bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determining Formaldehyde Phytoremediation Efficacy of Selected Ornamental Plants
Authors: Premadasa M.D.P.P.  , Caldera H.I.U.  , Kaumal M.N.  
Published: February 2024

In the recent past, deterioration of indoor air quality has become a serious concern due to the increased energy efficiency and reduced air exchange rate inside urban buildings. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a major category of indoor air pollutants that can lead to adverse health outcomes such as headaches, allergies and asthma in those exposed for prolonged periods. Formaldehyde, the VOC used in the present study is a common contaminant of indoor air which originates from particle board, plywood, paper products, certain adhesives, tobacco smoke and other sources. The use of plants for the mitigation of indoor air pollution is viewed as a cost effective and eco-friendly method with untapped potential. The main objective of the present study was to determine the formaldehyde removal efficacy of selected plant species while investigating the mechanisms used by these plants in the removal process. The selected plant species were Zamioculcas zamiifolia, Hedera helix, Dracaena sanderiana and Ficus sp. Plants of the same age were used with three replicates from each species. Phytoremediation potential was assessed by exposing the plants for 24 hours to gaseous formaldehyde (2.0 μL L-1) in air tight chambers made of Plexiglass (an inert material for VOCs) with dimensions of 0.9 m height×0.58 m length×0.55 m width. Formaldehyde removal was measured using GC-MS and the result was expressed as removal percentages. Several leaf anatomical characters (cuticle thickness, epidermal thickness and mesophyll layer thickness), stomatal characters (stomatal density, stomatal index, guard cell length and potential conductance index) and physiological characters (stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate) were measured to study the possible mechanisms involved in the formaldehyde removal process. The data were subjected to ANOVA and Pearson correlation test. According to the results obtained, Ficus sp. had the highest formaldehyde removal percentage (92.80%) while Hedera helix had the lowest (56.86%). The study further showed that stomatal density and stomatal conductance play a major role in formaldehyde removal by these plants while cuticle and epidermal thickness act as hindrances to this process. This conclusion was further confirmed by Pearson‘s correlation values in correlation analysis. The current study was carried out for 24 hours of exposure and it would be of interest to explore, the long term behavior of the plants through further studies. Overall, the results justify future studies on a cross-section of diverse plant species for formaldehyde removal efficiency to determine species with superior removal efficiencies for a better phytoremediation process.
Keywords: Phytoremediation, VOCs, Formaldehyde, GC-MS technology
Upgrading of Pyrolytic Char Generated from Waste Tyre Pyrolysis for Solid Tyre Industry
Authors: De Zoysa D.M.D.A.  , Hewage J.S.  , Sudusingha Y.C.Y.  , Ranaweera S.A.  
Published: February 2024

In Sri Lanka, accumulation of tons of low-quality pyrolytic char (PT-char) in pyrolysis plants is a significant issue in waste tyre management. Finding a solution to upgrade low-quality PT-char is urgent in Sri Lankan context as it initiates a method of finding a solution to the disposal issue of PT-char. As a result, the current study introduces an efficient and cost-effective routine for upgrading low grade PT-char into value-added products which is not being successful before. The upgrading method entails carefully regulating size reduction of the low-grade PT-char (particle size<50 μm) and following optimization of acid-base demineralization parameters. After the size reduction of PT–char, demineralization procedure was introduced using low char: acid/base ratios (1:2), diluted acids and bases (2 M HCl and 2 M NaOH), low temperatures (30 0C-60 0C), and short reaction times (30-60 minutes). Purity and surface characteristics of upgraded char were investigated using XRD, elemental analysis, SEM, and TGA. Based on a CHN analysis, 67% (w/w) of initial carbon content of crude C-PT char was increased up to 91% (w/w) by washing it twice with 2 M HCl and once with 2 M NaOH (2 M H2+2 M S) while reducing ash content from 17.65% (w/w) to 3.59% (w/w). Significance removal of metals such as Zn (1.14% w/w) , Fe (0.34% w/w), Mg (0.25% w/w) and Ca (2.71% w/w) from C-PT char were observed after treating with 2 M H2+2M S (Zn 0.36%w/w , Fe 0.06%w/w, Mg 0.01%w/w and Ca 0.01% w/w). Removal of Zn from C-PT char further confirmed by XRD and surface modification was confirmed by SEM images. Additionally, the rheological and physico-mechanical properties of the upgraded char incorporated solid tyre base compounds were evaluated and compared with commercial grades of carbon black; N 330, and N 660. It was observed that tensile strength, tear strength, hardness and compression properties of purified PT-char incorporated rubber compounds were not significantly different and exhibit resemble properties to the samples prepared using commercial carbon black grades. Overall, it can be confirmed that upgraded PT char has a significant potential to be used as an economical alternative for reinforcement filler in solid tyre industry and upgrading procedure is efficient and economically viable than the conventional methods.
Keywords: Pyrolytic char, Demineralization, Purification, Modification
Assessment of Phytotoxicity of Potable Water Treatment Plant Sludge-bound Compost Pellets on Seed Germination of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: De Silva R.S.D.  , Amarasinghe S.R.  , Ranawaka R.A.A.K.  
Published: February 2024

Binding loose compost into pellets needs different binding materials. Maintenance of pellet stability highly depends on the binding materials used. Potable water treatment plant sludge (WTPS) has the potential to be used as a binding material due to the high content of clay, organic matter, and nutrients. However, compost and WTPS may contain heavy metals, toxic compounds, salts, and growth inhibitors. Therefore, the determination of the phytotoxicity of WTPS bound compost pellets is essential before amending them to the soil. The present study aimed to assess the phytotoxicity of different pelleted compost using seed germination bioassay of Raphanus sativus L. Four compost pellets were considered (T1: commercial compost pellet (100% compost), T2: commercial integrated pellet (90% compost+10% inorganic fertilizer), T3: WTPS-bound compost pellet (90% compost+10% WTPS), T4: WTPS-bound integrated pellet (80% compost+10% WTPS+10% inorganic fertilizer)) and pellet aqueous extracts (PAE) were prepared, respectively. Distilled water was used as the control. The dilution sequence of PAE as 50% and 100% were tested for seed germination in Petri dishes in a randomized design with three replicates. pH, EC, and selected heavy metals (Al, Zn, Cu and Cr) were determined in PAE. RSG% (Relative Seed Germination %), RRG% (Relative radicle Growth %), and GI% (Germination Index) were calculated for all the PAE after 72 hours. The PAE had a pH range from 6.8-7.2. The Cr was not detected in all 100% PEA. The highest levels of Al and Zn were detected in 100% PAE of T1. All the treatments in both 50% and 100% PAE showed GI% higher than 80% except the 100% PAE of commercial integrated pellet (T2) and WTPS-bound integrated pellet (T4). The PAE from the T2 and T4 showed low RSG% and RRG% and thereby the GI% is low due to high EC in PAE. The GI% of 100% PAE in T2 and T4 was 32.33% and 67.25%, respectively. The lowest values for RSG% and RRG% were recorded for T2 as 44.44% and 72.75%, respectively. Spearman‘s Rank Correlation coefficients were calculated for EC with RSG%, RRG%, and GI% and all variables showed negative correlations as (-0.44), (-0.97), and (-0.69), respectively. This indicates that high EC reduces radical growth and seed germination. PAE at 100% concentration levels of commercial integrated pellet showed high phytotoxicity, and WTPS-bound integrated pellet showed less phytotoxicity while other treatments did not show any sign of phytotoxicity. All the PAE at 50% concentration level were free from phytotoxicity. Hence, 10% WTPS in w/w basis can be used as a binding agent in pelletizing loose compost. Different WTPS concentrations should be tested in binding process for its optimum utilization.
Keywords: Bioassay, Compost, Phytotoxicity, Radish, Water treatment plant sludge
Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B under UV Light Catalyzed by Alpha Titanium Phosphate and Metal Modified Titanium Phosphate
Authors: Jayasinghe K.W.P.V.  , Palliyaguru L.  , Jayaweera P.M.  
Published: February 2024

Wastewater management is a crucial issue in most emergent nations with ever-growing global industrialization. From textiles to food, mankind uses dyes and pigments which pose a threat to the environment due to organic non-biodegradable dyes contained in wastewater. Rhodamine B (RhB) is a conventional colorant in many industries producing a large amount of dye effluent, thus becoming a serious threat to the environment as well as human health. Additionally, RhB is dangerous even at extremely low quantities, making treatment of the RhB effluent more essential. Even though TiO2 is considered as the best photocatalyst to remove many organic pollutants, acceptable alternatives are needed due to being uneconomical in large-scale usage. Synthesis of titanium bismonohydrogen orthophosphate (α-TiP) can be achieved by refluxing ilmenite with phosphoric acid via a previously reported novel method. Solid state reactions of α-TiP and oxides of Co and Cu at 800° C result in various metal titanium phosphates (M-TiP) with unique colors. XRD, FTIR, and Diffuse reflectance UV-vis techniques were used for characterization of the obtained solids. Bandgap of α-TiP changed with the modification of different transition metal cations lowering bandgap from 4.01eV (α-TiP) to 3.57 eV (Cu-TiP). Aqueous RhB degradation under UV irradiation was used to investigate the photocatalytic abilities of these catalysts. For that 0.2 g sample of catalyst was added to a solution that contained 200 mL of a 5 mg L-1 Rh B which was kept for 15 mins in dark to reach adsorption-desorption equilibrium before exposing the sample to UV irradiation for 3 h. A clear enhancement of photocatalytic activity was observed from using Co- TiP as the catalyst, which only took around 80 min to remove almost all Rh B contained in the sample compared to α-TiP which took close to 3 h to become colorless. It was in alignment with spectrometer results where a clear reduction of intensity can be seen in wavelength at 552 nm. Photocatalytic activities of these catalysts decreased in the following order: Co-TiP>α-TiP>Cu-TiP. The Co-modified TiP showed degradation of 99.5% after 3 h of UV irradiation and pseudo first- order kinetics were followed by the degradation.
Keywords: Titanium Phosphate, Photocatalyst, Rhodamine B, Wastewater management
Mycoremediation Approach to Green Air: Phenanthrene and Anthracene Degrading Ability by Fusarium solani Isolate P11M-46
Authors: Dharmasiri R.B.N.  , Undugoda L.J.S.  , Nilmini A.H.L.  , Manage P.M.  , Nugara N.N.R.N.  , Udayanga D.  
Published: February 2024

There are many health issues associated with air pollution that are rapidly increasing with time across the globe. Among many air pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of particular concern because of their carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, and long persistence in the environment. The majority of these PAHs release into the air through anthropogenic activities and natural sources. After releasing into the air, PAHs usually return to the ground due to their high molecular weight. These hydrocarbon depositions can be categorized as wet or dry depositions. One of the most prominent deposition surfaces of these pollutants is the phyllosphere. Microorganisms such as fungi perform a key role in PAHs elimination through bioremediation processes. Epiphytic fungi such as Fusarium solani isolate P11M-46 utilizes the deposited phenanthrene and anthracene on the phyllosphere and convert those PAHs in to non-toxic levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of F. solani isolate P11M-46 to degrade phenanthrene and anthracene, through a mycoremediation approach. Leaf samples were collected from Panchikawatta, Orugodawatta, Pettah, Maradana, Colombo Fort, and Sapugaskanda urban areas in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, PAH degradation ability of isolated F. solani isolate P11M-46 was confirmed through High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The effects of by-products produced from the biodegradation process on living beings were evaluated using Artemia salina and the by-products were identified using Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GCMS). According to HPLC results, F. solani isolate P11M-46 showed 68% of degradation percentage in phenanthrene while exhibiting 76% degradation in anthracene within 6 days. The GCMS analysis confirmed that the by-products were Phenol, 2-(phenylmethyl) from phenanthrene and 9, 10-anthracenedione from anthracene. Toxicity assay with A. salina confirmed that these byproducts were not toxic to the phyllosphere. The findings of the present study revealed the potential use of phyllosphere F. solani isolate P11M-46 in the remediation of environmental pollutants phenanthrene and anthracene. And also the by-products produced during their degradation mechanism were also confirmed as nontoxic compounds. Therefore, F. solani isolate P11M-46 could be effectively used in the bioremediation of phenanthrene and anthracene in polluted environments as a bioremediator.
Keywords: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, Bioremediation, HPLC, GCMS, Toxicity
Chemically Modified Coconut Shell Biochar for Removal of Losartan Potassium in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Perera W.P.A.  , Pathirana C.D.K.  , Kannan N.  
Published: February 2024

Emerging contaminants (EC) are newly recognized significant water pollutants and conventional wastewater treatment facilities are not sufficient at removing these trace contaminants. Biochar is well-known effective adsorbent for the removal of complex inorganic contaminants and organic contaminants from water. The present study, comprehensively investigates the sorption removal of Losartan potassium (LOS) through chemically modified biochar (CMBC) developed from green coconut (Cocous nucifera) shell. Effect of pyrolysis temperature (400o C, 500o C and 600o C), initial concentration of LOS (20−150 mg L−1), pH (3–11), temperature (20−400 C), dose of adsorbent (1.0–5.0 g L−1) and contact time (15−1620 mins) on the adsorption of LOS onto CMBC has been analyzed using a successive batch study. Biochar treated with 5% H3PO4 and pyrolyzed at 600o C shows the optimum result which is 60.72% removal of LOS with initial LOS concentration of 20 mg L−1, pH∼6, temperature 20o C, dose of adsorbent 5 mg L−1, agitation speed 150 rpm and contact time 24 h. The kinetic data of the adsorption study was best fitted into pseudo-2nd-order kinetics model. The Langmuir, Temkin and Freundlich isotherm models were studied and the experimental data were best represented by the Freundlich model. The thermodynamic study reveals the LOS adsorption was non-spontaneous, exothermic nature on CMBC.
Keywords: Biochar, Emerging Contaminant, Isotherm, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Losartan Potassium, Pyrolysis
Economic Feasibility of Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Treatment Plants: A Case Study from Dimbulagala, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Authors: Bandara T.  , Witharana A.  
Published: February 2024

Social wellbeing is strongly linked with economic feasibility when it needs to attain with the technological advancements. Installation of Reverse Osmosis (RO) water treatment plants have been considered as a promising solution to provide clean water for human consumption, especially in the areas where the CKDu (chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology) prevails. At present, over 2,000 RO treatment plants were installed in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, yet economic feasibility for operation and maintenance of RO plants has not been assessed so far. The present study was intended to identify economic feasibility of operation and maintenance of RO plants. Investigations were carried out in six community RO plants which provided drinking water for over 17,000 people which accounts for 20% of total population in Dimbulagala Divisional Secretariat over a period of 12 months. Six in-depth interviews and questionnaire survey were caried out with RO plant operators. The operational cost per production of cubic meter of filtered water was computed by considering electricity consumption bills. The maintenance costs and service charges were also obtained from the records available with RO plant operators. The results found that the average electricity consumption to produce 1 cube of filtered water is approximately 9kWh and cost is LKR 734 (based on 2021 rates). The average water selling price ranged between LKR 1.00-2.50 per liter. The average monthly income generation from one RO plant is approximately between LKR 561- 875 per cube of filtered water and it largely depended on the type of water source, climatic conditions. It was found that the income generated from RO plants was sufficient enough to cover the operation cost (monthly electricity bill) and for the subsequent maintenance and service charges whenever required. It can be concluded that the use of RO treated water is an economically viable option to provide portable drinking water.
Keywords: CKDu, Economic sustainability, Drinking water, Purification cost
Determination of Heavy Metals in Etroplus suratensis from Koggala Lagoon in Southern, Sri Lanka
Authors: Abeysooriya A.P.S.W.  , Wijesinghe R.D.N.  , Bandara E.G.K.Y.C.  , Sanjaya H.L.K.  
Published: February 2024

Fish is one of the best organisms in many scientific studies to evaluate heavy metal pollution and human health hazards as they are well-understood organisms in the aquatic environment. The present study was carried out to examine the level of heavy metals in different tissues of Etroplus suratensis (Green chromide) in Koggala lagoon, Sri Lanka. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to determine the levels of copper (Cu2+), cadmium (Cd+3), lead (Pb+2) and Chromium (Cr+3) ions in the different tissues (skin, liver, gill, and flesh) of fish belonging to three different sizes; small (7.8-10.2) cm, medium (14.1-16.6) cm, and large (19.8-25.2) cm. The number of thirty-six fish were collected from the lagoon randomly. According to available sizes, 12 fish for each size class were used for the analysis. Furthermore, the histological analysis was carried out to identify the changes at the tissue levelling the gill and liver of fish in three different size classes. Heavy metal concentration in fish samples were compared with the standard levels of heavy metals. Heavy metal concentrations in body tissues of three different body sizes of fish were found to be mainly in the order of Cu>Pb>Cr> Cd. The highest concentrations (P<0.05) of heavy metals were found in the fish flesh and skin, while the lowest concentrations were found in the gills. The range of heavy metal concentrations (g g-1 dry weight) in body tissue of small size, E. suratensis fish were, Cu: 0.0443-0.6210, Cd: 0.0110–0.0214, Pb: Below Detection Level (BDL)- 0.46 and Cr: BDL-39.633, Medium size fish were, Cu: 0.0713–0.6210, Cd: 0.0134-0.0170, Pb: BDL-40.906, Cr: 0.0014–0.0500 and large fish were, Cu: 0.0553–0.345, Cd: 0.0110–0.0256, Pb: 0.0204–0.2103 and Cr: 0.0194–0.0773. However, Cd, Cr and Pb concentrations of flesh tissues were under the standard recommended limits referred by the FAO. Through the Cu concentration in flesh, tissues exceeded the standard limits of FAO. It is not considered as a toxic heavy metal. Histological analysis revealed that the deviation of shape of hepatic cells in the liver may due to the exposure to heavy metals in the lagoon. According to the overall result, biomagnification nature of heavy metals, and the consumption of E. suratensis in the Koggala the bioaccumulation and lagoon may create health hazards to consumers.
Keywords: Green chromide, Koggala Lagoon, Heavy metals, Histology
Ayurveda Perspective of Environmental Sustainability for the Economic Crisis–A Review
Authors: Kaushalya H.B.D.  , Gunawardhana R.M.R.  , Nishan S.P.A.S.  
Published: February 2024

Ayurveda, the science of life is a comprehensive system of health care of great antiquity, based on experiential knowledge and grown with perpetual expansion. Ayurveda treatment combines products of plant derivatives as well as animal, metal, and mineral, diet, exercise, and lifestyle. According to WHO 88% of all countries are estimated to use traditional medicine, such as herbal medicines, acupuncture, yoga and indigenous therapies. U.S. Environmental protection Agency defines, Environmental sustainability is the responsibility to conserve natural resources and protect global ecosystems to support health and well-being, now and in the future. The objective of this study has been aimed to review on Ayurveda system of medicine for environmental sustainability. The study was carried out as a review study and data was collected from Ayurveda authentic texts, previously published research papers and journal articles. As per findings, Ayurveda provides clear guidelines for lifestyle and nutrition, all of which fit within the framework of Dharma (Moral principles) which promotes responsibility for the whole society. According to Ayurveda, lifestyle helps to protect a healthy environment and support nature. It also means the natural care of sustainable food sources and agriculture preserves not only life but also responsible and safe ways of nutrition, careful approach and planning to preserve and guarantee the abundance of all medicinal plants in nature. Sustainable food aims to avoid damaging or wasting natural resources. The major four elements of environmental sustainability which are air and water management and risk reduction have been described in Ayurveda authentic texts. As adaptations the concepts such as the knowledge of Ritucharya (regimen for various seasons) and Dina Charya (daily regimen) in Ayurveda, are the key to survival, thus essential to maintain a healthy life which helps to free from lifestyle diseases in humans and leads to maintaining good relationship with their environment. The predictive approach of Ayurveda based on the constitutional knowledge about human being shall assist to solving a serious challenge of the modern life. Modern drug-based medicine is becoming increasingly inaccessible to the majority of the world‘s poor. The neglect of environmental, spiritual and psychological factors behind health and disease does not allow a simple, abstemious lifestyle. Ayurveda offers a sound, millenary natural alternative to the prevailing medical system on its way to individual well-being, improving health economy and social-economic development.
Keywords: Ayurveda perspective, Economic crisis, Environmental sustainability