bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Report of Leaf Spot Disease of Philodendron hastatum, an Ornamental Plant in Sri Lanka
Authors: Nawananda P.H.R.S.  , Mahendranathan C.  , Emmanuel C.J.  
Published: June 2022

Ornamental plants are an important component of the environment as it creates a living beauty of nature that enhances the quality of human life and represents an important economic group in the ornamental plant industry. The most common ornamental trees and shrubs are hosts to one or more pathogens that affect the leaves. In addition, leaf spots are considered as more aesthetic than life threatening problems, although they cause premature leaf drop. Hence, the main objective of this study was to investigate the newly emerging leaf sport diseases of the ornamental plants in Sri Lanka. Also, this study was aimed to isolate and identify the fungal pathogens from one of the locally available ornamental plants, Philodendron hastatum. According to the results, the spots on the leaves of P. hastatum were brownish, but tan or black and 3 to 5 mm diameter lesions were shown. The pathogen with tapered and curved (falcate) conidia, identified as Fusarium species. The results, obtained from morphological and molecular data, fungal isolate of this leaf spot was identified as Fusarium oxysporum. Similarity of sequences for fungus culture is 99% and the Accession Number is AB369259, based on the BLAST search results with authenticated sequences. The growth rate of the pathogen was gradually increased from the 1st day to 7th day of the incubation period and the maximum diameter was shown as 8.68±0.27 cm. Koch’s postulates was performed in healthy P. hastatum leaves and resulted in the initiation of symptom which was 7 days after the inoculation, with brown color and circular shaped necrotic lesions typical to Phylodendron leaf spot observed in originally used P. hastatum leaves, collected for isolation of pathogen. This is considered as the first report of Philodendron leaf spot, caused by Fusarium oxysporum, in Sri Lanka.
Keywords: Philodendron hastatum, Leaf spot, Fusarium oxysporum, Identification, Pathogenicity
Air Quality Improvement during COVID-19 Lockdown in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayasundara J.M.P.D.L.B  , Elangasinghe M.A.  
Published: June 2022

This study presents a time series analysis of concentrations of particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) measured in a Colombo coastline site to determine whether air quality improves in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions. A package of data analysis tools that includes dedicated functions for air quality data analysis called “openair” developed on R statistical software is used in this study. When time-series data from 2017 to 2021 are analyzed, a clear reduction in PM2.5 concentration is observed. When the trend of PM2.5 concentration from late 2017 to 2021 is calculated using the Theil-Sen method, it suggests a decrease of PM2.5 concentration at a rate of 10.92 mg/m3per year (CI 8.91-13.18). Colombo is a coastal city that is greatly affected by the southwest monsoon. When monthly pollution rose diagrams were analyzed, a diurnal variation of wind pattern is observed with increasing stormy weather during the southwest monsoon season from May to September, from 2017 to 2021. To exclude the fact that the reduction in pollutant concentration is due to the increase in wind speed during the monsoon season, a cluster analysis technique has been used to separate the effect of dilution of pollutants due to the gusty winds during the monsoon season from non-monsoon seasons. The cluster analysis was performed on the concentration polar plot drawn for late 2017 to 2021, and two clear clusters were identified. Cluster-1 represented data during the monsoon season from May to September, and cluster-2 represented the data during the non-monsoon season. Cluster-1 clearly showed an inverse relationship between wind speed and PM2.5 concentration suggesting the dilution effect of concentration with the increasing wind speed. Cluster-2 clearly showed a directly proportional relationship, implying that pollutants from the city are transported to the site with increasing wind speeds. When trend analysis was performed, both clusters showed a decreasing trend. Results of the study suggest that the increasingly stormy weather during monsoons over the years has reduced the PM2.5 concentration in the study site at a rate of 11.57 mg/m3 per year (CI 9.08-14.55). The reduction in human travel that caused a decrease in traffic-related air pollution over the years has reduced the PM2.5 concentration in the study site at a rate of 7.91mg/m3per year (CI 4.68-11.92).
Keywords: COVID-19, Lockdown, Colombo, PM2.5 concentrations, Polar plot
Examination of Menstrual Waste Disposal Techniques used by the Millennials in Sri Lanka
Authors: Perera H.P.N.  , Edirisinghe E.W.R.S.  
Published: June 2022

Menstrual waste (MW) disposal practices are not subjected to discussion in many Asian countries and religious beliefs/norms have created misleading perceptions putting females at risk of being stigmatized. Therefore, the disposal techniques used in such countries can harm the environment irrespective of the education levels of the people due to their attempts in hiding the traces of menstrual blood. This paper is mainly aimed at discussing the MW disposal techniques and Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) techniques used by the millennials in Sri Lanka. As a secondary objective, this study evaluates whether the MW disposal technique used by the respondent is stressful to her and the effect of education level on it. 52.1% of the Sri Lankan population is female and the current study considered the millennials. Due to the social stigma that comes with menstruation, referrals were used to engage responders and the snowball sampling technique was used. A self-developed questionnaire was distributed and the Pearson's Chi-square Goodness-of-fit and Rank Biserial Correlation were used along with Estimated Population Proportions (EPP). Of the 150 respondents, 52% use burning (open), 18% throw-in routine waste bins, 8.7% throw with proper grading and 8% use toilet pits to dispose of their MW. The remaining respondents used incinerators, washing or dumped/burned waste in open areas such as land, rivers etc. The chi-square goodness-of-fit test indicated that each of the disposal methods was not equally represented by the respondents (χ2(7)=586.903, p=0.0001), with just over half of the respondents using open burning as the method of disposal. Commercial sanitary pads and reusable/washable sanitary pads were the only techniques reported for MHM. The majority of the respondents reported the use of commercial sanitary pads and the EPP was 0.93±0.042. The majority of the respondents reported feeling stressed due to their method of disposal. There was a positive correlation between the status of stress and education level, which was statistically significant (rpb=0.178, p=0.003). Based on the above-said results, burning inorganic materials such as commercial sanitary pads at low temperatures release dioxins that are poisonous and carcinogenic, leaving an impact on both health and the environment. Hence, it is recommended to introduce more environment-friendly absorption materials such as reusable sanitary items made of easily decomposed materials and to implement proper incineration facilities. When considering the negative impact on the environment, educating the Sri Lankan female population on better disposal practices can be identified as a necessity.
Keywords: Menstrual waste, Waste disposal, Millennials, Menstrual hygiene management, Stress
Valuation of Key Freshwater Ecosystem Services: A Case Study in Yagirala Rainforest
Authors: Niroshini D.G.D.T.  , Gunawardena U.A.D.P.  , Fernando S.S.  , Perera P.K.P.  
Published: June 2022

Tropical lowland rainforests in Sri Lanka are subjected to degradation due mainly to conversion to other uses and population pressure. Valuation of ecosystem services has become important in terms of conservation of such landscapes. This study intends to estimate economic value of key freshwater aquatic ecosystem services associated with tributary ecosystem in the Yagirala Forest Reserve, a fragmented tropical lowland rainforest in south-west Sri Lanka. Surface water discharged from the tributary and the ornamental fish were identified as main provisioning services and recreation and education were identified as cultural services of the tributary. Physical measurements on freshwater resource and fish fauna were carried out at eleven sampling points along the selected tributary during the rainy season. Water flow was measured at the end point of the tributary, which connects to the main stream using flow rate measuring method. Economic value of water used for agriculture/industrial and potable/domestic use were estimated based on the tariff rates available. Ornamental fish fauna was counted using transects and valued using market prices related to export trade. Cultural services were valued based on visitor data maintained at the Research Centre at Yagirala. Economic value of water available for agricultural activities and industrial purposes were estimated as LKR 39 million and 3 million respectively. Value of water used for domestic purposes was LKR 9 million. Economic value of potential ornamental fish of the tributary was estimated as LKR 41 thousand for three species and considering sustainable extraction. Cultural services were estimated as LKR 14 thousand. The total value of the selected ecosystem services of the tributary for 3 months was estimated as LKR 51 million. The study highlights the importance of combining physical data in the economic valuation. The estimated values could provide justification for the protection of these ecosystems and investments for further value additions.
Keywords: Ecosystem services, Yagirala forest reserve, Economic value, Fresh water
Economic Value of Water Quality Improvement of an Aesthetic Water Body: Kandy Lake, Sri Lanka
Authors: Mudalige S.S.  , Gunawardena U.A.D.P.  
Published: June 2022

Kandy Lake is an aesthetic water body and an iconic landmark situated in Kandy District. Many projects and activities have been implemented to improve and restore the lake from its polluted and eutrophic state to normal condition with a considerable cost, but no proper justification are available for such investments. This study intended to value the restoration activities adopting Contingent Valuation Method. According to the pre-identified benefits, three questionnaires were used to collect information from four beneficiary categories identified with a sample size of 136. Values were elicited under four scenarios: improve the water quality to reduce the odor nuisance; to reduce odor and algal blooms; to use the lake for recreational purposes; and to use the lake as a drinking water source. A linear regression model between Willingness to Pay (WTP) value and the socio-economic characters, including monthly income, age, number of dependents, and distance from the household to the lake boundary was established. Results indicate that 84% of respondents perceive that the lake has more indirect values than direct use values such as beautification of the environment, mental relaxation, microclimate moderation. Identified beneficiary categories are “household”, “institutional,” and “mobile” (i.e., people who come to visit the lake) and public supply water users (PSWU). Estimated WTP for the 1st scenario was LKR 239.11 per person per month. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th scenarios got higher percentages of protest answers due to the unacceptability of improvement stages. As the lake has a historical value, the “development of the lake for recreational purposes” scenario was rejected by the respondents. The fourth scenario, “improve the lake water quality to use the lake as a drinking water source” was refused because most respondents did not believe it to be cost-effective and did not like to drink water from the lake even after treatment. The best lake management strategy is maintaining the lake as it is and invest to clean the lake, instead of developing it for recreation or to use as a drinking water source.
Keywords: Contingent valuation method, Kandy lake, Water quality improvement
Second Generation Bioethanol Production: Green Alternative Energy for Future Energy Crisis
Authors: Chandrasiri Y.S.  , Weerasinghe W.M.L.I.  , Madusanka D.A.T.  , Manage P.M.  
Published: June 2022

Emerging environmental pollution and depleting fossil fuel resources issues are creating a requirement for more environmentally friendly alternative renewable fuels. In that case bioethanol has gathered much attention as a fuel additive and fuel enhancer. In the current study, corncob and paper waste were used as lignocellulosic biomass and followed the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation via bacterial pathways to produce second generation bioethanol. Both biomasses were pretreated initially using mechanical and chemical pretreatments and they were hydrolysed by two bacterial strains; Bacillus sp. and Norcadiopsis sp. and fermented by Achromobacter sp. which were previously isolated. The bioethanol production was followed by hydrolysing of biomass by Bacillussp. and Norcadiopsis sp. for 72 hours at 37° C and then the fermentation was done using the bacterium Achromobacter sp. for 72 hours at 37° C. Detecting gas trapped in Durham tubes and Solid Phase Micro Extraction coupled with GCMS were used to screen and quantify the ethanol production respectively. The highest ethanol percentage (v/v) was obtained from alkaline pretreated paper waste hydrolysed by the Bacillus sp. (0.734±0.154%) and the lowest ethanol percentage (v/v) was obtained from alkaline pretreated corncob hydrolysed by the Norcadiopsis sp. (0.155±0.154%). Acid pretreated corncobs, alkaline pretreated corncobs, and acid pretreated paper waste which was hydrolysed by Bacillus sp. and fermented by Achromobacter sp. produced ethanol percentages (v/v) of 0.726±0.154%, 0.564±0.154%, and 0.657±0.154% respectively. Acid pretreated corncobs, acid pretreated paper waste, and alkaline pretreated paper waste which was hydrolysed by Norcadiopsissp. and fermented by Achromobacter sp. produced ethanol percentages (v/v) of 0.587±0.154%, 0.599±0.154%, and 0.627±0.154% respectively. Thus, the results of the study revealed that both corncobs and paper waste have high potential for bioethanol production, and paper waste is the best feedstock for second-generation bioethanol production among used biomasses.
Keywords: Bioethanol production, Lignocellulosic biomass, Corncobs, Paper waste
Impact of Relocation on Cultural Landscape around Reservoir Projects in Sri Lanka: A Case Study on Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project
Authors: Kavindya P.L.M.  , Dharmasena S.W.J.H.  
Published: June 2022

Sri Lanka is a developing country where hydrology plays an important role in its economic and social growth. Therefore, reservoirs are a principal element of culture and social status of Sri Lankans. Emergence of a reservoir goes along with a community relocation process which eventually causes alterations in the cultural landscape around it. The study discusses about the vast study area of ‘cultural landscape’ and its behavior. This study will mainly identify the existing constraints and tendencies regarding the relocation process in an overall status. Uma Oya multipurpose development project is selected as the exemplary study area considering its visible impacts. This analysis will indicate strategies, theories and methods that can be applied to apprehend the impact of relocation process on the cultural landscape of reservoirs. The research was carried out by conducting the Uma Oya multipurpose development project case study and by defining its cultural landscape and process of relocation. A new theoretical framework is developed in order to assess the set of vulnerable areas of a cultural landscape which are likely to change due to relocation. A questionnaire survey is done in order to assess socio-economic aspects and a GIS data analysis is conducted to analyze the impact on physical aspects. Findings show that the impacts of the cultural landscape fall under both positive and negative categories. It also shows that the previous condition before resettlement and post stages have significant changes, where the previous condition had more socio-economic benefits for the community. These specifically developed theories, areas of assessment and strategies along with the outcomes, can be used for any location with geographical similarities worldwide.
Keywords: Cultural diffusion theory, Cultural landscape, Relocation, Reservoirs, Socio-economic aspects
Influence of Rainfall and Tree Traits on Stem Flow Production of Selected Urban Tropical Trees
Authors: Chandrathilake G.G.T.  , Balasuriya V.G.  , Tanaka N.  , Kamata N.  
Published: June 2022

Stem flow is small but important fraction of intercepted precipitation channeled through a tree canopy to the base of the trunk. Given increased impervious covers in cities, quantification of stem flow is necessary for a holistic understanding of hydrology in urban ecosystems. The values of urban treesare increasingly being recognized over the decades and authorities have invested in urban green infrastructure including urban forestry. However, knowledge related to rainfall redistribution by urban trees and reduce storm water are yet to be discovered for topical tree species. Therefore, this study aimed study the effect of canopy traits on stem flow percent and funneling ratios for isolated urban trees in a tropical wet climate. The stem flow of 21 individual trees (7 species with 3 replicates) located in University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka were measured from August 2019 to November 2019 by installing SF collars at diameter at breast height (dbh). The stem flow was measured for 20 individual storm events started with dry canopy condition. Gross precipitation was recorded using an automated weather station located in an open area in University premises. All trees produced stemflow for storm events larger than 4 mm. Felicium decipiens generated the highest stem flow and Pterocarpus marsupium Roxburgh generated the lowest among studied species. While F. decipiens showing negative correlation between rainfall and stem flow others showed positive correlation. In all species, crown volume, dbh and bark thickness showed negative relationship with stem flow. However, individual-tree stem flow percent and funneling ratio values were variable, even for similar rain depths, suggesting that meteorological factors play a role. Our findings highlight the need of careful species selection for urban forestry and importance of infiltration capacity at the base of urban trees when integrating storm water management with vegetation and soils in cities.
Keywords: Stem flow percent, Funneling ratio, Urban hydrology, Urban forestry, Storm water management
Development and Standardization of Toothpaste Incorporating Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract
Authors: Bamunuarachchi B.A.S.U.  , Samarasekara J.K.R.R.  , Dasanayaka P.N.  , Liyanarachchi G.  , Perera H.D.S.M.  
Published: June 2022

Dental hygiene is an important aspect to control oral infections such as tooth decay and gum diseases. And in novel dentistry, herbal toothpaste is more acceptable and safer with minimum side effects over synthetic preparation. The current study was envisioned to formulate herbal toothpaste by incorporating the leaf extract of Moringa oleifera and standardizing it as per the Sri Lankan standard requirements. The toothpaste base formulation was optimized and incorporated with M. oleifera leaf extract to develop the Moringa toothpaste. The net mass and extrusive content, consistency, cohesiveness, stability, tube inertness, moisture content, and volatile matter, pH of the Moringa toothpaste were determined to standardize the formulated toothpaste as per the requirement of SLS Standard (275:2014). The anti-bacterial efficacy of Moringa toothpaste was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, an oral pathogenic bacterium. The contents of elements present in the M. oleifera leaf powder that are known to improve oral health including Ca, K, and Mg were also determined. The leaf extract percentage was selected as 5% (w/w) to be incorporated into the optimized toothpaste base formulation. The formulated herbal toothpaste complied with the requirements of SLS Standard (275:2014) indicating acceptable net mass (23.6 g), extrusive content (49.96%), consistency (present), cohesiveness (passed), stability (stable formulation), moisture, and volatile matter content (43.16%) and pH (6.26). In an antibacterial assay, the Moringa toothpaste showed a significant zone of inhibition of 2±0.029 cm indicating its antibacterial potential against S. aureus to provide tooth and oral hygiene and to prevent various dental diseases. The contents of Ca, Mg, and K were found as 0.6%, 1.7%, and 0.14% respectively. The formulation development and standardization of M. oleifera based herbal toothpaste, having the potential to improve oral health is reported for the first time through this study. This new product can be introduced as an innovative approach to incorporate plants like M. oleifera in oral care products.
Keywords: Antibacterial activity, Evaluation, Moringa toothpaste, Moringa oleifera leaf powder, Standardization
Tagetes lemmonii (Atapethiya) as a Potential Candidate for Phytoremediation of Cadmium in Soils
Authors: Wimalajeewa T.G.A.N.I.N.  , Athukorala A.D.S.N.P.  , Koralegedara N.H.  , Jayasundera A.C.A.  
Published: June 2022

Phytoremediation is one of the eco-friendly strategies used to remove heavy metals such as Cadmium (Cd) from the environment. Tagetes erecta is one such plant used in the phytoremediation of Cd polluted soils. T. lemmonii which belongs to the same genus was used in the current study to investigate its tolerance to cadmium to determine its suitability in phytoremediation of Cd under greenhouse conditions. One-month-old nursery plants were uprooted and transferred into soil containing pots and allowed to establish under greenhouse conditions for one week. Then, soil in pots was treated with 20 mgkg-1, 50 mgkg-1, 100 mgkg-1, and 200 mgkg-1 Cd2+ concentration series with four replicates for each. The control treatments were four pots of plants without Cd2+ added and four pots of soil treated with Cd2+ in each concentration without plants. At two-day intervals, morphological changes such as the height of the plant, and the number of leaves were observed and after 14 days, plants were uprooted and the number of leaves, leaf area, number of rootlets, length of the root, length of the shoot, and total length of the plants were compared among treatments and controls. Cadmium-treated plants, in comparison to the control plants, showed a significant increase in leaf area (p=0.000), fresh weight (p=0.000), dry weight (p=0.000) and a significant decrease in root length (p=0.005 and the number of rootlets (p=0.000) except at 100 and 50 mgkg-1respectively. The increase in plant height (p=0.950), the increase in shoot length (p=0.914), and the decrease in the number of leaves (p=0.322) were not significant. The results suggest that T. lemmonii has a significant survival ability under Cd2+ in soil. Significant total height increments of T. lemmonii plants under Cd2+ treatments suggest that this plant is a hyperaccumulator of Cd2+. Future investigations on anatomical parameters, accumulation, and reduction of Cd2+ in plant tissues and soil respectively will reveal its remediation potential of Cd2+. The results of this study will be utilized to develop phytoremediation strategies for Cd2+ polluted soils using T. lemmonii.
Keywords: Heavy metals, Ornamental plants, Eco-friendly, Hyperaccumulation