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African scientist working in water research laboratory
Centre of Excellence · Lusaka, Zambia

Water & Environment Research Centre (WERC)

Protecting water resources, promoting low-cost technologies, and ensuring environmental sustainability through cutting-edge research and analytical services.

Black female scientist in water microbiology laboratory

Who We Are

We are a team of qualified and competent researchers and laboratory staff with the mandate to conduct research and offer consultancy and analytical services in water and the environment.

We conduct community need-based research to improve people's livelihoods by promoting low-cost technologies utilizing local materials. Our work further aims to protect the environment from pollution and ensure the safety of drinking water.

Our Expertise

Microbiology Chemistry Water Engineering Civil Engineering Hydrology Environmental Studies

Key Analytical Parameters

Nitrates
Total hardness
Sodium / Potassium
Phosphate / Ammonia
Magnesium
BOD / COD
Dissolved Oxygen
Conductivity
Black lab technician at work

Water Microbiology Laboratory

Under the water microbiology laboratory, we analyze water to estimate the number of bacteria present, including:

Total Coliform

Fecal Coliform

Analytical Services: Water quality testing for individuals, private water schemes, and mining companies.

Microscope with Black scientist
Lab samples
Laboratory equipment with researcher

Research & Development

Community-driven research for sustainable water and environmental solutions

African researchers studying plants

Research focus: Cost-effective water treatment using Moringa Oleifera seed

Ongoing Research Studies

Enhancing planning, management, and sustainable utilization of water resources
Developing a cost-effective method of water treatment using Moringa Oleifera seed
Climate change mitigation – quantifying GHG emissions from landfills

Previous Research Studies

Water quality assessment in cholera-prone areas of Lusaka, Zambia
Water quality assessment in new residential areas in Lusaka
Production of fuel-grade ethanol from locally available raw materials
Optimization of a method for nitrate determination in drinking water
Characterization of bio-solids and evaluating sun-drying beds effectiveness

Analytical Services

We provide analytical services in water quality to a range of clients – from individuals to private water scheme providers and mining companies.

Water analysis

Consultancy & Training

Consultancy, internships, and laboratory demonstrations to students. Building local capacity in water and environmental sciences.

Training session

Capacity Building & International Training

Strengthening skills in water and environmental research through global partnerships

IAEA Training

IAEA Regional Training

Isotope Tracers for Groundwater Flow Models

Palapye, Botswana

Vienna Training

IAEA Training Course

Equipment life cycle management

Vienna, Austria

Morocco Training

AFRA Regional Training

Nitrogen isotopes in water pollution

Rabat, Morocco

Collaborations with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
15+

Research Projects

3

International Trainings

50+

Clients Served

6

Expertise Areas