The new cone features UV-emitting LEDs that can detect cold light emission luminescence from fuels and oils, providing a more accurate picture of the ground in real-time.

Lankelma reporting engineer Christopher Player explained: "Many industrial oils and fuels visibly emit fluorescence under ultra-violet conditions.

"The UV video cone can detect these emissions at low concentrations, with images streamed live to a monitor in the cone penetration testing (CPT) truck. Results can be used to enable real-time ground characterisation and to help target additional sampling and testing."

Pushed into the ground at 0.5cm/s using CPT equipment, the video cone has a camera and LEDs sitting behind a glass window. Alongside fuel and oil contamination, the cone allows particles such as shells and sand grains to be distinguished easily; small voids and gas bubbles are also visible.