Role of the EMA Lab
What is the EMAL?
IT IS a national institute, built for support and advice on all aspects of environmental quality, research, treatment studies, training and environmental quality information. The laboratory started operating under EMA management in 2007, was first accredited in 2012 and has continuously maintained its accreditation status.
Policy statement
Management at EMAL is committed to continuous improvement of the effectiveness of the laboratory management system that is in compliance to ISO/IEC 17025:2005, accreditation board requirements and is reviewed yearly, making the laboratory a centre of excellence for analysis of a wide range of environmental samples with the overall objective of providing quality services to all customers.
To achieve this, EMAL uses state of the art equipment, validated test methods, trained and competent staff and ensures that all personnel practice good professionalism by adhering to, familiarising with and implementing the management system on a day to day basis. Services offered:
◆ Biological water testing
◆ Chemical water testing
◆ Soil testing: the level of contamination in the soil
What are you testing for in your water?
To find out the concentrations of the following chemical parameters in your water: BOD, COD, DO, Alkalinity, Ca, Cd, Cl, Co, EC, Ph, Fe, K, Na, Cu, Zn, Hg, As, CN, Cr 6+, Mg, Mn, Pb, Ni, PV, G/Oil, NO3, SO4, PO4, Sulphides, TDS/TSS, NTU, TH, detergents, pesticides etc.
The microbiological tests include: total coliforms, faecal coliforms, Faecal Streptococci, E.Coli, Total plate counts @ 220C and 370C, sulphite reducing Clostridia Perfringens, Chlorophyll a and diatoms.
Why test your water?
To prevent pollution in our natural water bodies and the environment. To prevent health problems such as diarrhoea, nausea, cramps dysentery and hepatitis caused by drinking water with faecal contamination and pathogens. To avoid bioaccumulation of heavy metals in human bodies and aquatic life. These heavy metals cause chronic diseases and damage to the central nervous system if consumed in low and high doses, respectively. To increase industrial production yield. To preserve our natural ecosystems. To reduce water purification costs.
Packages offered by EMAL: Domestic water (tap, borehole, treated), Mineral water, Mining effluent, Sewage effluent, Industrial effluent, Agricultural effluent, and ambient water (river, dam and lake) test.
Where is the EMAL located?
The EMAL is located at No. 6 off Pauling Drive, King George VI (KG VI) Borrowdale in Harare. What are the sampling procedures? What International standards has the EMAL acquired?
The EMAL is pleased to inform the nation that the laboratory has been accredited by the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Services (SAD CAS) to ISO/IEC 17025.2005.
This was done in 2012 and the accreditation status has been maintained to date. This has enabled the laboratory to offer reliable laboratory testing services.
◆ Send your feedback to; eep@ema.co.zw, like us on Facebook and Twitter or visit our website www.ema. co.zw. Alternatively, call us on: Tel 04-305550/ 305407/ 305188 and Tollfree 08080028; or use our Whatsapp platform 0779565707. We are ready to listen.