCERTS).
To learn more about Element’s laboratories and soil testing services, or to speak to one of our experts, contact us today.
Featured Services
Click on one of the links below to find out more about our Soil Testing Services.
Soil Organics Testing and Analysis
Element’s experts deliver specialized testing and analysis for organic compounds in soil, including alcohols, hydrocarbons, pesticides, and VOC.
Soil Sampling and Preparation
Element work in partnership with environmental consultants to ensure soil samples are prepared as quickly as possible, ready for testing.
Physical Properties of Soil Testing
Element’s environmental testing experts provide testing of soil texture and structure as well as other physical properties of soil to help you make effective land-use decisions.
Inorganics Testing and Analysis in Soil
Element’s chemists deliver professional testing and analysis for inorganic compounds in soil, including asbestos, micro and macronutrients, salinity and soil pH.
Agricultural Soil Testing Services
Our agricultural soil testing and analysis help determine nutrient content, soil composition, and other properties that are essential to maximizing the yield and quality of crops.
Microbiology and Toxicity Testing
Element’s experts keep abreast of the latest analytical methods, providing a vast array of tests that determine the microbiology and toxicity levels in soils and liquids according to customers’ specifications and government regulations.
Asbestos in Soil Testing
Element’s asbestos testing programs help to assess the potential presence of asbestos in soils, asbestos fibers, and any asbestos-containing materials that may cause harm to people’s health.
Soil Salinity and pH Testing
Element’s soil testing laboratory provides expert pH testing and salinity analysis to help farmers diagnose and manage problems associated with soil fertility.
Soil Boring Testing
Soil boring is a technique used to investigate and determine soil composition and conditions at a site where construction is planned.
Soil Testing for Construction
Geotechnical soil and rock testing is an essential first step in understanding whether the terrain you hope to build upon is suitable for construction purposes.
Marine Sediment Analysis
We offer fully accredited marine sediment analysis for offshore surveys to help you comply with environmental legislation during engineering and dredging operations.
Soil Testing Kits for the Home
For greener grass or a better yield from your garden or crops, our at-home soil testing kits give you the data you need to make it happen.