bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ascertainment of Photosynthetic Biomass Curves in the Early Growth Stages of Selected Dominat Native and Endemic Plant Species in Lowland Rainforest Ecosystems, Sri Lanka that as a Proxy for Value Primary Ecosystem Services and towards Conservation
Authors: Aberathna W.S.S.L.  , Chaturanga H.N.  , Senanayake F.R.  , De. Zoysa D.
Published: February 2024

The lowland rainforests play a significance role in maintaining the rich biodiversity of threatened endemic and native species of flora. However, the physiognomy of many species is still poorly known. The main objective of this study was to established the gains in photosynthetic Biomass (PB) during the early growth phases of three native and endemic tree species Garcenia quaesita, Dipterocarpus zeylanicus and Artocapus nobilis, which are frequently found in the low land rainforest ecosystems in south-west Sri Lanka. The study was based on field data collection and through observations based on empirical measurements which focused on PB accumulation in the early growth stages of above tree species. The sampled individuals were found in the reforested site in Hinduma, Sri Lanka and Sampling was carried out in four sites which represented the growth at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years. Purposive sampling was carried out and 30 individuals from each and individual age group as mentioned above, totaling 360 individuals of the plant species. Fresh weight was measured from collected leaves and analyzed to derive PB curves using statistical software Minitab version 15. Oxygen production (1 g of PB gives 0.4 g of Oxygen) was quantified using the measured PB value applied to the standard allometric equation. PB and Oxygen production of selected tree species demonstrated an exponential growth after the age of 3 years. Results shows that at the end of 4th year D. zeylanicus produce highest PB value, i.e., 2,483.55 grms and then 550.92 and 421.36 grams occupied by A. nobilis and G. quaesita. Also, PB and Oxygen production had a significant relationship with the age. In conclusion all the selected species under the given climatic conditions shows an increasing rate of PB, and oxygen production with age up to 3 years with an exponential growth thereafter. The findings of this study will be used to explored and included in the contractual process of value Primary Ecosystem Services (PES) hence all the PES derivatives such as carbon sequestering values and oxygen production based on the PB value of that given plant species. Therefore, it creates new scientific proven records to archive economic opportunities, which are not still identified and value of primary ecosystem services of tree dominated ecosystems/land uses to achieve national green economic policy management objectives. Such an economy described above, can generate new ecosystem servicing values and socioeconomical benefits which, at the same time, promotes conservation of these species and their unique environments. 

Keywords: Conservation, Green economy, Lowland rainforests, Photosynthetic Biomass, Primary ecosystem services
Analysis and Characterization of Four Selected Sri Lankan Seed Oils for the Potential Applications in Cosmetics and Dietary Supplements
Authors: Thathsara K.A.H.  , Chinthaka S.D.M.
Published: February 2024

As a tropical country, Sri Lanka has a wide variety of oil-bearing seeds explicitly used in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine. Plant seed oils offer an exciting avenue for the use in cosmetic and dietary supplements due to their fatty acid composition and other non-polar constituents specially found in unsaponifiable fraction. This study aimed to characterize plant seed oils by determining Fatty Acids (FA) composition, constituents in unsaponifiable matter, and other physical properties. Mesua ferrea L. (Na), Crotalaria juncea L. (Hana), Ricinus communis L. (Thel edaru), and Bauhinia acuminata L. (Koboleela) seeds having some medicinal values were selected. The oil was extracted using soxhlet extraction method with Hexane. Moisture and ash content, Acid Value (AV), Iodine value (IV), and Smoke Point were also determined. Prepared Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) and unsaponifiable matter were analyzed using GC-MS. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) was performed to access the thermal stability. M. ferrea obtained the highest oil yield of 63.87% while others lay within the range of 28.59-29.94%. Smoke point values of these oils varied from 179.0±10.5oC to 241.5±6.2o C. AVs lay between 4.62±1.18-49.64±2.92 mgKOH/g range. IVs ranged from 6.82±0.89 to 16.82±0.45 gI2/100g. Ash content values varied from 1.42±0.33% to 3.69±0.29% while the moisture content ranged from 0.69±0.09% to 4.46±0.51%. The yield of unsaponifable matter of these four seed oils ranged from 0.7024±0.0001% to 1.5864±0.0001%. All except M. ferrea oil exhibited higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids than saturated fatty acids. In contrary M. ferrea contained almost equal amounts of UFAs and SFAs. The most abundant FA constituents of all the oils were long-chain FAs like Oleic, Linoleic, and α-Linolenic Acid. γ- Sitosterol was the most dominant compound in unsaponifiable fraction in most of the seed oils which indicate their potential use in dietary supplements. The high level of Squalene found in R. communis shows its applicability in the cosmetic industry as a moisturizing agent. This analysis found that all 4 oils have the potential to use in dietary supplements and cosmetics. 

Keywords: Seed oils, Unsaponifiable matter, Fatty acids, Cosmetics and dietary supplements
Valuation of Ecosystem Services for Driving Community-assisted Forest Landscape Restoration in Endane Biodiversity Corridor, Sri Lanka
Authors: Madawala M.M.G.I.N.M.B.  , Rajasooriya P.G.C.L.  , Fernando A.P.S.  , Perera A.  , Gunatilleke I.A.U.N.  , Nanayakkara S.  , Geekiyanage N.
Published: February 2024

The ecosystem services: direct or indirect benefits of ecosystems to human well-being, need to be recognized in conservation and restoration decision-making. In the human-dominated southwest Sri Lanka, we have established a forest landscape restoration project (Endane Biodiversity Corridor) linking a peripheral forest reserve to Sinharaja Rainforest Complex. The ecosystem services provided by tea monocultures, abandoned tea lands, and lowland home gardens were estimated employing a range of methods for estimating respective ecosystem service values with data collected from household surveys, key stakeholder interviews, and survey of tree flora in 20 m × 20 m plots for estimating aboveground carbon stock. The benefit transfer approach was used to value the supporting and regulating services. The total value of ecosystem services provided by this forest corridor landscape was 6,465 USD ha/yr in 2021. This amount included: provisioning services of 1,950 USD ha/yr, supporting services of 645 USD ha/yr, regulating services of 3,807 USD ha/yr, and cultural services of 38.8 USD ha/yr. Overall, our forest corridor landscape of 59.3 ha provided 382,362 of USD of ecosystem services a year. In comparison to tea monoculture, species-rich home gardens generate a high amount of provisioning services. Our study site is prone to ecosystem degradation due to human activities like forest land encroachment, illegal gem mining, and over- harvesting of forest products. However, we recognize the opportunity of enhancing the biodiversity of monoculture tea gardens and home gardens of the corridor following the principles of agroforestry and enrichment planting. These results i.e., the ecosystem service values among different land uses, are imperative for financing and encouraging community participation for forest restoration activities.

Keywords: Forest resources assessment, Forest restoration, Common-based restoration
Consumer Awareness and Buying Behavior on Coconut Spread in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sudari D.K.P.G.K.  , Malkanthi S.H.P.
Published: February 2024

The plant-based fat spread marketing is rapidly expanding globally with the recent increase of consumers concern in health. The coconut has long been a popular superfood, providing numerous cultures with significant health benefits as a valuable source of both food and medicine. Coconut spread has almost all of the same health benefits as other coconut products for example, include weight loss, immunity boosts, and many more. Therefore, study of consumers‘ awareness on coconut-based fat-spread is important for food industry of the country. This study aimed at understanding of the level of awareness and of the buying behavior of consumers in Sri Lanka related to coconut-based fat spreads. A sample of 400 respondents was randomly selected from Kurunegala District, data were collected via consumer survey conducted through google forms using structured questionnaire, from May to July 2022. The data analyses were done using descriptive statistics (to analyze the level of consumers‘ awareness towards the coconut spread as a substitute for dairy fat spreads) and multiple linear regressions (to identify the factors affecting consumers awareness and consumption of coconut spread in addition to regular dairy fat spreads). According to the results, fifty three percent (53%) of respondents were aware on coconut spread. According to the results, more than fifty percent (>50%) of respondents have awareness on coconut spread. The results of the multiple regression analysis showed that the consumers‘ awareness is significantly affected by the socio-demographic factors such as age, educational level and monthly family income level. According to the results consumer buying behavior significantly affected by consumers‘ educational level, monthly income, products attributes such as product quality, taste, price and market attributes such as product availability in the market and promotional strategies used by marketers. Approaches such as motivating dairy- butter users to switch towards coconut- based fat- spreads by increasing their knowledge about health benefits of coconut-based fat-spreads should be a strategy by the industry. The findings of the study play an important role in promoting coconut spread market and essential for marketing planners, researchers and policymakers to enhance the coconut spread industry in the country in the future.

Keywords: Consumers‘ awareness, Buying behavior, Coconut spread, Sri Lanka
The Opportunity Cost Analysis of using Jack Fruit Timber as a Construction Material in Sri Lanka
Authors: Kaluwila K.M.C.N  , Udawattha C.D.
Published: February 2024

The miracle tree in the world is thought to be the jackfruit tree. Its fruit-bearing capacity was well- documented by history academics. However, jackfruit wood is also regarded as one of Sri Lanka's more expensive wood types. Instead of considering the quality of the actual lumber material, this is only dependent on its legendary value. It was not considered how much money the timber was worth. They are carelessly used as one of the finest luxury lumber materials, disregarding the fact that they were originally planted as fruit trees. In an effort to compare the true worth of jackfruit wood to the current palette of premium timber materials, this study was initiated. Thus, it will assist legislators in passing a new law that forbids Sri Lanka from using jackfruit trees as a source of lumber. First, a life cycle model was used to determine the yield value and market value of jackfruit timber. The perceived value of the timber and the yield were then contrasted with the timber's real market worth. The study discovered that, before the age of 50 years, the jack fruit tree's yield value was significantly higher than its timber value. Only Rs. 100,000.00 is the typical timber value anticipated from a jackfruit tree. Only eight years of average yield value are required to restore the value of the timber. In order to preserve the jack fruit tree as one of the top fruit-bearing trees in the world, a new policy should be developed to change the jack fruit tree cutting age to a minimum of 50 years.

Keywords: Jack fruit tree, Yield value, Selling price, Timber value
Floods and Land Use Land Cover Changes in the Kalu River Basin: A Call to Action
Authors: Amarakoon V.  , Wickramasinghe D.D.  , Premasiri H.M.R.  , Shaw R.  , Mukherjee M.
Published: February 2024

Floods are one of the most common natural disasters worldwide. Apart from rainfall, Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes too are a main contributory factor for floods. This study attempted to understand the link between floods and LULC changes in Kalu river basin, which is the second largest river basin and an area that experiences recurrent floods in Sri Lanka. We studied peak water levels, number of flood events, changes in land use types and impacts in rapidly urbanizing two districts, Rathnapura (upper basin) and Kalutara (lower basin) during 2001-2020. The satellite images (LANDSAT) were obtained for 2001, 2009, 2015 and 2020 and land use classification was done using ArcGIS and Remote Sensing Tools. Main land use types and their transformations were investigated and ground-truthing was carried out. Accordingly, the main types of land uses identified were Natural Vegetation and forests (NV), Settlements (ST- housing and industrial lands), Cultivated Lands (CL), Water Bodies (WB) and Bare Lands (BL). The results indicated that the most drastic change was found in the natural areas (NV) and they have diminished while the lands with anthropogenic impacts (ST, CL and BL) have increased across years. The NV had occupied the highest land area in 2001 (42.4%) and has reduced by 14.2% by 2020. The ST and CL have increased by 8.6 % and 5.2% respectively. The monthly rainfall of Rathnapura and Kalutara (Source: Department of Meteorology, Sri Lanka) has increased with time, which is a main reason for the increasing peak water levels of these areas (Source: Department of Irrigation, Sri Lanka). However, a significant correlation also exists between the change of the settlement area with the peak river water levels in the lower basin (p=0.03, R2=99%; regression analysis). Rathnapura has experienced 3 major floods (floods above the high water alert level) from 2001-2020, while 16 major floods have occurred in Kalutara. During the major flood in 2017, the number of child deaths in Rathnapura was 14 while in Kalutara it was 24. Accordingly, the LULC changes of the whole basin along with rainfall seem to influence on the severity of floods in Kalutara more, as it is located in the lowest elevation level. When natural lands are transformed to anthropogenic- impacted areas with disturbances to the water cycle, increased impervious surfaces, reduced water storage capacities and loss of natural drainage, the flood risk tends to increase. Proactive approaches including proper land use planning and rainwater storage are urgently needed as the climate change too would trigger more floods. Thus, the flood mitigatory actions, especially, in the lower river basin should be a priority to ensure resilience and sustainability.

Keywords: Kalu river basin, Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes, Floods
The Effect of Nitrogen-Enriched Partially Burnt Paddy Husk on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza Sativa)
Authors: Jayarathna J.G.S.N.  , Godakumbura P.I.  , Ratnayake W.M.U.K.
Published: February 2024

Paddy husk can be defined as a material that can be easily accessed by small-scale, resource-poor farmers in Sri Lanka. It is being produced in large quantities during the production of milled rice as by-products. Currently, most paddy husk is underutilized or left unused due to their intrinsic properties. Partially burnt paddy husk (PBPH) is an organic material that is prepared by incomplete combustion of paddy husk. The use of PBPH as a soil amendment to fix soil fertility problems has been well recognized. It contains a higher porous structure and an enhanced adsorption capacity, therefore, has the ability to slow down nutrient leaching by capturing nutrients in its porous structure. In the present study, a farmer-friendly, biochar-based organic nitrogen fertilizer was developed by nitrogen-enriching PBPH using nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizers in order to determine its effect on the growth and yield of rice. A pot experiment was conducted at the Rice Research and Development Institute, Bathalagoda based on a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with eight treatments and five replicates.The treatments included T1 (Gliricidia extract+PBPH), T2 (cow urine+PBPH), T3 (poultry manure+PBPH), T4 (fish tonic+PBPH), T5 (compost tea+PBPH), T6 (urea+PBPH), T7 (PBPH only) and T8 (no treatment). Nitrogen (N) content of raw materials, liquid fertilizers, N-enriched PBPH, and N uptake of plants were determined using Kjeldahl method. Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) contents of PBPH were determined by using UV-Visible Spectrophotometer and Flame Photometer, respectively. Plant height and greenness (SPAD results) were recorded as growth parameters and finally, number of tillers, panicles, grains per pot and grain weight per pot were obtained as the yield parameters. Significantly, the highest N content was found in urea liquid fertilizer (3.42%) whereas the lowest was found in Gliricidia extract (0.35%). Significantly, the highest N content (1.735%) of N-enriched PBPHs was found in T6 (urea+PBPH), while the lowest (0.058%) was found in T7 (PBPH only). Significantly, the highest N uptakes (1.98% and 1.86%) of rice plants were found in T6 (urea+PBPH) and T4 (fish tonic+PBPH) respectively while the lowest (0.56%) was found in the T8 (no treatment). SPAD readings, the number of panicles, tillers and grain yield, and biomass were significantly increased in all treatments over T7 (PBPH only) and T8 (no treatment) treatments. The overall study concluded that the application of N-enriched PBPH has improved the growth and yield of rice, therefore it can be used as a farmer-friendly, sustainable, and organic nitrogen source in paddy cultivation in Sri Lanka.

Keywords: Nitrogen, Partially burnt paddy husk, Nitrogen enrichment
Conversion of Marginalized Tea Lands into Timber Plantations and its Impact on Soil Organic Carbon Content: A Case Study in Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
Authors: Rotawewa B.  , Lokupitiya E.Y.K.
Published: February 2024

Tea (Camellia sinensis) plantations can be in production for about 100 years under well-managed conditions. However, soil degradation makes the tea lands marginalized and uneconomical. Land use conversion is an option for marginalized tea lands that could gain numerous environmental and economic benefits. This study estimated and compared the soil organic carbon stocks (SOC) in the surface soil layer (0–30 cm) of marginalized tea lands against those converted to timber plantations in the Badulla and Nuwaraeliya districts. Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from the top layer (0-30 cm) of the selected sites of marginalized tea lands and those converted to timber plantations for analysis. Organic matter percentage in the site-level dry soil samples was analysed using the loss on ignition method. The final carbon stocks (t C ha-1) for samples from both land use types were then estimated using the SOC percentages and bulk density estimates. The carbon stocks for the soil samples collected at marginalized tea lands and the marginalized tea lands converted to timber plantations were then statistically analysed (descriptive statistics, normality tests and two-sample t-tests) using Minitab 21.2 software. The pH of marginal tea lands (5.34±0.14) and the marginal tea lands converted to timber plantations (5.20±0.13) was slightly acidic in nature. The bulk density estimates of marginalized tea lands and marginalized tea lands converted to timber plantations were very close and estimated as 1.15±0.02. The statistical analysis showed that overall mean SOC was significantly higher under the marginalized tea lands converted to timber plantations (155.3±10.0 t C ha-1) compared to the marginalized tea lands (126.7±5.8 t C ha-1). Land use conversion has increased the SOC stocks gradually after forest establishment. The increased carbon stocks could be attributed to consistent addition of litter layer on the soil, less soil disturbance, and retarded soil erosion contributing to the buildup of soil organic matter and SOC. On the other hand, low carbon stocks in the marginalized tea land could be attributed to unsustainable agronomical practices. Our findings suggest that converting marginalized tea lands in central highlands into timber plantations could enhance the sequestration of atmospheric CO2, significantly contributing to climate change mitigation.

Keywords: Soil organic carbon, Land use change, Climate change, Tea plantations
Visitor Perception on Urban Green Space and its Contribution for Human Well-being, A Case Study for Henarathgoda Botanic Garden
Authors: Chandrathilaka G.G.T.  , Samarasekara S.  , Jayasooriya V.
Published: February 2024

Botanical gardens vary widely in design and purpose, but most are typically associated with Ex-situ conservation, education, or historical interpretation. Yet, few studies have shown that botanic garden visitors are often motivated by recreational and leisure interests. While visitor motivations and benefits have been the focus of a number of botanical garden and green space visitor studies. The main objective of the study was to investigate the perceptions of benefits for wellbeing of community, by visiting Henarathgoda Botanic Garden (HBG) and the Specific objectives were; to identify the range of different specialized visitors to the HBG, identify the activity patterns of community visitation associated with HBG and to examine visitor preferences/perceptions for various combinations of social, resource and management conditions, and study the different wellbeing benefits obtained by visiting the garden related to physical and aesthetics aspects. This study employed means-end theory to investigate the links visitors make between garden attributes, consequences, and values. Structured questionnaire based in-person interviews were conducted with garden visitors (n=200) and surveys took place representing whatsoever the community visiting the HBG during February to March 2022. The overall study resulted that the garden visitation has been drastically affected by COVID-19 pandemic situation before, during, and after the pandemic respectively. This study reveals that the main top two reasons for visiting the HBG of respondent were because of relaxation and pleasure. This shows HBG should provide a suitable place for recreational activities for visitors. Further, the highest percentage of the respondents (36%) were commented that HBG‘s management should consider improving the services providing and maintaining more facilities and need for the visitors. The most positive benefit wanted to gain responders by visiting HBG, which was understanding and enjoying nature in different garden sections established at HBG (42%).

Keywords: Urban green spaces, Well-being benefits, Botanic garden, Psychological benefits, Questionnaire survey
Spatial and Temporal Assessment of Land Use and Land Cover in Wilpattu National Park Restricted Zone, Sri Lanka
Authors: Kumara U.I.  , Jayawardene D.T.  , Gunathilake B.M.
Published: February 2024

The Wilpattu National Park (WNP) is the country's oldest and largest National Park. Aside from the direct destruction of plant and fauna ecosystems that sustain humans with vital resources, removing forest cover throws many crucial natural processes out of balance, which could have several detrimental effects. It is still unknown how the various management alternatives will affect the economic, ecological, and social elements of sustainable forest management and planning. Sustainable development and environmental protection are aided by wise land use and resource management. Many of the farmers reside in these marginal, underproductive forest communities. Through scenario analysis and using a forestry decision support system, this study evaluated the effects of several management approaches on crucial aspects of sustainable forest management. Geographical Information System (GIS), such as participatory online mapping, GPS mapping, and satellite image classification (Remote Sensing Technology), was used. The study employs an evaluation model for land use that considers biophysical and human-related variables as part of an integrated land use assessment. Based on the classification of the images, the environment's impact has been evaluated. Forty-nine Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions are in the influenced zone in the national park. Eight sample GN divisions were selected for detailed assessment based on the area's different landscapes and ecological and cultural settings. The current situation and encroachment were studied in each sample GN division. Also, Current threats, land use, and pressure activities were studied. The land use analysis of the Wilpattu restricted zone revealed the area of encroachment. Analyses conducted in the human village clearly show that the restricted area for human settlement is being encroached upon 2019, permanent building/housing units were found in 2003 satellite image categorization within the 1.6 km restricted zone. By 2021, the number mentioned above will be 3,810 instead. The past 20 years have seen an 89% growth in housing units. Land use analysis indicates nine zones of encroachment. Zones are dominant in encroachment in 19 GN Divisions in total. The Wilpattu forest village's Mullikulam and Eluwankulam GN Divisions are the most crucial and quickly encroaching areas. The highest percentages of restricted zone, land use analysis contain Paddy cultivation, and Chena cultivation shows the second highest value. Minimum land used is utilized for abandoned Chena cultivations. The highest percentage of land use agriculture is Kudawilachiya, Dematamalagama, and Nelumvila. In addition, the lowest agricultural land use was utilized in Horawila, Thalgaswewa, Helabawewa, Mirichchukaadi, and Adiyapualwakkulam.

Keywords: Sustainable, Deforestation, Forest management, GIS, Restricted zone
Preparation and Characterization of NPK Nutrient Loaded Electrospun Cellulose Acetate Nanofiber Mat to be used as a Slow-release Fertilizer
Authors: Fernando W.A.M.B.  , Munaweera I.  , Kottegoda N.
Published: February 2024

A major unsolved issue with chemical fertilizers is the low nutrient use efficiency. It has been reported that an excessive amount of up to 70% of the nitrogen applied to plants with traditional fertilizers is lost to the surrounding. Hence, the drastic pollution effects of chemical fertilizer usage. Slow-release fertilizers aim to reduce such losses via slow and sustained release of nutrients to the plant. In this study, we report the successful fabrication and characterization of a novel and biodegradable cellulose acetate (CA) electrospun nanofiber (NF) mat loaded with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium plant nutrients of urea, hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANPs) and MOP respectively to be used as a slow-release fertilizer (SRF). It was envisaged that the unique properties of the electrospun NFs could overcome the shortcomings of traditional slow-release fertilizers (SRFs). The fabrication of the NFs was done with 8.5% w/v CA polymer dissolved in a 6 mL solvent system of acetone to dimethylformamide in a 2:1 volume ratio along with the addition of the aforementioned nutrients at 10% of the polymer weight. Electrospinning parameters were set after parameter optimization. The high-voltage supply was set at 16 kV, the spinneret to collector distance was 13cm and the flow rate was 1.5 ml/h. The solutions were electrospun only when the relative humidity was approximately between 65 to 70%. The HANPs incorporated were synthesized by the wet chemical precipitation method. The successful synthesis of the HANPs was confirmed via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis. The successful loading of the nutrients onto the electrospun NF mat was evident from FTIR, Raman and EDX analysis. Furthermore, the scanning electron microscopy images of the nutrient loaded NFs depicted a reduced average diameter with respect to those of the neat NF mat. The total nitrogen percentage of the nutrient loaded NF mat was determined to be 2.60% from Kjeldahl analysis. The initial nutrient release studies in water depicted a biphasic release model for orthophosphate and potassium nutrients while only a burst release profile was observed for nitrogen. It can be concluded that the electrospun NF mats display a potential application with regards to SRFs. However, several modifications to the NF mat fabrication such as the usage of coaxial electrospinning will have to be made in order to better optimize the nutrient loading and enhance its slow-release properties.

Keywords: Electrospinning, Nanofiber mat, Slow-release, Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles
Bio-efficacy and Persistence of Inert Dust Formulations as Stored-grain Protectants against Sitophilus oryzae (L.)
Authors: Ganhewa H.T.  , Perera A.G.W.U.
Published: February 2024

Inert dust formulations of natural origin act as promising alternatives in controlling storage infestations caused by deleterious coleopteran insect pests. In that context, laboratory studies were conducted in order to evaluate the insecticidal activity, progeny inhibition and persistence of three commercially available dust formulations, namely, diatomaceous earth, zeolite and cloisite 20A against Sitophilus oryzae adults, a major coleopteran pest of stored grains, throughout 90 days of storage period. Adulticidal and persistence bioassays were conducted to evaluate the toxicity of binary combinations of inert dusts using their sub-lethal doses towards the test insect for 60 days of storage period. Further, ultrastructural architecture of the test insect pest species was examined via Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX) to study the uptake/penetration pattern of inert dust particles through the cuticular layers of target insect pest. All inert dust formulations exhibited very efficacious toxic and progeny inhibition activities and extraordinary mortality percentages irrespective of the inert dust used at the end of initial 30 day-long storage period. Thereafter, mortality percentages gradually declined with the progress of the storage time period, declining in the order of, diatomaceous earth>zeolite>cloisite 20A. All the dust formulations successfully inhibited the progeny production and the lowest average progeny production was recorded at the end of initial storage period. Progeny inhibition decreased with the progress of storage time. Binary combinations of inert dust formulations exhibited additive and antagonistic effects against S. oryzae and similarly, the mortality percentages gradually decreased with the prolongation of the storage period. The FE-SEM and EDX micrographs clearly indicated the presence of dust particles and the distribution of their constituting elements on the cuticular layer of the exposed insect pests with the appearances of abrasions and scratches that may have led to dehydration and eventual death of S. oryzae. Thus, findings of the present study suggest that, naturally-derived diatomaceous earth, zeolite and cloisite 20A can be used as eco-friendly means as stored grain protectants against S. oryzae populations successfully in the storage grain systems.

Keywords: Sitophilus oryzae, Diatomaceous earth, Cloisite 20A, Zeolite
Potassium Solubilizers, Aspergillus sp. and Trichoderma sp. Promote Growth in Tomato
Authors: Kumari M.D.H.M.  , Athukorala A.D.S.N.P.  , Vishwajith H.K.I.S.  , Rajapakse R.M.G.
Published: February 2024

Potassium (K) is the third most significant plant macronutrient that plays a crucial role in growth and development of plants. K is abundant in soil, but 90-98% of K exists as insoluble minerals and only 1-2% becomes available to the plants. Certain microbes, K solubilizing microbes (KSMs), can solubilize unavailable forms of K and making it available to plants. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the growth promotion ability of two previously (2019) isolated KSMs, Aspergillus sp. and Trichoderma sp in-vitro and under greenhouse conditions using feldspar as the K source. Khandeparkar‘s selection ratio calculated based on K solubilizing assay on Alexandrov medium showed that Aspergillus (1.72+0.16) has a higher and faster K solubilization ability than Trichoderma (1.0+0.16). Effect of KSMs was assayed in a Tomato seed germination assay carried out in Petri plates with KSMs treated and non-treated soils. Both Aspergillus (58%) and Trichoderma (72%) showed enhanced percentage germination of tomato seeds under in vitro conditions compared to that of controls (Aspergillus sp.: 24%, 14%, 22.7%, 51.3%, 39.3%, Trichoderma sp.: 22%, 12%, 13%, 59%, 51%) which was statistically significant (Aspergillus, P=0.026; Trichoderma, P=0.003) at 0.05 confidence level. Seedling length (P=0.102, P=0.028) and root length (P=0.453, P=0.002) of tomato were enhanced when raised in non-autoclaved natural soil than autoclaved natural soil inoculated with Aspergillus and Trichoderma respectively. The greenhouse experiment was carried out with same experimental set up as an in vitro assay. No significant difference was observed in shoot length, number of leaves and length of leaves of tomato plants planted in soil treated with Aspergillus (P=0.093, P=0.906, P=0.260) and Trichoderma (P=0.334, P=0.239, P=0.243) respectively in comparison to controls during the vegetative stage (2 months after sawing). However, flowering was started four days early in plants planted in non-autoclaved soil treated with Aspergillus sp. suggesting that the impact of Aspergillus sp. starts to become visible in the reproductive stage. The results suggest that K solubilizing ability of Aspergillus sp. and Trichoderma sp. seem to show a positive effect on germination ability of tomato, however, only Aspergillus sp. seems to have a positive effect on the later stages of plant growth where K is mainly needed for flower and fruit development. Therefore, Aspergillus sp. can be a potential candidate to be used in up scaling the natural K fertilizers such as feldspar after intensive future experimentation.

Keywords: Plant Growth Promoting Microbes (PGPMs), Growth promotion, K deficiency
Effect of Water Sources on the Growth Performance and Chlorophyll Content of Azolla pinnata R.Br.
Authors: Amarasinghe S.R.  , Rajapaksha R.A.N.D.  , Rathnayake N.R.R.W.S.
Published: February 2024

Azolla pinnata R.Br. is an aquatic fern that grows on the surface of water bodies. The unique quality of A. pinnata is its symbiotic relationship with a prokaryotic cyanobacterium (Anabaena azollae), which confers a high rate of nitrogen fixation. It is important to find the growing conditions of Azolla in different water sources for its optimum biomass production for different usages such as biofertilizers, animal feeds, water purification and biofuel production. This preliminary study was conducted to investigate the effect of water sources on the growth performance (shoot biomass, root biomass, root length), and the chlorophyll content of Azolla. Presence of Anabaena in Azolla fronds was monitored by light microscope and number of filaments were counted per leaflet. The experiment utilized three types of water sources (tap water as control (T1), lake water (T2) and cattle manure mixed tap water (T3), in plastic buckets with 40 cm in diameter and 25 cm in height. Each treatment was triplicated in a completely randomized design and total biomass was collected weekly. Data were statistically analyzed using Minitab 17. The highest biomass of Azolla was obtained in T3 from the first week until 8th week and it was higher from T1 and T2. The highest chlorophyll content was obtained in T3 (6.4 SPAD value) showed a significant difference from T1 and T2 (p<0.05). The dry weight of roots and root length in T1 showed a significant difference from T2 and T3 (p<0.05). The highest root length was observed as 5 cm in T1 indicating that roots may be in search of nutrients and the lowest root length was observed as 0.8 cm in T3 with high nutrient concentrations in water. The highest number of Anabaena was observed in the leaflet of Azolla fronds in T3 which in turn increase N content in Azolla plants. It reveals that application of cattle manure in tap water significantly affects the plant biomass and the chlorophyll content of Azolla. Further studies are needed to conduct in large scale growing facilities with different nutrient concentrations of water sources to find sustainable and optimum growing conditions for Azolla and the nutrient concentrations of the plants.

Keywords: Azolla, Chlorophyll, Growth performance, Water sources
Evaluation of the Quality of the Groundwater used for Domestic Purposes in the Anuradhapura District of the Dry Zone and the Efficacy of Laterite Soil-based Household Water Filters as Adsorbents
Authors: Dissanayake N.U.S.  , Jayawardana D.T.  , Buddhima A.V.P.S.  , Mapatuna M.H.L  , Gunathilake B.M.  , Hisho R.
Published: February 2024

High concentrations of hardness, Ca, Mg, NO3-, PO43-, F- and, heavy metals in the groundwater being consumed in Sri Lanka's North Central province are becoming a serious health concern. The current study examined the groundwater quality in the Anuradhapura district as well as the effectiveness of groundwater purification by a laterite soil-based water purification device for Domestic Purposes. Chemical parameters (hardness, Ca, Mg, NO3-, PO43-, F-, Cr, Cd and Pb) were analyzed in randomly collected 35 number of well water samples during the dry season to assess the quality. The range of hardness was (21-1730) mg/l, with an average hardness of 471 mg/l. Anuradhapura had high levels of Ca and Mg, with average concentrations of 122 mg/l, ranges of (5- 429 mg/l) and 40 mg/L (2-160 mg/l), respectively. Phosphate levels ranged from (0.02-0.83 mg/l), with an average of 0.08 mg/l. Whereas nitrate concentrations ranged from (0.05-6.5) mg/l with an average of 0.59 mg/l and, fluoride levels ranged from (1.8-4.0 mg/l), with 2.3 mg/l being the average. Heavy metal concentrations that were below the WHO and Sri Lankan Standard limits had no discernible effect. The laterite soil-based water purification cylinder removed the hardness, Ca, Mg, NO3-, PO43- and, F- by adsorption. It was removed the hardness at an average rate of 89.7%, Ca at 89.32%, Mg at 86.87%, P at 100%, NO3- at 92.6% and F- at 81.6%. The outcomes showed that, well water in Anuradhapura region needs to be treated beforehand so it can be consumed. The laterite soil-based water filter performed well in terms of removing high hardness, Ca, Mg, P, NO3-, and F-.

Keywords: Groundwater quality, Laterite, Adsorption, Removal efficiency
Phytochemical Analysis of Some Selected Indigenous Plants in Eastern Region of Sri Lanka used for Minimizing Insect Damage on Stored Grains during Storage
Authors: Karunakaran S.  , Niranjana R.F.
Published: February 2024

Grains are precious food in developing countries but are tragically susceptible to attack by several stored insects. Thus, grain productions often fall below demand. As the resistance of pests against synthetic chemical pesticides and residues in foods increased, consumers‘ awareness turned toward food and environmental safety. The studies conducted in Sri Lanka revealed that the botanical pesticides are being used to minimize these problems and have the potential to battle against pests on stored grains during storage. Further the reference in Sri Lanka evidenced that the botanical pesticides are readily available, inexpensive, easily biodegradable and low toxic to non-target organisms. With this concept the present study has been undertaken to analyze the secondary metabolites, known as phytochemicals that possess antioxidant or anti insecticidal properties, which are much safe, eco-friendly and can combat with the man-made chemicals in controlling the storage pests. The study was carried out to find the presence of phytochemicals namely, alkaloid, flavonoid, phenol, tannin, steroids, cardiac glycosides, terpenoid, saponine and reducing sugars in an aqueous extract of some selected indigenous plants, which are available in Eastern Region of Sri Lanka namely; Capsicum annuum (Chilli), Citrus aurantiifolia (Lime) Piper nigrum (Pepper), Azadiracta indica (Neem), Moringa oleifera (Moringa) Eucalyptus globules (Eucalyptus), Justicia adhatoda (Adhathodai) Annona reticulate (Annona), Cymbopogan citratus (Lemon grass) Vitex trifolia (Nochchi), Ocimum tenuiflorium (Thulsi), Lantenna camera(Nayunni), Eichhornia crassipes (Water hayasinth), Tagetes erecta (Marigold) piper longum (Thipilli) and Achyranthes aspera (Nayuruvi), that have pesticidal properties. The leaves of selected crops were dried at room temperature for a period of one week and grounded in to fine powder to take 10 g of powder from each to prepare 200 ml of water extract using electro thermal soxhlet for 36 hours and analyses qualitatively by the standard scientific procedures. The results showed that the water extract of Neem, Moringa and Thulsi contained all the above tested phytochemicals. The flavonoid was observed in all tested crops except Thipilil, which contained only phenol and tannin. Further Pepper, Eucalyptus, Lemon grass, Annona, and Chilli did not show alkaloids where Annona had only flavonoid, phenol and tannin. Nochchi showed all the phytochemicals except cardiac glycosides and terpenoid. The study confirmed the strength of tested crops in utilizing them in the pest management programme at storage because of the presence of one or more groups of the major insecticidal components like, alkaloids and flavonoids. The study also exposes the way for further studies related to the impact of individual plant insecticidal components against storage pests. 

Keywords: Aalkaloids, Aqueous, Extract, Grains and phytochemical
Awareness of the General Public within the District of Gampaha, Regarding the Biomedical Waste Disposed by Clinical Laboratories and its Consequences
Authors: Perera B.O.L.  , Peiris P.C.  , Jayathilake J.M.N.J.
Published: February 2024

The Waste management is a primary concern in a clinical laboratory for overall laboratory safety as biomedical wastes generated in medical laboratories are hazardous for humans and the environment. This study aimed to assess the awareness regarding biomedical waste and its consequences among the public in the Gampaha district and to observe the correlation between the level of education with this extent. 150 people between the ages of 18 and 55 years were considered for inclusion criteria, while current, retired, and minor healthcare workers were excluded. The convenience sampling method was used when selecting the target population, and data was collected through online surveys (google forms) with close-ended questionnaires. The age groups have been divided into four major categories: (18-25), (25-35), (35-45) and (45-55). SPSS software was used to analyze and evaluate the results. The results showed that people aged 18-25 years and 45-55 years have a low awareness of biomedical waste and its consequences, whereas people aged 25-35 years have good awareness. Individuals between the ages of 35 and 45 had the highest level of awareness. The responses obtained revealed that the highest level of awareness regarding the biomedical wastes disposed of by clinical laboratories and its consequences was given by 90% of the 35-45 age group, 60% of the 25-35 age group, 58% of the 45-55 age group, and 52% of the 18- 25 age group. Except for a few exceptions, many participants in the 35-45 age groups were educated as most of them had completed their studies at least up to advanced level. Having a doctorate was the highest education level observed in the sample. According to the findings, the analyzed P value was 0.026, with a correlation coefficient of 0.6631 indicating that the results are statistically significant. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is a clear correlation between the levels of education and age regarding the awareness of biomedical waste. Therefore, strengthening the waste management systems and educating the public regarding biomedical waste would be recommended.

Keywords: Biomedical wastes, Awareness, Level of Education, General Public, Gampaha District
Effectiveness of an Awareness Program on Lunch Sheets Pollution: A Case study at Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Authors: Gunathilake T.M.S.U.  , Tharindu G.A.N.  , Udayangi J.I.  , Weerasena O.V.D.C.J.  , Wanigasinghe S.P.A.  , Thennakoon H.G.  , Senarath M.V.R.P.D.  , Thilakarathne K.A.V.  , Bandara A.B.A.L.  , Seneviratne W.S.M.S.  , Sandaruwan G.L.H.
Published: February 2024

The research was based on irregular disposal practices among the FAS students and giving knowledge about alternatives instead of non-degradable lunch sheets. Among all years of students, including from 1st year to 4th year, 62 students were randomly selected from different combinations and data was collected by sharing a Google form. The collected data was based on the type of lunch sheets used (biodegradable/non-biodegradable); the way of discarding the used lunch sheets; knowledge of the decomposition period of non-biodegradable lunch sheets; awareness of alternatives and lunch sheets ban in Sri Lanka; knowledge of environmental and health impact; and their interest in biodegradable lunch sheets. A poster was shared with information on the environmental and health impacts of non-degradable lunch sheets and the alternatives that can be used to reduce the usage of lunch sheets. After the awareness program, the resurvey was conducted by sharing the Google form among the 62 students who had joined the survey to identify how their behavior had changed. Among 62 students, 93.2% of students used separate bins as a disposal method early and after the awareness program, it was upgraded to 96.7%. At the same time, 11.9% of students disposed of their lunch packaging by burning it, and it was reduced to 3.3%. Before the awareness program, only 27.1% of students knew the decomposing period (10-20 years). After the awareness program, 95% of students selected the correct answer. In the beginning, only 52.5% of students knew about the ban on non-degradable lunch sheets in Sri Lanka. According to the results of resurvey, their awareness about banning lunch sheets increased to 95%. In addition, the students were more knowledgeable than before about the impacts of lunch sheets on the environment and animals after the awareness program. As a result of the resurvey, the awareness of reusable food packaging has improved by up to 98.3%. Furthermore, results showed that 91.7% of students preferred to buy biodegradable packaging materials that are five times more expensive than currently used non-degradable lunch sheets. However, reducing the production cost of biodegradable packaging materials requires further research and investigations. In conclusion, after this study, students were made aware of lunch sheet pollution, environmental impact, and alternatives for lunch sheets. Further investigation into this research will be carried out based on other faculties belonging to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. 

Keywords: Lunch sheet, Pollution, Non-degradable, Environmental effects