EMM 2020

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://ir.lib.pdn.ac.lk/handle/20.500.14444/5724

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 36

An assessment of current air pollution monitoring processes in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2020-10-23) Weerakoan,T.P.; Perera, M.T.C.
Amidst increased emphasis on limiting air pollution around the world, in Sri Lanka many discussions have taken place, but implementation of practical measures of air pollution monitoring is rare. Thus, the objective of this study is to study the current air pollution monitoring and control procedures in Sri Lanka. This may contribute to adverse weather conditions and diseases. Even the medical researchers have pointed out that health impacts of air pollution in Sri Lanka have been underestimated. In order to achieve this objective, this study was carried out primarily as a critical literature review. Through this study researchers will learn that there are only a handful of places where air quality is measured in the country. There are numerous air pollution monitoring processes that were implemented recently, but the air quality level in major industrial cities have increased and it is on rise in rural areas as well. Currently Sri Lankan air pollution monitoring process is carried out mainly by means of human resources which has not been effective so far. Even with the current human- centric monitoring processes where the incurred cost is very high the air pollution levels are on the rise. On top of that, apart from vehicular emission other sources of air pollution are less monitored or not monitored at all. It is imperative to measure air pollution by factories, air travel, power generation, vehicular emissions as well as biomass burning using technology-based monitoring systems, which would reduce the cost of operations for relevant authorities. Researchers also recommend that, focusing on un-monitored air pollution activities such as biomass burning and waste burning as well. There should be alert systems in place to notify the authorities when the air pollution levels are breached from such activities.
Construction complications and challenges in the process of installing landfill gas and leachate collection system to the Meethotamulla solid waste dump site closure
(University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka, 2020-10-23) Chandrasena, W.K.N.; Premasiri, H.D.S.
The Meethotamulla Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) dumpsite was one of the largest open dumping sites operated in Sri Lanka. As estimated in 2017, about one million ton of waste stock was collected at the site with an area of 78,000 m2 up to the height of 45-50 m range. Because of the heavy load of waste dump on top of the thick peat layer, the waste dump collapsed in 2017 leading to the death of 32 people. As an immediate action taken by the Government of Sri Lanka, further dumping of MSW to the Meethotamulla dumpsite was terminated. Since the beginning of the dumpsite at Meethotamulla it has created a lot of environmental problems such as unmanaged gas emissions, odour problems and leachate contamination to surrounded water bodies. The Government of Sri Lanka decided to reclaim the site as an Urban Park. The Urban Development Authority (UDA) was assigned the responsibility of managing environmental and social hazards. The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) was designated as the consultant to the project. The reclamation and closure process considered all technical design works including slope stability, leachate management, landfill gas management, final cover material selection and the development of surrounding areas. The concepts used for the design and construction were based on results obtained by an experimental trial fill of 50x30m2 compacted waste up to 5 m height. Recorded CH4, CO, H2S, VOC concentrations at gas wells were 10-30%, 19 ppm, 42 ppm, 16 ppm, respectively. The major challenges encountered during the implementation of the design were, installation of gas wells and leachate collection blankets without removing or replacing of waste from the site. As a systematic approach followed in the construction stage, site specific trench system and cut and fill methods with benching were practiced to install the gas wells and leachate blankets. Site specific testing methods have been developed for testing waste compaction, landfill gas content, efficiency of gas wells and leachate collection system. These smart approaches were facilitated to resolve construction complications and to cover the construction targets.
Anaerobic digestion of municipal solid waste: a review of operational issues
(University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka, 2020-10-23) Ellangasinghe,M.A.; Kalpage, C.S.; Danthurebandara,M.; Ellangasinghe, M.A.; Ariyarathna,S.M.W.T.P.K.
Anaerobic digestion of municipal solid waste (MSW) has two-fold advantages: a feasible solution for environmental pollution control and a source of low-cost energy. Nevertheless, it has not yet gained as much attention as aerobic digestion, mainly because of the high capital expenditure and difficulties in stabilizing the reactor operations. The aim of this study is to find out the operational issues especially behind solid waste anaerobic digestion. In comparison to liquid phase anaerobic digestion, solid waste anaerobic digestion requires a larger amount of inoculum and much longer retention time. Poor mixing of solid substrate in the bioreactor negatively impacts on mass and heat transfer, and thereby on reaction kinetics. The intermediate volatile fatty acid (VFA) accumulation is one of the major issues in solid waste digestion. The VFA accumulation occurs because of biochemical reactions of complex and heterogeneous molecules in the substrate. The substrate is a mixture of different molecules belonging to four main categories: carbohydrate, protein, lipids and cellulose. The VFA is formed at different rates as a result of the hydrolysis and acetogenesis of vastly different components in the substrate at different rates. The highly soluble substrate increases the VFA concentration rapidly, and as a result the pH is dropped suddenly to create an inhibitory environment for acetogenic and methanogenic reactions. Another serious problem with the substrate is the presence of organically bound nitrogen compounds. Inhibitory products such as ammonia, ammonium, nitrites and nitrate that enters the system during the metabolic activities of these compounds and make the process unstable. Particle size of the substrates too determines contact surface area of microbes and then the rate of reaction. Finally, it is concluded that though the municipal solid waste is a sound substrate for anaerobic digestion, there are several issues to be addressed further.
Detection of landuse and landcover change: a study of the Pottuvil DSD, Ampara
(University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka, 2020-10-23) Hicmathullah,M.L.M.; Nanthakumaran, A.
Issues of landuse / landcover changes and the relationships of these changes have become much considered in recent years. Thus, the objectives of this research were to study the nature, extent, rate of changes and to analyze the spatiotemporal change patterns of landuse/landcover in the Pottuvil Divisional Secretariat Division (DSD) for sustainable management of land use. Multi-temporal Landsat TM1987, TM1996, ETM2003, TM2009 and OLI-TIRS2017 images were used for this study. Based on the extent of the study area to obtain the appropriate accuracy assessment 200 training samples were selected for the classification of the Landsat images using supervised maximum likelihood method in QGIS 3.10.1 and landuse maps were generated and change detection analysis was performed from 1987 to 2017. Agricultural land, forest cover, settlements, sandy land, scrubland and water bodies were identified for the landuse classification. Distinct changes have occurred in the landuse pattern. Results revealed that nearly 13.5% of agricultural land and 3.3% of settlements increased from 1987 and 13.4% of forest cover, 3.7% of water bodies and 0.3% of sandy land decreased from 1987 in the total area cover of the Pottuvil DSD. Conversions of land from forest cover (1775 ha) and scrubland (1786 ha) to agriculture represent the most significant land use change in the study area. The rate of change was as high as 3.36% for increasing settlements and agricultural lands were converted from other lands by 3.09% per year. The unutilized lands (13.93 ha) and abandoned settlements (3.38 ha) and abandoned agriculture lands (1.66 ha) were identified. Therefore, it is crucial that development plans be accompanied with a sustainable livelihood options for a better future of the country. Spatiotemporal landuse/landcover changes in GIS platform may be used to supplement the available tools for urban planning and sustainable environmental management in the region.
Determination of lignocellulose biodegradation efficiency of enriched microbial consortia from compost, cow dung and coir retting water
(University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka, 2020-10-23) Bandara,S.M.D.C.; Rizvi, E.M.J.M.
Various drawbacks of fossil fuels have demanded the need for alternative sources of energy such as biofuels and second-generation bioethanol from lignocelluloses is favoured because of the food insecurity caused by first-generation bioethanol production. Even though lignocellulose is the most abundant, sustainable and cost- effective renewable biomass on earth, degradation of lignocelluloses to produce bioethanol is difficult because of its complex and robust structure. This study investigated the capability of microbial consortia enriched from compost, cow dung and coir retting water to degrade three lignocellulosic materials i.e., rice straw, corn straw and sawdust. Alkaline pretreated lignocellulosic substrates and a mixture of the three substrates in equal ratios were inoculated separately with the three microbial sources and a mixture of the three microbial sources, which were enriched twice (4 days each) using the same pretreated lignocellulosic substrate or the substrate mixture as the only source of carbon in basal culture medium (5 g of peptone powder and 3 g of yeast extract powder in 1 L of distilled water of pH 7). Four replicates each per treatment and a non-inoculated control was maintained in a completely randomized design, with no aeration at room temperature. The lignocellulose biodegradation ratio was tested by acetic acid-nitric acid reagent after 5 days of incubation. Statistical significance of the results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA (p <0.05). Subsequent mean comparisons of treatments were done by Turkey’s test using Minitab 19.2 version. All the substrates had a significantly higher degradation ranged from 21.43% - 66.70% compared to their control. Highest degradations of 66.70% and 58.12% were found in rice straw by enriched consortia from microbial mixture and compost, respectively. The values are comparable to 60% and 75% of rice straw degradation in two different studies which were incubated for 4 and 7 days respectively at 50 °C utilizing microbial consortia developed from compost by several enrichment cultures. The use of mixtures compared to the individual components alone both in the case of lignocellulosic substrates and microbial sources showed a positive effect on lignocellulose biodegradation. Further studies will reveal the bioethanol production efficiency of these lignocellulosic substrates and microbial sources.
Land-use land-cover change of the Unawatuna beach area in Galle: a special emphasis on the human impact
(University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka, 2020-10-23) Kanchana,A.M.W.
Costal Eco systems are rich in natural resources and especially, tropical coastal zones in a developing country support economic development and social welfare of the country. As a result of that the coastal zone attracts people to utilize their resources. This unlimited human consumption of the resources makes a reason to rapid land-use land-cover change in the coastal area. The study area consisted of three Grama Niladari (GN) Divisions namely, Bonavista, Yaddehimulla, and Unawatuna Central located along the Unawatuna coast. The objective of the study was to identify the change of coastal land use land-cover of Unawatuna area during the period of 1956- 2018. Primary and secondary data were collected for the study. Primary data were collected via five focus group discussions, aerial photographs, google earth images and questioner survey selecting 10% of sample from each GN division. Secondary data were collected through research papers, reports and internet. The qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyze the collected data. Tables, maps, figures and photographs were used to present information. In 2018, more build up areas, strong road network and less coastal vegetation cover can be observed comparing with 1956 and 1994. Coastal land-use land-cover of the area had become more complex with the human activities. It was found that land-use land-cover of the area was dominated by the expansion of tourism infrastructure. Overcrowding, development activities and urbanization were identified as the main drivers that influenced land- use land-cover changes. As a result of land-use land-cover changes, negative impacts such as habitat loss for associated species, coastal erosion, and decrease of coastal vegetation cover including the reduction of aesthetic value of the area was evident. Removal of illegal constructions and introducing reservation areas will be effective to minimize the negative impact
Productivity thresholds in a tank-based agriculture system: a case study
(University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka, 2020-10-23) Sirimanna,S.; Prasada, D.V.P.
Tank cascades are human-made systems of water retention in water deficient agricultural systems. The logic of a cascade lies in maintaining an appropriate balance between the catchment area and the command area, and facilitating a continuous water flow in the downstream direction. This study investigates the current status, water use efficiency and production thresholds in 17 tanks of Mahakanumulla, a small village tank cascade system in the North Central province of Sri Lanka, using the cross- sectional survey methodology. In this cascade system, we estimate a total water holding capacity of 0.0026 km3 and a release volume of 0.0018 km3, supplied to a total command area of 494.56 hectares. Average yields of 2156 kg per acre and 252.6 kg per acre were calculated based on the survey responses for Maha and Yala seasons, respectively. The large difference in productivity across Maha and Yala is characteristic of solely rain-fed systems. The calculated average water productivity in the cascade is 124.55 kg per m3 of tank water. We calculate tank production thresholds varying from 40 kg per m3 to 268 kg per m3. There are productivity losses in the midstream arising from land use changes. Analysis reveals that while the quality of physical tank structures is not correlated with water productivity, the land uses in the command area are correlated with water productivity. This finding highlights the need for socio-economic interventions in addition to physical improvement in the tank structure for the sustainable functioning of cascade systems.
Exploring the impact of green operations practices on the organizational environment and financial performance in manufacturing sector organizations in the Anuradhapura district
(University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka, 2020-10-23) Aravinda, M.A.K.N.; Rajapakshe,P.S.K.; Sandaruwan,R.G.P.; Upali,M.M.R.
Climate Change results in both pressure and drivers for Sri Lankan enterprises to improve their environmental performance. As a developing country, Sri Lanka has to balance economic and environmental performance. If the firms needed to get strong performance continuously, they re-establish their corporate strategy by introducing and implementing more integrated sustainable green operations practices. When reviewing literature regarding green operations practices, developed countries are prominent than developing countries. Hence in the Sri Lankan context, this concept must be identified for organizing the manufacturing sector. To achieve the aim of this study, an in-depth literature study and empirical research were undertaken. A self - 41 administered questionnaire was completed by 80 operational managers from 80 manufacturing firms in the Anuradhapura District using convenience sampling method. To investigate the relationship between the Green Operations Practices and Environmental and Financial Performance, 4 hypotheses were tested. A conceptual framework was developed by researchers for the current study based on the survey. According to the correlation analysis results revealed significant positive relationships between these variables. The ordinary linear regression analysis was used to examine the impacts of these variables and a regression model is formulated. Green Production significant positive impact on Organizational EF Performance (Beta = 0.737) and there is a significant influence because of significant value is less than 0.05 (0.05>0.000). Green policies and organizational EF performance have positive and significant influence. Because of the positive Beta, value (0.267) and significant value is (0.006). Green marketing has a positive impact on organizational performance. Because of Beta value is 0.065, but there is insignificant influence because of significant value (0.582) is greater than 0.05. This study will contribute to the all the society, decision makers and policy makers. The results also provide various implications for managers and present some suggestions for future researches.
Recycling of low-quality waste aggregate with plastic coating for Asphalt production
(University of Pradeniya,Sri Lanka, 2020-10-23) Manchanayake , M.A.M.O.; Niroshani, K.P.; Sumathipala, H.M.C.M.; Fernando , M.H.Y.K.; Dissanayake, P.B.R.; Kawamoto , K.; Rathnayake,R.M.L.D.
The plastic waste has become a major threat to the environment. Finding a proper disposal method for plastic waste is the need of hour. Plastic shows some bituminous characteristics, so it can be used as a coating material on an aggregate surface. Concurrently, considerable amount of aggregate in the construction industry is discarded as waste because of its low quality. Such unacceptable properties of aggregate can be improved by coating aggregate surface with polythene. In this research, the mostly available aggregate type in Sri Lanka, namely Hornblende Biotite Gneiss with low mechanical properties, which is out of requested international standards were initially coated with polythene by changing the polythene content percentage wisely, 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% according to the weight of aggregate using dry method to prepare Plastic Coated Aggregate(PCA). Laboratory experiments revealed that, mechanical properties such as Los Angeles Abrasion Value, Aggregate Impact Value and Aggregate Crushing Value of PCA’s were achieved requested international standard values at 10% polythene content. Hence aggregate surface is covered with a polythene film, bonding ability of bitumen with polythene is relatively unknown. Therefore, above mentioned PCA’s were secondly coated with bitumen by changing the bitumen content percentage wisely, 4%, 5% and 6% according to the weight of aggregate to investigate the bonding and strength characteristics. Three laboratory tests, namely Marshal Stability test, Bitumen Extraction test, Stripping Value test were conducted. 7.5KN of maximum stability value was observed in the sample with 15% polythene and 6% bitumen contents by showing 49% increasement of stability compared with other samples. Only 85% of bitumen could be extracted in 15% PCA’s, predicting higher bonding ability is resulting at higher polythene contents. No stripping of bitumen was observed in 10%, 15% PCAs’. Therefore, this study revealed that waste aggregate can be recycled by preparing PCA to produce asphalt.
Energy recovery from the gravity-fed Mawathagama Galagedara integrated water supply project
(University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka, 2020-10-23) Rathnasekara,A.K.R.L.; Weerakoon,S.B.
The water sector is committed to contributing towards “affordable and clean energy” Sustainable Development Goal by reducing carbon foot print of the water supply projects. Accordingly, the excessive pressure generated in pipelines in gravity-fed water supply systems that is usually dissipated by break pressure tanks is given attention as source for recovering energy using micro hydropower plants (MHPP).This study presents a Case Study of economic feasibility of integration of a MHPP to recover dissipating hydro energy in the gravity-fed Mawathagama Galagedara Integrated Water Supply Project (MGIWSP) by the deployment at different stages of the project.Economic analysis of following three cases were carried out considering revenue and cost streams; the cost anticipated for the MHPP installations, operation and maintenance, and revenue by selling electric energy to the Ceylon Electricity Board. NPV, IRR, payback period, benefit cost ratio and debt service coverage ratio are used to investigate the economic feasibility of three cases. a. MHPP is integrated at the project design. Cost increase due to the pipe modification and MHPP is the capital cost. Here cross- saving is considered. b. MHPP is integrated at the project design. But the cost of the pipe installation and MHPP is the capital cost. Cross-saving not considered. c. Installation of MHPP as a later option after water supply project is done. Total modification cost included. In Case (a) NPV is Rs. 42 MN, IRR of 34%. Case (b) was not economically feasible and Case (c) was only marginally feasible. According, MHPP should have been added at the planning stage and it is not economically feasible to install a MHPP to MGIWSP now.
Effect of solubility of carbohydrate and protein in biogas generation with solid waste
(University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka, 2020-10-23) Ariyarathna,S.M.W.T.P.K.; Wathsala,M.A.V.
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management is a hot topic in most of the countries and it is a burning issue in Sri Lanka too. The MSW typically consists of high percentage of organic matter, about 65% by weight. The organic fraction of MSW is a sound substrate for biogas generation. These substrates can be divided into three main categories according to their molecular structure: i.e., carbohydrate, protein and lipid. It was suggested that the different solubility rates of these molecules effect on accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in the digester and then biogas generation, especially in solid waste digestion. This study is to observe the effect of solubility via VFA accumulation with carbohydrate and protein in biogas generation. The experiments were performed in the laboratory scale in the batch mode. Imitating the food waste found in MSW, white nadu rice and chick-pea were used as carbohydrate and protein rich substrate, respectively. Triplicates were experimented for three mixing ratios of rice to chick-pea with inoculums grown by cow-dung. The VFA accumulation was monitored in terms of the pH. The daily biogas production and pH variations were observed for 50 days. The cumulative biogas generation was found as 8.59 ml/gVS, 8.96 ml/gVS and 35.95 ml/gVS for digesters with carbohydrate-rich, equal carbohydrate and protein and protein-rich, respectively. The average pH values in the digesters were observed as 3.94, 4.72 and 5.28 with respect to the above order. Solubility of carbohydrate molecule is higher than protein and therefore carbohydrate- rich digester had gained more VFA than in the protein-rich digester. It can be concluded that the molecular solubility effects the VFAs accumulation in digesters and then in biogas generation.
Construction and demolition waste generation and its management in Sri Lankan building construction projects
(University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka, 2020-10-23) Gunawardhana ,W.A.P.C.P.; Madushantha, R.M.L.; Dissanayake,P.B.R.; Kawamoto,K.; Rathnayake,R.M.L.D.
Construction and demolition activities in the construction industry is a significant contributor to the waste generated globally. Disposal of the generated waste is a major environmental issue. In the construction industry, building construction takes a considerable portion of the construction activities. Construction and demolition waste generation has been an emerging problem in Sri Lanka with the huge boost in the construction industry in the recent past. Unfortunately, in Sri Lanka the data on the waste generation in construction industry has not been investigated. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the construction and demolition waste generation in Sri Lankan construction industry. In this study, construction and demolition waste generation and its management of building construction projects in the Colombo and Kandy districts were investigated using a questionnaire survey. The total waste generated in observed building construction projects was estimated as 2.6 ± 1.0 % of total building materials used. Further, estimation revealed that out of its’ total composition steel (4.7 ± 3.2%), cement (3.3 ± 0.6%), timber (3.3 ± 1.5%), sand (3.3 ± 0.57 %), concrete (3.0 ± 1.7 %) and bricks (3.0 ± 1.0 %), are the highest wasted material in constructions sites. Furthermore, when the contractor grade decreases the construction waste percentages increase simultaneously. The wastages were 2.7 ± 0.9% in C1 grade and 4.3 ± 3.9% in C2 grade. Demolition waste mainly consisted of cement plaster (41.0 ± 8.0%), concrete (21.8 ± 13.8%), steel (13.5 ± 7.2%), brick (13.6 ± 7.2%) and other materials (12.1 ± 6.7%) such as aluminum, glass, asbestos and other materials. The changes to the original design and bad weather were identified as the main reasons for waste generation in the building construction projects. Moreover, study revealed that steel, timber, sand and cement are the most wasted materials in the building construction industry while cement plaster and concrete are the major components of demolished waste.
Potential of agrivoltaic systems to optimize agricultural land use for energy production in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka, 2020-10-23) Chamara,R.M.S.R.; Beneragama, C.K.
The shift to renewable energy has currently grown in the world than ever before as a result of the economic and environmental challenges created by conventional fossil fuel-based electricity generation that is in line with the Paris agreement. Photovoltaic (PV)-based electricity generation shares a major portion of renewable energy in the world and also has a high potential in Sri Lanka because it receives an ample amount of solar radiation. Nevertheless, it needs to expand up to a considerable area of land of photovoltaic panels other than the available infrastructures like rooftops to cater to the increasing energy demand which are available to feed the ever-increasing population and could become problematic for a long period of time. In view of the future requirement of energy and food production, Agri-voltaic systems (AVS) has been proposed as a mixed system, combining photovoltaic with agriculture at the same time on the same land for both energy generation and food production while maximizing the solar efficiency on the land. The main eco-physiological constraint for crop production in the AVS is the reduction of solar radiation. However, the lessening of plant productivity can be compensated through energy harvesting from the PV panels combining to the land equivalent ratio (LER). Crop yield variation with panel shading and more crop-specific research to determine the optimum number of panels and their arrangement that do not reduce agricultural production need to be studied extensively. Since the impacts of most of the crops under the shade conditions were not studied before it is extremely difficult to recommend some crop species for their ability to shade tolerance in the system particularly below the panel area. This paper reviews the potential of the Agri-voltaic system identifying the research gaps in selecting suitable crops under the PV panels and practicalities to maximize the system.
The energy saving potential in the SMEs: selected case studies from the industrial sector in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka, 2020-10-23) Dilhani, P.U.N.A.; Jayasena,D.M.; Pallegedara,A.
Energy efficiency in Sri Lankan SMEs in the industrial sector is typically low with a large untapped potential for energy saving. In order to enhance the effort of achieving Sustainable Development Goals 07: “clean and affordable energy” and Goal 12: “sustainable production and consumption”, it is important to study energy consumption behaviour of the SMEs sector in Sri Lanka. Thus, this study focused on identification, evaluation and analysing the energy saving potential of the selected SMEs in Sri Lanka. Five industrial sectors: printing and packaging, apparel, metal, chemical, and food and beverage which consume more than 50% of energy consumption of SMEs were selected. Two SMEs of each sector were selected to represent the sector and conducted comprehensive energy audits for a period of three weeks. Results showed that incorrect power factor adjustments, poor practice of switch off policy on lights and fans, inadequate modifications on lighting system, compressed air systems, boilers, and machineries were the most significant factors led to energy inefficiencies in the sector. Further, if prompt actions were to be taken for the above issue, the study estimated that the total energy saving potential for the selected firms would be about 20% to 30% of the total energy consumption. Moreover, it was about 10% to 15% of energy costs of the selected firms. The study concludes that SMEs in the industrial sector should focus on rectifying inefficient usage of energy.
The socio-economic impact of Annona glabra Invasive Alien Species, IAS special reference to the Mudun Ela eatchment
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2020-10-23) Premathilake,H.D.P.C.; Jayarathne, M.
Invasive alien species (IAS) have negatively impacted native biota and socio – economic environments worldwide. All major invasions are due to the actions of humans such as delibarate introductions or escapes and hitchhiking with global trade of species to other continents. Annona glabra plants highly impact the wetland ecosystems and socio –economic activities of the western part of Sri Lanka. The main objective of this study is to identify the socio-economic impact of the Annona glabra plant in the Mudun ela catchment area in the Mahara divisional secretariat division. Primary and secondary data were used for this research and also used to calculated density of invasive plants in this area. Shannon Weiner density calculator was used in calculating the density, so that it could be identified whether IAS growth has affected human activities. Primary data were collected through semi – structured questionnaires, observations, and open discussion while reporting with 30 people in 30 randomly selected families, books, articles and institutional reports have been used as secondary sources. Secondary data have confirmed that the Annona glabra plant richness and density were at the highest levels in the study area.It could be identified that the people were not aware of the threats of Annona glabra plant to the ecosystem as well as socio-economic activities. Paddy and herbal plant fields have been encroached by this plant, so this area has experienced an increase of reptiles and rats. Therefore, people in this area face a lot of problems such as snake bites and rat damaging electric power instruments and other factory equipment. Moreover the growth of this plant harm to the diversity of plants. Therefore, awareness programmes to control the growth of this plant are needed
Environmental sustainability through green human resource management practices
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2020-10-23) Dissanayake, Dinusha
Green HRM involves eco-friendly human resource policies and practices in organizations with the vision of achieving sustainability. The main objective of this study is to find the green HR practices relating to Recruitment (entry), Training and Development, Performance Appraisal and Management, Employee Relations, Pay and Reward, and Leaving (Exit) based on current literature. The methodology of the study was qualitative. Systematic review of literature was conducted by using an archival method. Researcher reviewed 91 articles cited in the online databases of Sage, Google scholar, Springer link, Science Direct, Wiley, and Emerald with green HRM as the topic. Articles published in 1992 and 2019 have been reviewed. Data reduction, data display, and drawing conclusion were the three steps in data analysis. Reduction of data was carried through coding and categorization with respect to six themes mentioned in the objective. Data displayed using a table. The findings overviewed the following, relating to Recruitment (entry) all the articles mentioned that recruit persons with a green mentality was best, when selecting people ask environmental issues/questions in the interview. When it comes to Training and Development found that environmental training was the best way. Considering Performance Appraisal and Management found that managers need to formulate green related measurements to evaluate the employee performance. In Employee Relations found that participative decision making in green related matters. When evaluating the Pay and Reward suggested that green reward management system depends on green performance evaluation. Finally, Leaving (Exit) found that carry out green exit interviews and if the exit was environmental related issues need to improve that area. In Conclusion through green HR functions, it can gain Environmental Sustainability. Finally, it will recommend preparing a green HRM policy to achieve the Environmental Sustainability.
Green bond: a new debt instrument for environmental resilient projects
(University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka, 2020-10-23) Nanayakkara, K.G.M.; Colombage, Sisira
Owing to the agreement around the world regarding the negative effects of climate change and the requirement for high levels of cost-effective debt capital to finance projects that yield environmental benefits, Green Bonds (GB) were introduced to the global capital market in 2007. Despite high expectations on GB in the capital market as a source of financing green projects, the GB market has not been as effective as first expected at addressing the global climate change problem. There is a substantive investment gap worldwide in meeting the financing need of green projects. Therefore, a scientific investigation is essential to find out the reasons that limit the growth of the GB market, which was the objective of this study. The study employed a qualitative research approach to address this timely topic by using content analysis. The study reviewed all key publications of global market players during 2007 to 2019 to identify how stakeholders in the world perceive the GB market. The study has validated the significant findings through opinions of stakeholders in the market using both, interviews and questionnaire surveys. Findings of the study reveal that not only the investor side, but supply side of the market is also not up to scale. Whilst the high administration cost, limited knowledge about the market, limited standardization and difficulties in obtaining credit ratings limit the supply side of the market, absence of large-scale issues, less market liquidity, and fear for green washing due to less market credibility limit the demand side. Streamlining of Green Bond Principles and greater intervention of governments are recommended as the main solutions to overcome these challenges.
Agricultural impact on groundwater in sandy aquifers of the Kalpitiya peninsula, Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka, 2020-10-23) Jayathunga, Kaushalya; Chandrajith, Rohana
Groundwater in shallow sandy aquifers in the Kalpitiya Peninsula is an essential resource since no other freshwater sources are available in this peninsular. In order to delineate the influence of agricultural activities on the groundwater quality in the region, a comprehensive hydro geochemical study was carried out to investigate the processes that affect the groundwater quality in the region. Major and trace element content in 43 groundwater samples were measured alone with δ18O, δ2H and δ13C signatures. Anions of samples were measured using ion chromatography while cations were quantified by ICP-MS. Water isotopes of δ18O and δ2H were determined using cavity ring down laser spectrometer while δ13C was quantified by isotope ratio mass spectrometer. The groundwater in the peninsula was dominated by Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, NO3-, HCO3−, Cl− and SO42−. Nitrate-N concentrations recorded up to 186 mg/L, which is well above the WHO recommended limits. It provided evidences for anthropogenic inputs of solutes, most likely from agriculture activities. Among the toxic trace elements, As and Se levels in groundwater were also higher compared to that of the dry zone metamorphic aquifers in Sri Lanka, possibly due to influence of the marine sprays. Except in few wells, saltwater intrusion was not significant. Irrigation return flows and their associated evaporation enriched the solute contents in the aquifer. This was confirmed by the stable isotope composition of groundwater that deviated from the local meteoric water line (LMWL) and formed its regression line denoted as the local evaporation line (LEL). The LMWL can be described by δ2H = 5.51*δ18O- 3.08. The corresponding δ13CDIC values varied from −13.8‰ to −8.0‰. These isotopes are more typical for carbonate dissolution and equilibration of CO2 in the aquifer. This study showed that the underlying carbonate system might buffer the aqueous geochemistry of the groundwater in the peninsula. The results of this study indicate that integrated water management is essential and water resources should critically monitor the Kalpitiya Peninsula in order to avoid over-exploitation and seawater inflows
Study on climatic factors influencing leptospirosis transmission in Southern and Eastern provinces, Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka, 2020-10-23) Priyadarshana, P.H.M.G.C.; Bandara, A.G.G.C; Imanthiv, S.M.D.A.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can be transmitted to humans via contact with rodents, domestic animals, and contaminated water and soil. The disease is an emerging public health problem around the world. Leptospirosis has become one of the notifiable infectious diseases in Sri Lanka in recent years. This study investigates the impact of climate factors (temperature and rainfall) on leptospirosis transmission in the Southern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka through a statistical approach. Initially, the climate data and reported leptospirosis cases from 2015 to2019 were obtained from the Metrological Department of Sri Lanka and the Epidemiology unit in Sri Lanka, respectively. One-way ANOVA test was used considering 0.05 as the mean significant level. There was a significant leptospirosis occurrence between the districts of Southern and Eastern provinces (p=0.000, DF=1, F=105.93). In contrast, there was a significant difference of temperature versus leptospirosis (p=0.008, DF=60, F=1.63). Also, there was a significant difference of rainfall with the leptospirosis occurrence (p=0.048, DF=345, F=2.17). This study shows a substantial synergism between leptospirosis and climate factors in Southern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. It is important to bring together patterns of leptospirosis transmission compatible with long-term data on climate and other social and ecological changes and this would advance forecast of leptospirosis risk associated with climate change. It will provide the essential information for the formulation of better strategies and methods of preventing leptospirosis
Heavy metal contaminated dust in kindergartens and elementary schools in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2020-10-23) Sudesh,K.G.A.A.; Deeyamulla, M.P.
Toxic heavy metal containing street dust can be accumulated in the human body. Heavy metals pose potentially deleterious effects in young children, who are more sensitive than adults. There is a lack of information related the presence of heavy metals in dust found in kindergartens and elementary schools. The aim of this study was to quantify the amounts of heavy metals in kindergartens and elementary schools in the metropolitan city of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, and Pb in dust and soil (i.e., 0-15 cm depth) of 21 kindergartens were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and to calculate the geo accumulation index (Igeo). Minimum Detection Limit (MDL), Instrument Detection Limit (IDL), and Lowest Detection Limit (LOD) were obtained for Cu, Cd, Pb, and Ni to ensure quality control and assurance. The calculated Igeo levels reveal the order as Cu > Pb > Ni > Zn > Cd > Control. The mean concentration order of the studied metals in dust was; CPb > CCu > CZn > CNi(control) > CNi> CCd> CControl. The observed concentration of Cu, Cd, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the dust samples were within the acceptable limits. The calculated Igeo values depict the uncontaminated or moderately contaminated for Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni and Igeo value of Cu depicts moderately or strongly contaminated. Rapid development, increased traffic emissions and industrial activities could be the sources of heavy metal pollution in the area. The findings suggest more attention is required in the future to minimize heavy metal pollution in kindergartens of Kelaniya area.

Browse

Recent Submissions