bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intercropping Immature Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) with Banana, Ginger and Turmeric in Galle District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Dissanayake S.M.  , Palihakkara I.R.  , Premathilaka K.G.
Published: June 2022

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is identified as the world’s leading edible oil producing plant and is well established as a perennial plantation crop in tropical countries. Oil palm in Sri Lanka has spread over 10,000 ha in the wet zone of the island. In immature plantations, land productivity can be sustainably increased with some selected intercrops. At the initial stage of the plantations (age up to 3-5 years), there is an ample amount of free space available inside the plantations. This study attempts to determine the suitability of different intercrops during the immature phase of the oil palm. A field experiment is being conducted at Thalgaswella estate (WL2a) in Galle District, Sri Lanka. The objectives of the study are to evaluate and recommend suitable immature oil palm based intercropping system/s. The experiment was designed with Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments, including three replicates and a control. Banana, ginger and turmeric were selected as intercrops. Growth parameters of intercrops (Plant height, length, width of D-leaf and yield of intercrops) girth, length and number of leaflets of 17th frond in oil palms were taken at two months intervals. In addition to this, chlorophyll content of D-leaf was also measured in both intercrops and oil palm trees. Soil chemical parameters were measured annually for two years as of now. Results were statistically analysed with SAS software. Results revealed that intercropped banana, turmeric and ginger had given the yields of 7.61 Mt/ha, 4.92 Mt/ha and 4.53 Mt/ha respectively. When comparing these yields with mono-crop; banana, turmeric and ginger intercrop yields as percentages of 16.9%, 24.6% and 30.2% respectively. Therefore, it is obvious that monocrop yields are much better than to that of these crops under immature oil palm. Results of this study could be used to make appropriate policies to increase the unit land productivity and sustainable use of lands in immature oil palm plantations in low country wet zone (WL2a) of Sri Lanka.

Keywords: Inter-cropping, Oil palm, Policies, Mono-crop, Land productivity, Sustainable
Land Use and Land Cover Change in Kolonnawa Marsh, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors: Rathnayake R.M.U.B.  , Chandrathilake G.G.T.  , Jayawardana D.T.  , Gunathilake B.M.  , Tanaka N.
Published: June 2022

Kolonnawa Marsh (KM) is one of important urban wetland ecosystem in Colombo, Sri Lanka and plays important roles by providing invaluable ecosystem services. KM belongs to the Colombo marsh complex that consists of Heen marsh, Kotte marsh and Parliament lake which surrounded by highly populated and industrialized sites. Owing to the continuous exploitation, reclamation for home states and industries in recent decades, this urban wetland has experienced significant changes. In order toreveal the dynamic changes of the KM at landscape level, the land cover change (LC) since 2000 to 2021 was investigated, using land use maps of 2000 and 2016 from Survey Department of Sri Lanka and Google earth satellite images in 2021. The analysis was conducted using ArcGIS 10.7. The results reviled that in the KM extent has decreased by 34.66 ha from the year 2000 to 30.09 ha in 2016 (reduction percentage 13.2%), while 30.09 ha in 2016 to 28.62 ha in 2021 (reduction percentage 1.47%). Water covered area, marshy area and area covered with woody perennials have been identified as major habitat types in KM. The ratio between water covered areas into marshy land area was reported as 3:6 in 2000 while 1:2 and 1:4 in 2016 and 2021 respectively. Further to that, 18.47 ha of marshy land area has been converted to area dominated with woody perennial in 2021. Therefore, it can be concluded that extent of the KM is decreasing over the study period while transforming to terrestrial ecosystem. Hence, immediate interventions are needed to preserve this valuable freshwater ecosystem.

Keywords: Urban wetland, Remote sensing, Kolonnawa Marsh, Land cover
Textile Dye Decolorization Ability of Decaying Hardwood Associated Fungi
Authors: Senanayake G.  , Perera P.  , Attanayake R.N.
Published: June 2022

Random disposal of synthetic textile dyes has created severe damage to the environment. These dye effluents, even at very low concentrations, can be toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic to various organisms. Complex chemical structures enable the textile dyes to remain stable and inert towards degradation in soil and water. Therefore, textile dye decolorization has gained special attention in the recent past. Biological means of dye decolorization have become one of the attractive decolorization methods. Fungi show a great potency in decolorizing a wide variety of dyes by secreting highly oxidative and nonspecific ligninolytic enzymes such as laccases. The main aim of the current study was to evaluate the dye decolorization abilities of selected fungal isolates associated with decaying hardwoods in Sri Lanka. A total of 10 wood decay fungal isolates were screened for the laccase production and lignin degradation using guaiacol and lignin powder amended media respectively. Phlebiopsis flavidoalba, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, P. pseudomagnoliae and two Schizophyllum commune strains showed both laccase production as well as lignin degradation abilities. Although unable to produce laccases, Fusarium pseudensiforme and Aspergillus fischeri showed lignin degradation ability. Azo Disperse Rubine Red, Indigo Carmine Blue and Disperse Black were selected as textile dyes. Three replicates from each isolate were incubated for 21 days in potato dextrose broth amended with each dye in two concentrations, and percentage reduction in absorbance at 610 nm (for the Indigo Carmine Blue dye) and 400 nm (for Azo Disperse Rubine Red and Disperse Black) were estimated. Dye introduced potato dextrose broth, without fungal isolates were used as controls. P. flavidoalba was the best in decolorizing Azo Disperse Rubine Red (25 mg/L) and Disperse Black (50 mg/L) dyes showing the reduction of absorbance values by 89% and 81% respectively. For the Indigo Carmine Blue dye, F. pseudensiforme showed the highest percent decolorization of 85% at 0.1 ml/L concentration. This is the first report of these organism's ability to decolorize industrial dyes. Based on the results it was evident that some of the hardwood decay fungi have industrial dye decolorization abilities where they can be effectively utilized in dye decolorization and in future bioremediation research as well.

Keywords: Dye decolorization, Laccase, Wood decay, Fungi, Lignin

Acknowledgement: Authors acknowledge the TWAS Research Grant 18-020 RG/BIO/AS_I, NSF Sri Lanka RG/2019//BT/03 and ICGEB/CRP/LKA/18-3
Role of Cultural Values on the Consumption of Timber for Architectural Purposes
Authors: Seenapatabendige K.B.  , De Silva D.A.M.
Published: June 2022

Cultural values play a unique role in consumption decision of goods and services in general. This study aimed to identify the impact of cultural values on consumption decision of timber for the architectural purposes, especially on house construction in Sri Lanka and dilemma between physical properties of timber and cultural values. The sample included a range of professional carpenters (12), contractors of housing projects (08), timber stores owners (05) and consumers (30) engage in house construction. Story telling exercise was performed with aged and experienced carpenters, timber stores owners and contractors to obtain the insights on cultural values associated with the selection of timber for architectural purposes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone with individuals selected for relevant practical knowledge of cultural values associated with various types of timber. All interviews were audio recorded and then transcribed into qualitative tool. Local knowledge, traditions and experience were key tools in interpretation of various cultural values attached to the types of timber. Cultural histories, stories, experiences and recommendations of adults and the trustworthy carpenter heavily influence the purchase intention of the consumers. Intangible benefits such as religious, social, and cultural values associated with different timber types were influential in consumer decision. Moral and spiritual wellbeing were influential compared to economic benefits. Little or poor consumer knowledge on identification of timber types and heavy dependency on carpenters and contractors on identification of timber pushes consumers towards irrational purchase decisions. Super luxury, luxury and special class timber were usually replaced by the substitutes.

Keywords: Architectural purposes, Cultural values, Timber consumption
Evaluation of Lignin Degrading Ability and In-silico Analysis and Molecular Docking of Laccase of Schizophyllum commune with Lignin
Authors: Dharmasiri B.D.H.N.  , Senanayake G.  , Perera P.  , Halmillawewa A.  , Attanayake R.N.
Published: June 2022

White-rot fungi have a unique and strong ability to degrade lignin, the most abundant and the strongest natural polymer on earth. The ligninolytic enzymes of these fungi comprise of three groups of oxidative extracellular enzymes mainly, lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese dependent peroxidase (MnP) and laccase. Fungal laccases are considered to be directly involved with the degradation of lignin. Due to the broad substrate specificity and unique ability of biodegradation, fungal laccases have a great value in industrial and biotechnological applications like bioremediation, detoxification of industrial dyes and treatment of other pollutants. The objectives of this study was to evaluate the lignin degradation ability and laccase producing ability of selected fungal isolates originated from decaying hardwoods of Dimbulagala forest reserve, Sri Lanka and to predict the three-dimensional (3D) structure of laccase from Schizophyllum commune and its binding to lignin using in silicohomology modeling and molecular docking. Ten fungal isolates originated from decaying hardwoods were screened for the lignin degradation ability by using lignin amended malt extract plate assay and laccase producing ability by using guaiacol amended PDA plates. Seven isolates showed lignin degradation ability and five of them were laccase producers. Since S. commune could produce laccase, degrade lignin and laccase protein sequence is available, it was subjected to homology modeling. Homologous templates were identified using BLASTP across Protein Data Bank from NCBI. Laccase from Cerrena sp. was selected as the template for 3D model building of laccase from S. commune using Modeller 10.1. The quality of resulted 3D model of the protein was verified by its energy and stereochemical properties. The unstable regions were selected and remodeled by loop modelling using ModLoop web server. The results of evaluation of the remodeled structure by stereochemical quality and energy was found to be improved and showed that predicted model was of good quality due to the presence of maximum residues in the favored region. Later CB-Dock server was used to perform molecular docking studies using lignin model compounds. The amino acid residues of modeled laccase of S. commune in contact with the lignin based model compounds were identified. These findings help uncovering the lignin degradation mechanisms by S. communelaccases and are useful in biofuel production and bioremediation.

Keywords: Laccase, Homology modeling, Molecular docking, LigninAcknowledgement: Authors acknowledge the TWAS research grant (18-020 RG/BIO/AS_I), ICGEB research grant (CRP/LKA18-03) and NSF Sri Lanka (RG/2019/BT/03)
Removal of Tryphenylmethane Dyes by the Microalgae Chlorella sp.
Authors: Samarakoon S.B.B.R.  , Lakmali W.G.M.  , Athukorala A.D.S.N.P.  , Jayasundera K.B.
Published: June 2022

Removal of organic dyes from industrial wastewater is a costly process. Activated charcoal and polymeric material are widely used to adsorb such material. Biomass provides alternative low-cost adsorbents to remove organic substances in wastewater. Dry biomass is only capable of adsorption, whereas live biomass is capable of adsorption as well as degradation of molecules to less toxic substances. Bioremediation with microalgae (phycoremediation) is a practically useful approach due to the ease of handling and environmental adaptability of microalgae. This study was aimed to use phycoremediation to remove tryphenylmethane dyes; crystal violet, methyl violet, malachite green, and fuchsin from aqueous solutions using microalgae Chlorella sp. The microalgae samples were extracted from polluted water bodies in Kandy urban area. To determine the factors affecting the dye removal, the percentage decolorization was determined at different salt concentrations by measuring UV-visible absorption at appropriate wavelengths. NaCl was used as the representative inorganic salt. Chlorella sp. showed tolerance up to 2,000 ppm salt concentrations and was able to decolorize dye solutions above 60% within five days. Three replicates were done under each salt concentration. Further, the effect of dye concentration on the decolorization rate was investigated for five different salt concentrations from 0 ppm to 500 ppm. Chlorella sp. showed a decolorization percentage above 65% in the presence of 100 ppm dye concentrations. The phycoremediation potential of Chlorella sp. was determined by investigating the change in pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and phosphate content after the treatment using simulated wastewater. The microalgae were able to maintain the pH levels within the discharge limits. The chemical oxygen demand was decreased from a value around 600 mgL-1 to a value less than 250 mgL-1 which was within the discharge limits. Phosphate content was also decreased within 10 days. According to the above study, it can be concluded that the isolated Chlorella sp. can be used to treat and improve the quality of wastewater contaminated with tryphenylmethane dyes.

Keywords: Chlorella sp., Tryphenylmethane dyes, Decolorization, Phycoremediation
Application of Microbial Biofilms to Reinstate Lost Soil Microbial Diversity under Global Warming: A Case Study
Authors: Jayasinghe J.A.W.W.  , Seneviratne G.  , Wijepala P.C.
Published: June 2022

By the end of the 21st century, global surface temperatures expected to rise by ca. 1.8-3.6° C due to accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere at higher rates. Excessive use of chemical inputs in modern agriculture is one of the major contributors, because it leads to degrade soil microbial diversity that causes soil carbon loss, and emit C to the atmosphere as CO2. In this context, microbial ameliorators like Biofilm Biofertilizers are studied to reinstate biodiversity, functioning, and sustainability of agroecosystems. The Biofilm Biofertilizers consist of microbes and their exudates having diverse biochemicals; once applied to soil, they break the dormancy of cysts, spores, akinetes, and conidia which reinstate biodiversity while cut short soil restoration in degraded croplands. In the present study, investigated the effect of a Biofilm Biofertilizers having one fungus and two bacteria on microbial diversity in the soils under conventional tea cultivation by refitting to the temperature increase. The soils separately treated with the BFBF and sterilized distilled water in small pots in a plant house under three different temperatures viz. 30° C, 36° C, and 40° C. After one month, the soil samples were collected separately and analyzed for fungal colony, and bacterial colony counts, fungal: bacterial ratio, fungal species richness, and bacterial species richness. The results showed that the application of Biofilm Biofertilizers significantly increased (p<0.05) culturable bacteria, fungi, and their species richness at 40° C over 30° C and 36° C. Therefore, the results conclude that the Biofilm Biofertilizers as a novel biotechnological method to restore degraded agricultural soils in the context of global warming.

Keywords: Biofilm biofertilizers, Fungal:bacterial ratio, Soil biodiversity
Efficient Method for α-TiP Synthesis using Alkaline Decomposition Pretreatment of Ilmenite Natural Beach Sand
Authors: Mahaulpatha W.M.B.H.  , Jayaweera P.M.  , Palliyaguru L.
Published: June 2022

The layered, acidic compound; α-TiP is widely popularized as a sorbent material for heavy metal removal from wastewater, as catalysts for biomass conversion and as an intermediate to produce high purity titanium dioxide particles. One of the conventional route for its synthesis is to react ilmenite with orthophosphoric acid under reflux conditions. However, the major drawback of this method is that the titanium recovery is only 35 wt. % and about 10 wt. % of the initial ilmenite remain unreacted as the residue. The conversion of ilmenite into an easily acid digestible compound could be attained via alkaline roasting. The objective of this research was to increase the yield of α-TiP from ilmenite using an additional alkaline roasting pre-treatment step to the acid leaching. Potassium hydroxide was selected for the alkaline roasting step since it is regarded to be an environmentally benign chemical. The pre-treatment of ilmenite with a 1:4 molar ratio of KOH to ilmenite at 700 C generated potassium iron oxides and potassium titanium oxides as intermediate compounds which were then washed with distilled water, filtered and dried at 100 C for 24 hours. The solid compound was reacted with orthophosphoric acid with a solid to liquid ratio of 1/8 under reflux conditions for 4 hours. Then the remaining acid leachate was decanted and the white precipitate from the leach liquor was filtered, washed and dried at 100 C for 24 hours. The obtained powder was characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy and Raman spectrophotometry and was confirmed to be α-TiP. The parameters; the effect of KOH/ilmenite ore molar ratio, calcination temperature, solid to liquid ratio in the acid leaching step, acid leaching reflux time on the titanium recovery were fine tuned. This research concluded the possibility of increasing the titanium extraction. Therefore the research concludes the increment of α-TiP yield after the pre-treatment step using KOH.

Keywords: Ilmenite, Titanium phosphate, Alkaline roasting, Alkaline pretreatment
The Impact of Vegetation Arrangement on Outdoor Thermal Comfort: A Simulation Study in a Tropical Urban Public Square
Authors: Dissanayake C.  , Weerasinghe U.G.D.
Published: June 2022

Thermally comfortable urban squares attract people and provide various social benefits to the urbanites. Compared to urban parks, squares are more vulnerable to thermal discomfort due to surrounding buildings and the high percentage of hard surface coverage, especially in tropical climates. The spatial arrangement of green infrastructures can improve Outdoor Thermal Comfort (OTC) by reducing hot air flows, evapotranspiration, and shading to reduce the negative effect of warming urban environments. However, it is not yet adequately discovered the specific correlation of different vegetation arrangements on OTC. Still, urban policymakers are looking for new, quantitative methods to assess the performance of their designs in terms of the cooling effects provided by vegetation. Therefore, the current study investigates the effect of different vegetation arrangements on OTC in a tropical urban public square (Independence Arcade in Colombo) using micrometeorological fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling validated by field measurements. Air temperature (Ta), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS), and wind direction (WD) were measured at 1.5 m above ground level as the inputs for the ENVI-met simulation model to assess the cooling performance of proposed scenarios employing Physiological equivalent temperature (PET). Nine scenarios were developed using trees with high leaf area density (LAD) and spherical canopy form to compare OTC improvements of cluster, random and individual planting patterns, and the size of trees (large, medium, small). The results showed that vegetation improves the OTC levels irrespective of the planting pattern. However, linear individual planting pattern with large trees performed the best cooling performance, and scenarios were ranked according to improved PET values. Vegetation parameters are recommended to arrange in different ways to achieve OTC and aesthetics. The study was limited to the existing vegetation database of the ENVI-met software package, but further research could consider the context-specific tree species and the impact of combined landscape scenarios using grass, shrub coverage, and water bodies to find proper arrangements to improve the microclimate and OTC. This study guides urban planners and landscape architects to assess the cooling performance of the proposed designs and arrange urban vegetation to create thermally comfortable urban outdoors in the tropics.

Keywords: Vegetation arrangement, Urban square, Outdoor thermal comfort, ENVI-met, PET

Acknowledgement: Authors acknowledge the assistance of the Accelerating Higher Education Expansion and Development (AHEAD)-DOR Grant, funded by the World Bank
Biomass Production of Azolla pinnata in Different Wastewater
Authors: Meruja S.  , Umasuthan S.  , Rupasinghe C.P.
Published: June 2022

Usage of Azolla pinnata in wastewater treatment has great advantages in the environment. Besides its utilization as a water purifier plant on wastewater, Azolla sp. can be used as an animal feed and bio fertilizer. This research study was conducted to assess the biomass production and the treatment efficiency of Azolla sp. in different types of industrial wastewater from rice mills, the food industry and vehicle services stations. A split-plot experimental design was used with 4 replicates. For this study, eight artificial ponds were constructed by using polythene sheets. The size of each pond were 150×50×40 cm3. Out of eight ponds, three ponds were filled with three different types of wastewater, one was filled with groundwater and 90 g of Azolla sp. plants were introduced into them. Further, balance four ponds were filled with the same three different types of wastewater and groundwater. Ground water was used as a control to observe the growth of Azolla sp. without effect of wastewater. Each of the ponds was filled with 50 L of wastewater. Then the water quality parameters such as pH, EC, COD, BOD, TDS, TSS, temperature, oil and grease content and the biomass production of Azolla sp. were analyzed on the first day, the 7th day and the 14th day. Most of the water quality parameters in three different types of industrial wastewater were improved with Azolla sp. Significantly, a higher dry weight of Azolla pinnata was recorded in rice mill wastewater and the least values recorded in the service station wastewater. There are significant differences (p<0.05) among the water quality parameters such as EC, TDS and TSS of the four experiments. A significant difference was observed in EC, TDS and TSS of the Azolla sp. grown rice mill wastewater compared to control. EC of the food industry wastewater showed a higher significant difference. EC and temperature showed a highly significant difference in the service station wastewater.

Keywords: Azolla pinnata, Waste water, Biomass, Water quality
Biodegradability Assessment of Bio-based Film Products (Lunch Sheets) in the Marine Environment
Authors: Jayasooriya J.K.B.P.  , Jayaweera C.D.  , Gamage N.S.
Published: June 2022

Plastic pollution is a current common problem and it causes a serious impact on the marine environment. Micro debris of plastics have accumulated in oceans and exhibit a natural tendency to interrelate with the ecosystem which can cause negative effects on both humans and animals. Polythene food wrappers are used worldwide as a packaging material. Considering the negative impact of polythene wrappers, biodegradable food wrappers have been produced in Sri Lanka following the Section 23 W of the National Environmental Act. The objective of the study was to determine the biodegradability of few bio-based film products (lunch sheets) available in the Sri Lankan market labeled as 100% biodegradable in the marine environment. The biodegradability of five different brands of biodegradable food wrappers were tested together with cellulose paper as the positive control and non-biodegradable food wrapper as the negative control in the marine environment. Laboratory models of three marine environments; inter tidal zone, pelagic zone and brackish water were selected and the biodegradability for a period of six months were tested using weight measurement and FT-IR analysis. Furthermore, several environmental parameters were tested for these three marine zones. Results indicated that the highest percentage weight loss was shown by brand 3 in all three marine environments. In the pelagic zone, percentage weight loss ranged from 8.60-48.92% while highest value of 48.92% was shown by brand 3. In the brackish water environment, brand 3 showed 73.51% of percentage weight loss and values ranged from 11.76-73.51%. The percentage weight loss, ranged from 68.29-89.99% in inter tidal zone and brand 3 showed the highest value as 89.99%. All the samples showed a considerable weight loss after six months duration in inter tidal zone compared to other zones and even the negative control has undergone physical disintegration. It is assumed that oxo-biodegradation leads to this disintegration in the food wrappers in this zone. The FT-IR results have shown that there is no significant degradation of the non-biodegradable food wrapper (negative control) while the cellulose paper (positive control) and the biodegradable food wrappers have undergone a considerable degradation.

Keywords: Biodegradability, Food wrappers, Marine environment
Evaluation of Different Interpolation Techniques in GIS for Rainfall Data in Sri Lanka (2013-2018) and Identification of the Validation of the Techniques
Authors: Nisansala K.K.H.P.
Published: June 2022

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and modelling are becoming powerful tools in geographical and agricultural research. Most data for environmental variables are collected from point sources. The spatial array of these data may enable a more precise estimation of the value of properties at unsampled sites than simple averaging between sampled points. Therefore, the ArcGIS software for interpolation technique was used to identify those differences in terms of rainfall variations. The main objective of this study is to identify the different interpolation techniques for rainfall data and evaluate the most accurate method for Sri Lanka. This study mainly collected rainfall data for weather stations in Sri Lanka. That data was collected in different categories. In this study, only 23 minor meteorological observatories were used for the accuracy assessment of the interpolation methods. For use, all stations are increasing time and cost, and data collection is very difficult. Therefore, 23 minor meteorological observatories were selected randomly from all over the study area. Five interpolation techniques were used. Researcher mainly used the Cross-Validation Method to identify the most suitable interpolation method for rainfall data in Sri Lanka. The main station’s data helped predict rainfall all over the study area, and deleted locations were used to extract estimated rainfall data. Finally, all estimated rainfall data was compared using their actual rainfall values to determine the accuracy of interpolation methods, and the statistical correlation method was used to determine the appropriate interpolation technique for the rainfall data. All estimated values are extracted from rainfall surfaces using an ArcGIS tool called “Extract Values from Points”. Those values are compared with actual observed rainfall values for these sub-stations for the same period. According to this method, then used the correlation statistical (F test) method to reveal the variation of both data sets. F tests were done using SPSS and F values. According to the correlation analysis, the suitable interpolation surfaces are the Spline and Kriging. Consideration of the other four methods (IDW, Kriging (Ordinary), Spline, and Natural Neighbour) shows some similarities. However, finally, researcher identified that the Spline method shows an R value of 0.99 while others show low values. Therefore, the Spline method was found to have the greatest efficiency and be the best method of all five.

Keywords: ArcGIS, Inverse distance weighted, Interpolation, Kriging, Spline
Odor, Taste and Toxin Producing Cyanobacteria and Algae in Surface Waters of North Central Province
Authors: Peduruarachchi H.T.  , , Liyanage G.Y.  , Manage P.M.
Published: June 2022

North Central Province, the largest province in Sri Lanka, consists of two main districts; Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa with a semi-arid climate. During the present study, Padaviya Wewa, Tissa Wewa, Nuwara Wewa, Kala Wewa, Basawakkulama Wewa and Rajanganaya Wewa from Anuradhapura District and Parakrama Samudraya, Minneriya Wewa, Ambagas Wewa, Kaudulla Wewa, and Girithale Wewa from Polonnaruwa District were studied to evaluate the potential odor, taste and toxin-producing cyanobacteria and algae in the water sources, since there’s a lack of scientific data on plankton who are capable of producing odor, taste and toxins. The studied water bodies are being used for the purposes of drinking, fisheries and recreational activities. Sampling was done during November 2020 in triplicates and phytoplankton were observed under the microscope following Lugals’ sedimentation procedure. According to the observations, the total phytoplankton density (Cyanobacteria+Algae) was higher in the Anuradhapura District (1176.33±129.19 cells/L) than in the Polonnaruwa District (699.20±28.76 cells/L). The phytoplankton groups found in the studied water bodies belong to Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, Chrysophyta and Cyanophyta. The most abundant species was Microcystis sp. both in the Anuradhapura District (929±123.02 cells/L) and in the Polonnaruwa District (462±22.79 cells/L) and the species is responsible for producing the cyanotoxins, microcystin (MC) and anatoxins and also responsible for causing taste and odor in water. Except for Microcystis sp., Cylindrospermopsis sp. was found in high numbers (163.50±13.52 cells/L) in Anuradhapura, which produces the cyanotoxins cylindrospermopsin (CYN), anatoxin, and saxitoxin and also gives rise to taste and odor in water. Anabaena sp. found in Anuradhapura (89.00±5.15 cells/L) and Oscillatoria sp. found in Polonnaruwa (191.00±0.00 cells/L) were also responsible for the production of cyanotoxins such as, MC, CYN, saxitoxin, and anatoxin and add taste and odor to the water too. Further, Merismopedia sp. was found both in Anuradhapura (94.00±4.54 cells/L) and Polonnaruwa (118.40±12.39 cells/L), which is responsible of producing toxic lipopolysaccharides. Among the observed algal species, Dinobryon sp. was detected in low numbers in Polonnaruwa, which is also responsible for the occurrence of taste and odor in water. Based on the assessment of phytoplankton in the North Central Province, it is clear that, the surface water is not pleasant and healthy enough to provide safe drinking water to the community, especially, due to the presence of unpleasant taste, odor and cyanotoxins producing organisms.

Keywords: North Central, Odor, Taste and toxins, Cyanobacteria, Algae
Assessment of Surface Water Quality of an Urban Wetland: Thalangama Wetland, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors: Angekumbura M.A.  , Vidanage S.P.
Published: June 2022

Thalangama wetland is situated within the Kelani river basin, Colombo District, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most attractive landscapes in Colombo that provides a wide range of ecological, social and economic functions. Wetland water supports aquatic life and is being prominently used for agriculture and bathing and contact recreational activities without knowing if the water quality is appropriate for such uses. This study was therefore conducted to assess the surface water quality of Thalangama wetland using key-physicochemical parameters and to examine the suitability of wetland waters for bathing and contact recreational water, aquatic life, irrigation and other agricultural activities. A total of 10 water quality parameters covering temperature, pH, salinity, TDS, EC, DO, BOD, COD, nitrate, and total phosphate were measured at eight sampling sites of the wetland. The study was conducted in August 2020. The spatial variation of water quality parameters was assessed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s pairwise comparison. Results were compared with ambient water quality standards of Sri Lanka. The study revealed that the surface water quality parameters including temperature, EC, TDS, DO, BOD, COD, nitrate and total phosphate show a significant spatial variation among the sampling sites. Surface water pH and BOD at all the sampling sites were within the ambient water quality standards for water suitable for bathing and contact recreational water and water suitable for aquatic life, irrigation and agricultural activities. EC at all the sampling sites were within the limits of water suitable for irrigation and agricultural activities. Nitrate and total phosphate concentrations at all the sampling sites were within the limits of water suitable as bathing and contact recreational water and water suitable for aquatic life. DO at six out of eight sampling sites were within the limits of water suitable as bathing and contact recreational waters and water suitable for aquatic life, irrigation and agricultural activities. COD at all the sampling sites were not within the limits of water suitable as bathing and contact recreational water and water suitable for aquatic life. The study identifies agricultural practices, livestock rearing, construction activities and urban discharges as major anthropogenic influences that degrade the surface water quality of the wetland. Hence, the study determines the necessity for effective management of the surface water of Thalangama wetland to prevent pollution and to ensure the water quality of the wetland is within the recommended standards.

Keywords: Urban wetlands, Surface water quality, Spatial variation, Physicochemical parameters, Ambient water quality standards
Insights of School Water Consumption and Sanitation and Hygiene Practices among School Children in Dehiovita, Kegalle District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Dassanayake D.M.J.L.  , Bellanthudawa B.K.A.  , Neththipola M.M.T.D.  , Darshana W.D.  , Nawalage N.M.S.K.  , Pawuluwage S.M.
Published: June 2022

Developing access to safe drinking water, sanitation facilities and hygiene practices can reduce water borne diseases. The present study was carried out in the Dehiovita Zonal Educational zone under the Kegalle District from December 2018 to March 2019 to monitor existing facilities in schools, behavior among students, and for the sustainable development in water, sanitation, and hygiene at the schools. A semi-structured questionnaire was conducted covering students (n=500) from grade 7-13 in 15 schools through a random sampling technique. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software to compare the responses using graphical presentation. In terms of water consumption behavior, about 73% of respondents use water bottles. Of these, 73%, 43% accounted for using unsafe plastic bottles and 28% accounted for aluminum bottles. Most of the respondents, 50% mentioned that they use water bottles twice daily. In relation to the water purification method used, 45% of students use chlorinated water, whereas 36% do not have purified water. Only 36% of respondents do have a water supply. Regarding the issues of water supply, 62% of respondents stated that they have broken taps, and 54% responded on less treated water. Most respondents, 78% mentioned, that they are unsatisfied with the existing water. With regards to the sanitation behavior among students, 48% of students use the latrine twice while 32% of respondents use the latrine once a day. Most of the respondents, 88% mentioned that they do not use soap after toilet use. 78% of respondents mentioned that the existing sanitation facilities are unsatisfied. Regarding the issues associated with sanitation facilities in schools, 92% of respondents showed the unavailability of soap and 73% of respondents stated that they have old latrines, while 67% stated that there is no cleaning equipment. Given the consideration on menstrual hygiene management (MHM), the usage of sanitation facilities by female students, 28% of respondents use once daily and 26% do not use the sanitation facility. Regarding the issues associated with MHM, 91% of respondents showed that no napkins discarding facility, and 84% mentioned lack of a place to wash, while 72% of students stated the lack of water. In conclusion, it reveals that there exists a higher demand on awareness of water consumption, sanitation and hygiene practices at schools and awareness on disease spreading as there exists poor quality standards of water consumption and sanitation. Thus, it needs careful monitoring of management steps to uplift water consumption, hygiene, and sanitation. The study suggests strengthening school water, sanitation, and hygiene clubs at schools and focus on government funding for utility development.

Keywords: Water consumption, School sanitation, Hygiene practices, Dehiovita, Menstrual hygiene management
A Study on the Quality of Life of Middle-income Community along Urban Canal Waterfronts with Special Reference to the Greater Colombo Region
Authors: Madhushan A.M.L.  , Dharmasena S.W.J.H.
Published: June 2022

The canal network in Greater Colombo region mainly works as the drainage system of the urban area and as the backyard of the city. Consequently, there is a lack of attention to the canal waterfronts by the government and the general public. Hence, this research was to find out and evaluate the factors, which affect the quality of life of people along urban canal waterfronts. The quality of life has been discussed in terms of liveability through a series of carefully selected indicators. Liveability surveys were conducted to evaluate the participants’ perceptions, at five locations along Kirulapone canal, Kinda canal, and Dematagoda canal. Each canal waterfront was rated on over 25 qualitative and quantitative factors (set of indicators) across six broad categories (dimensions): safety, comfort, health and wellbeing, mobility, environment, and socio-cultural factors. Each qualitative factor was given a rating from 1-5, where one is considered as tolerable and five is considered as intolerable. Quantitative factors were then combined with the qualitative factors through a series of equations to form the liveability index. The outcomes of this study will aid in the creation of government policies, plans, rules and regulations and provide guidance when implementing projects along urban canal waterfronts.

Keywords: Canal waterfronts, Quality of life, Liveability
Potential of Medicinal Plants in Piramanthanaru, Kilinochchi District of Sri Lanka Assessed by Transect Belt Method
Authors: Sripandurangana R.  , Vivian S.
Published: June 2022

Medicinal plants are mainly used to treat diseases in Siddha, Ayurveda and traditional system of medicine in Sri Lanka. The present study was carried out to identify the availability of medicinal plants in Piramanthanaru of Kilinochchi District through transect belt method and documental evidence based their traditional uses according to the Siddha Ayurveda classical text book. This survey was conducted from October 2016 to January 2017 at Piramanthanaru of Kilinochchi District. The permission for the study was obtained from authorities and map also got from Divisional Secretariat of Kilinochchi District. After that, the medicinal plants were identified and collected the by transect belt method for documentation of medicinal plants. Specimens collected from the field were authenticated and verified in the Herbarium, Unit of Siddha Medicines. A total of 132 medicinal plants belonging to 48 families were reported from Piramanthanaru Grama Niladhari Division of Karachchi Pradesiya Sabha by transect belt method. The dominant plant family was reported as Leguminosae (13.63%), Euphorbiaceae (5.30%), Malvaceae (4.50%). Among these 132 medicinal plants, 41.66% herbs, 19.70% trees and shrub and 18.94% climbers. Endemic and economical viable medicinal plants were identified, such as, Vernonia zeylanica, Evolvulus alsinoides and Indigofera tinctoria respectively. Rejuvenative medicinal plants were also reported. These are used to increase the immunity and promote the nutritive. In traditional way, these plants used as food and to treat various disease such as, skin diseases, snake bites, diabetes, menorrhagia, asthma, scabies, rheumatism, dysentery, diarrhea, urinary problems. Findings of this study act as basic data to understand the biodiversity of Piramanthanaru of Kilinochchi District along with the significance of available medicinal plants in traditional and classical practice as well as used to enhance to sustainable development strategy in Kilinochchi District. The documented data shows important medicinal plants along with their potential uses, which can be effectively used in clinical practice and further research.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, Kilinochchi district, Traditional medicine
Efficacy of Exogenous Sodium Nitroprusside, Salicylic Acid and Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaf Extracts as Biostimulants on Growth and Physiological Attributes of Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) under Sub-optimal Climatic Conditions
Authors: Nayanakantha N.M.C.  , Nakandala D.S.A.  , Silva T.U.K.  , Herath H.M.N.N.  , Herath V.  , Senevirathna P.
Published: June 2022

Stress phenomena that coincide, such as drought and heat, have been shown to affect the growth of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) negatively under sub-optimal climatic conditions in nontraditional drier areas of Sri Lanka. Exogenous sodium nitroprusside (SNP), salicylic acid (SA), and moringa leaf extract (MLE) as bio-stimulants have been shown to improve the growth and physiology of crop plants under sub-optimal climatic conditions. Therefore, the present study aimed at exploring the effect of the above bio-stimulants on the growth and physiology of rubber under sub-optimal climatic conditions. Rubber plants of clone RRIC 121 cultivated in Hingurana, Ampara, Dry Zone (DZ) were spray treated with SNP at 100 and 200 µM, SA at 0.1 and 0.2 µM, and MLE at 5, 10% concentrations at monthly intervals for six months. Physiological parameters viz. chlorophyll content (cc), stomatal conductance (gs), and leaf water potential (Ψ) were recorded before and after three months from the commencement of treatments while growth measurements (girth and height) were recorded at three and ten months of treatments. Significantly higher girth values were recorded in plants treated with SNP, SA, and MLE at all concentrations compared to control and mock treatment after ten months from the commencement of treatments. Significantly higher chlorophyll values were recorded in plants treated with SNP at 100 µM (50.6±1.85), 200 µM (53.4±1.24), SA at 0.1 µM (49.5±1.49), MLE at 5% (50.1±1.98) and 10% (51.1±1.35) concentrations compared to control (41.9±1.15) and mock treatment (44.6±1.32) respectively after ten months from the commencement of treatments. Significantly higher leaf water potential values were recorded in plants treated with SNP, SA, and MLE at all concentrations compared to control and mock treatments after three months of the first treatment. Significantly lower stomatal conductance values were recorded in plants treated with SNP at 200 µM, SA at 0.1 and 0.2 µM, and MLE at 10% concentrations compared to control and mock treatments after three months from the first treatment. Improved growth and physiological attributes of rubber plants could be attributed to the beneficial effect of SNP, SA, and MLE as bio-stimulants. Therefore, exogenous application of the above bio-stimulants may be utilized for growth improvement in Hevea sp. under sub-optimal climatic conditions.

Keywords: Bio-stimulants, Growth, Physiological parameters, Rubber, Sub-optimal climatic conditions
Nostalgia televisiva y programas de segmentos: la valorizaciÃ³n de los archivos audiovisuales
Authors: Franganillo Jorge , Guallar Javier
Published: June 2022

Se examinan, desde la perspectiva de la documentaciÃ³n audiovisual, los programas de segmentos y el fenÃ³meno de la nostalgia televisiva. Ambos elementos han ganado protagonismo en los Ãºltimos aÃ±os entre la programaciÃ³n de entretenimiento y suponen una apuesta decidida por valorizar los archivos audiovisuales. Se propone considerar los programas de segmentos como un producto de curaciÃ³n audiovisual, si bien se observa con preocupaciÃ³n, en este contexto de creaciÃ³n de productos documentales, que los archivos de prensa, comparados con los de televisiÃ³n, afrontan un futuro difÃ­cil.
Circular economy of the region: theoretical aspect
Authors:   Mykolaiv National Agrarian University, Shebanin V. , Reshetilov G.
Published: June 2022

The article reveals the essence of the concept of “circular economy” and offers its own definition of this concept as a way of economic development, where the value of products, materials and resources is preserved as long as possible and waste is significantly reduced or even eliminated. The implementation of the circular economy model, which is based on the R-principles of its implementation, is considered. It is substantiated that the main areas of development of the circular economy of the region are construction, mobility and transportation, food, products and services. The benefits of implementing a circular economy in the region are outlined. Keywords: cyclicity, circular economy, region, circular economy model, advantages.
Influence of functional feeding of young chickens-browser of meat cross on meat quality and safety
Authors:   Odesa National Academy of Food Technologies, Povarova N.
Published: June 2022

This article focuses on the study of the membrane concentration process using buttermilk ultrafiltration nanofiltration membranes. Two types of Vladipor OPMN nanofiltration membranes are being investigated in order to identify the main filtration dependencies. For each type, a pressure in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 MPa and a temperature of 20 to 40 ° C are applied. The results indicate that both types of membranes effectively retain lactose at a pressure of 2.0 MPa, a temperature of 40 ° C and a concentration factor. about 2. Varying the flow velocity above the membrane from 0.5 m / s to 1.5 m / s allows obtaining an increase in specific productivity by 15% from the initial one. The influence of the effects of concentration polarization on the specific productivity of nanofiltration membranes is established. The limitation of the concentration factor due to the increase in the osmotic pressure of the solution is determined. The conclusion is made about the possibility of large-scale introduction of nanofiltration of secondary material resources of milk processing in the study of membrane regeneration processes. Key words: buttermilk, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, lactose, membrane concentration.
Investigation of the relationship between oxidation kinetics and deterioration of sensory characteristics of vegetable oils
Authors:   National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute”, Demydova A.
Published: June 2022

The article investigates the possibility of predicting the appearance of a feeling of rancidity by the main indicators of oil oxidation – peroxide and anisidine numbers. As a result of oxidation at 28 ° C and the access of air oxygen, significant amounts of hydroperoxides (up to 160-180 mmol 1/2O/kg) accumulated, but the feeling of rancidity did not appear. It is proved that according to the kinetics of oils oxidation according to the data of anisidine numbers, it is possible to predict the moment of deterioration of the organoleptic characteristics of oils. Key words: oxidation, rancidity, vegetable oils, anisidine number, aldehydes, peroxide number, hydroperoxides.