Central Laboratory for Environmental Quality Monitoring

Overview

The Central Laboratory for Environmental Quality Monitoring (CLEQM) was established by Presidential Decree No. 316 of 1994 as part of cooperation between the Canadian government and the Egyptian government, represented by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation       (MWRI ).

CLEQM is administratively affiliated with the National Water Research Center, the research arm of MWRI.

The laboratory provides comprehensive and distinguished research services through its specialized scientific departmentsin the field of water, soil and plant quality.

The laboratories include specialized teams and advanced analytical equipment that enables physical, chemical, and biological tests of water, soil, plants, and fish. They operate according to the latest international standards and specifications for quality and environmental accreditation. It also implements periodic monitoring programs to track changes in water quality, contributes to assessing and reducing pollution sources, and participates in environmental impact assessment studies for various projects. The laboratories contribute to capacity building by organizing training courses and building technical staff. They also participate in regional and international cooperation projects aimed at improving water quality and achieving sustainable water resource management.

CLEQMis oneof the first Egyptian Laboratory that has been accredited by the International and national Laboratory Accreditation Systemconforming to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 from two different accreditation bodies,CALA (Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation) since 2005 and EGAC (Egyptian Accreditation Council) since 2017.

CLEQM voluntarily participate in rigorous programs of proficiency testing and accreditation, demonstrating their commitment to generate high quality data.

Vision

Continuous monitoring, evaluation and maintenance of water quality.

Mission

  • Conducting all types of water, soil, and plant analyses, as assigned by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and its various sectors, and the National Water Research Center and its research institutes.
  • Contributing to environmental monitoring in the water sector for the public and private sectors.
  • Contributing to the preparation of environmental assessment studies.
  • Providing technical advice for the establishment of laboratories and training their staff.
  • Preparing specialized training courses for personnel working in the field of analysis and training university students on the latest techniques.
  • Providing reliable data and technical recommendations to decision-makers at the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.
  • Supporting government efforts in developing plans and policies related to water quality

Departments

Inorganic Department.

(Metalions,Physical,Digestion,Nutrient)

Organic Department.

(Chromatography,Extraction)

MicrobiologyDepartment.

(Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology)

Biology & Environmental IndicatorsDepartment.

(Aquatic Environment, Plant, Zoology)

SoilDepartment.

(Physical, Chemical)

QA / QC  Department

Laboratory Information Management Systems Department. (LIMS)

Area of Expertise

  • Conducting physical, chemical, and biological analyses of surface and groundwater resources.
  • Assessing water quality in the Nile River, canals, drains, lakes, and inland water bodies.
  • Detecting organic and inorganic pollutants, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants.
  • Using precise analytical techniques such as GC, GC-MS, ICP, HPLC, and others.
  • Preparing technical reports and analytical databases to support water policies.
  • Participating in the preparation and implementation of environmental impact assessment studies for water and development projects.
  • Providing technical recommendations to mitigate negative environmental impacts.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of treatment systems and improving their efficiency.
  • Organizing specialized workshops and training courses for personnel working in the fields of environmental monitoring.
  • Raising technical awareness among relevant authorities.
  • Cooperating with ministries, local and international agencies, and environmental organizations.
  • Implementing applied research projects that support sustainable development goals