Browsing by Author "Bambaranda, B.V.A.S.M."
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Item Applicability of Brown Seaweed Species (Sargassum crassifolium) for Treating Lobster Farm Wastewater(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Pirashanthy, K.; Rajapaksha, R.M.G.N.; Bambaranda, B.V.A.S.M.; Nirooparaj, B.; Chirapart, A.Wastewater generation in aquaculture farms, including all lobster culture practices is a serious issue in the industry. The present study was carried out at lobster farm located at Northern Province in Sri Lanka. Approximately 756,000 L of wastewater is generated on this farm annually and discharges wastewater without proper treatment to the natural environment. The wastewater discharged from lobster farm consists of organic and inorganic chemical components that can be caused potential environmental problems. Present study focused to investigate applicability of Brown seaweed Sargassum crassifolium biomass to efficient removal of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous) from the lobster farm wastewater. The Sargassum crassifolium is an abundant species in Northern Province, Sri Lanka. Seaweed biomass optimization was performed using three different seaweed biomasses, viz 20 g, 30 g and 40 g and 20 g (1 g L-1) identified as the efficient seaweed biomass. Wastewater initial physicochemical parameters pH (7.9 ± 0.02), Temperature (29 ± 0.04 ⁰ C), Salinity (36 ± 0.03 ppt), Dissolved Oxygen (3.58 ± 0.02 mg L-1), Biological Oxygen Demand (115 ± 0.05 mg L-1), Ammonia (1.37 ± 0.01mg L-1), Nitrite (0.143 ± 0.00 mgL-1), Nitrate (0.243 ± 0.01 mg L-1) and Phosphate (4.760 ± 0.02 mg L-1) were analyzed using the standard methods. Then wastewaters were collected from the farm and transferred to six glass tanks of 50 L capacity each. The seaweed was used at 1 g L-1 density in each tank except in the control tank. Complete randomized design was used to the experiment. Three replicates were used. Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate and Phosphate were analyzed once in three days from beginning to the end of the treatment period (28 days) to investigate the initial wastewater qualities and quality changes after Phycoremidiation. After phycoremidiation physiochemical parameters pH (7.4 ± 0.06), Temperature (29 ± 0.03 ⁰ C), Salinity (36 ± 0.05 ppt), Dissolved Oxygen (5.74 ± 0.04 mg L- 1), Biological Oxygen Demand (95 ± 0.03 mg L-1) were analyzed in wastewater. Sargassum crassifolium removed 1.19 ± 0.34 mg L-1 of Ammonia, 0.12 ± 0.03 mg L-1 of Nitrite, 0.14 ± 0.04 mg L-1 of Nitrate and 2.40 ± 0.72 mg L-1 of Phosphate. Nutrient removal amounts were significantly differed (P<0.05) between control and treatment tank. The weight gains Sargassum crassifolium during the study period was of 8.7 g thus, the seaweed has been utilized the nutrients present in the discharged waste waters. The results of the study concluded that the nitrogen and phosphorus in the lobster farm waste waters, can be effectively removed through Sargassum crassifolium. Keywords: Lobster, Sargassum crassifolium, Seaweed, PhycoremidiationItem Assessment of Macroalgae Diversity along the Economically Important Southern Coastal Zone of Sri Lanka during North East (NE) Monsoon Period(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Wijethunga, H.N.S.; Silva, A.P.R.; Shanuke, D.S.; Abeygunawardana, A.P.; Senevirthna, J.D.M.; Bambaranda, B.V.A.S.M.; Thushari, G.G.N.; Liyanage, N.P.P.Southern coastal zone acts as a highly productive ecosystem with rich macroalgae diversity. However, limited scientific studies have been conducted on macroalgae diversity in the southern coastal belt of Sri Lanka. The current study is focused on the assessment of the intertidal, macroalgae diversity along this coastal belt. This study was conducted using systematic sampling technique along the intertidal zone at 12 selected regional coasts (Hambantota, Godawaya, Rekawa, Tangalle, Dickwella, Polhena, Mirissa, Weligama, Unawatuna, Galle Fort, Dodanduwa and Hikkaduwa) representing three districts (Hambantota, Matara, Galle) of the southern province during NE monsoon period (December 2019 to February 2020). NE monsoon period was selected to minimize the climatic effects during sampling in different seasons. Macroalgae species were taxonomically identified using the recommended pictorial guides and literature records. Oneway Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed to identify the variations of macroalgae diversity with sampling location (p<0.05). According to the results, a total of 26 macroalgae species (10 belong to Chlorophyta: >38% richness, 10 in Rhodophyta: >38% richness, and 6 from Phaeophyta: >23 % richness) were identified in this coastal belt. Ecologically dominant species belong to division Chlorophyta out of all the sampling sites. Shannon-Wiener biodiversity index (H') of the macroalgae in respective ecosystems significantly changed with sampling locations (p<0.05). The spatial variation pattern of biodiversity is correlated with unsustainable anthropogenic activities and natural factors. Shannon-Wiener biodiversity index (H') ranged at 0.67-2.59 in the study sites. The highest composition of macroalgal species (20) was recorded from the Godawaya site due to the minimum anthropogenic effect. Mirissa (02) and Dodanduwa (01) regions had the lowest macroalgae species richness and commercial activities were relatively higher along these coastal zones compared to all other sites. Accordingly, macroalgae act as the biological indicators reflecting the health status of respective ecosystems. So, the findings of this study would be important to identify the quality of the coastal zones and apply appropriate coastal conservation and management measures in the future. Also, the commonly recorded macroalgae species which belong to Chlorophyta and Rhodophyta can be sustainably utilized in processing value-added foods and other products. In conclusion, this study reveals the current status of macroalgae diversity on the southern coast during the NE monsoon period and detailed investigation of species composition is strongly recommended throughout the year. Keywords: Biodiversity assessment, North east monsoon, Macroalgae, Intertidal zone, Coastal ecosystemsItem Determination of a suitable growing medium and a commercial fertilizer for Echinodorus parviflorus ‘Tropica’ in the nursery level(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Amarakoonge, K.; Bambaranda, B.V.A.S.M.; Jayamanne, S.C.; Jayarathne, K.P.N.N.S.Aquatic Plant varieties have unique morphology and habitats as commercially important aquatic plants. Dissanayakel., 2007). The most popular ornamental aquarium plants genera are Anubias, Cryptocoryne, Echinodorous, Aponogeton, Hygrophyla, Bacopa, Hydrilla, Cabomba, Myriophyllum, Aponogeton and Echinodorous have important characteristics as aquarium plants in Sri Lanka. Echinodorus species have attractive green to mid green submerged leaves arranged in a rosette with beautiful, white flowers occurring in an inflorescence (Muhlberg, 1982). Aquatic plants play a significant role in the freshwater ecosystems worldwide. With time ecosystem may collapse without aquatic plants due to wild collection. Therefore growing plants is solution for that. An aquatic plant growing medium was essential for that. The growing mediums contain sand, silt and clay proportion according to the ratio of the medium. Four different ratios were used as treatments (T). T1- Boggy soil: Bricks particles T2- 3:1, Boggy soil 3: Sand 1, T3-Boggy soil: Top soil -3:1, T4-Top soil were treatments. Growing medium should balance the aeration and water for maximum root growth and physically support for the plant. Practical size of the growing medium should be with adequate pore spaces between the particles (Bilderbackl., 2005) Nutrition is a major factor for the plant growth. Therefore nutrient should be supplied in optimum level at the correct time as fertilizers. Methodology The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of growing medium and fertilizer for the growth of Echinodorus parviflorus‘Tropica’ National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) Ornamental Fish Breeding and Training center in Rambadagalle Sri Lanka. Experiment one was conducted to find out a suitable nursery medium for the E.parviflorus ‘Tropica’ plant. Boggy soil, brick particles, sand and top soil were used. Using those growing substrate four types of media used as treatments (T), T1- Boggy soil: Bricks particles T2- 3:1, Boggy soil 3: Sand 1, T3-Boggy soil: Top soil -3:1, T4-Top soil were treatments. Experiment two four fertilizer mixture used as four treatment of fertilizer, T1-N: P: K -4:2:1, T2- N: P: K -5:2:3,T3- N: P: K -3:1:1and T4- N: P: K - 20:20:20 were used during this study. Uniform Echinodorus parviflorus ‘Tropica’ about 4.5 cm -6.5 cm heights, same age plants were selected for the experiment. Old and rotted leaves were removed; leaving 5- 6 laves to remain. Old and rotted roots also were trimmed, leaving the only healthy roots. Initial weights between 0.5 g - 1.5 g of plants were selected.Experiment one and two results were analyzed by using Minitab 16 computer package and significant differences between treatments were identified using Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA) produce at 5% probability level. In experiment one T4-Top soil and experiment two T4- N: P: K -20:20:20 were used as control of the both experiments. Results According to experiment one, Boggy soil 3: sand 1(T2) growing medium was most suitable growing medium among other used media for the E.parviflorus ‘Tropica’.In the experiment one, there was significant difference (P< 0.05) among four treatments regarding increment of plant height, weight, dry weight and root length. As indicated Table1, the maximum growth was observed in T2.Item Development of an Appropriate Micro Propagation Protocol for Nymphaea×erangae(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Wijekoon, W.M.A.P.; Herath, H.M.I.; Bambaranda, B.V.A.S.M.The Nymphaea × erangae Yakandawala, Guruge & Yakandawala is one of the most conspicuously attractive and eye catching plant which has high demand in local and export markets. However the production of these plants takes a long time where wild collection is not sustainable and cannot cater the demand. Micro propagation is one of the best techniques which can be practiced in commercial production of Nymphaea × erangae plants. The studies on Nymphaea × erangae are very limited and the contamination rates is very high when the mother plants collected from muddy soil media,can easily exposed and contaminated by microbes. This research study focuses to investigate the ability to use soil less culture system for mother plants of Nymphaea × erangae to minimize contamination in micro propagation. Three treatments ( duration of 1, 2, and 4 weeks maintenance of mother plants in soil less culture system treated by 0.5g/1L Albert solution and 1g/10L Fungicide in twice a week) were tested and plants were maintained in muddy soil were used as the control. The leaf blade and rhizome buds were used as explants. The results revealed Nymphaea × erangae tissue culture in MS media, which were placed for a week in the soil less culture system showed significantly higher (p<0.05) survival rate and 25 % of non-contaminated surviving culture vessels after two months, compared to control and other treatments, which is suitable for micropropagation of Nymphaea × erangae in commercial scale. Keywords: Nymphaea × erangae Yakandawala, Guruge & Yakandawala, Soil less culture system, MS medium, Albert solution, FungicideItem Development of an Edible Packaging Material Using Jack Fruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) Seeds and ‘Kohila’ (Lasia spinosa)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Widanaduruge, U.S.; Ranasinghe, M.K.; Bambaranda, B.V.A.S.M.Currently, increasing worldwide annual plastic production and improper handling of plastic waste leads to higher environmental pollution. Therefore, the present study was focus to develop a packaging material with edible properties. Edible packages are beneficial rather than bioplastics because it does not exist in the environment as waste. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) seeds that are underutilized contain about 24% of amylose and Kohila (Lasia spinosa) rhizomes are under-utilized marshy herb with antioxidant properties, which imparts good health effects. Therefore, this edible package consists of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) seed powder, Kohila (Lasia spinosa) rhizomes powder, Tylo powder, Salt, Sorbitol, Cooking Oil and Water. All materials were used according to a finalized recipe, mixed, prepared a thin film, and molded up. Treatments were prepared by varying Kohila Rhizome powder (KRp) at 0%, 2%, 8%, and 12%. Treatment with 0% KRp was served as the control. Based on sensory evaluation, treatment with an 8% KRp added sample was selected. Physiochemical properties, Water Vapor Permeability (WVP), Microbial analysis, DPPH Scavenging Activity, FTIR analysis, and proximate analysis were carried out to the best treatment. The fiber level was higher (7% on a dry basis) in treatment with 8% KRp. WVP was decreased in the 8% KRp treatment (p <0.05%) during storing conditions at temperature 25 ± 0.5˚C and humidity 50 ± 2% RH. FTIR analysis showed that there was no effect on the addition of Kohila bonds within the film and hydroxyl (OH) groups are present which causes solubility in water. There was no effect on Total Plate Count addition of KRp. DPPH Scavenging Activity was high and hardness was low. In conclusion, an edible cup developed with 30 - 35% of Jackfruit seed powder and 8-10% Of KRp has good antioxidant activity and barrier properties and it would be a better alternative for the single-use synthetic cup. Keywords: Lasia spinosa, Antioxidant, Jackfruit seeds, Edible cup, Dietary fiberItem Development of Fish Feed Using Marigold Petals and Banana Peel to Enhance the Coloration of Koi Carp (Cyprinus carpio)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Sachintha, S.L.; Coswatte, A.C.W.W.M.C.L.K.; Bambaranda, B.V.A.S.M.Koi is an economically important fish variety because of the wide diversity of skin color patterns. Fishes are unable to synthesis carotenoids in their body. The culture of ornamental fish without supplementation of dietary carotenoids leads to fade coloration. But synthetic carotenoids are expensive. Marigold petals (Tagetes erecta) and banana peels (Musa acuminata) are inexpensive, abundant, rich in carotenoids, and discarded as wastes. The objective of this study was to develop a suitable color enhancing fish feed and enhance the skin color of Koi carp by using natural color pigments. An experiment was carried out for nine weeks to enhance the body coloration of Koi carp under laboratory conditions. Four weeks old, 252 Kohaku fish were randomly introduced into seven treatments with triplicates. Marigold petals and banana peels were sundried, ground into fine particles, and sieved. Color enhancing diets were prepared with different concentrations (5, 10, 15%) of sun-dried marigold petal powder and banana peel powder; with the control treatment; commercial fish feed. All seven feed types were analysed for crude protein, crude lipid, ash, and moisture. Feed samples were checked for changes in physical properties at room temperature and refrigerated conditions (4 ºC) for one month. The total carotenoid concentration of all diets was measured using a UV spectrophotometer. The color analysis of the fish skin was done by a photographic method using Image J software. After 9 weeks from feeding, maximum skin coloration of Kohaku fish was achieved by the feed incorporated with 15% Marigold petal powder and 15% banana peel powder with significantly different. (p<0.005). Marigold petal incorporated feed obtained high skin coloration than banana peels. The lowest skin coloration was achieved in commercial fish feed. The growth rate of fish did not show any significant difference among prepared feeds during the trial. This study showed that prepared diets using Marigold petals and banana peel with different concentrations provide adequate enhancement of coloration for Kohaku fish with a short time. Keywords: Kohaku Carp, Fish feed, Skin coloration, Marigold petals, Banana peelsItem Development of In-vitro and Conventional Propagation Protocols for Two Different Endemic Species of Aponogeton (Aponogeton rigidifolius and Aponogeton jacobsenii)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Weerasekara, W.N.V.; Bambaranda, B.V.A.S.M.; Jayamanne, S.C.; Krishnarajah, S.A.This research was focused on the development of successful propagation protocols for two different endangered and threaten aquatic plant species of A. rigidifolius and A. jacobsenii. Due to lack of effective propagation methods, Aponogeton species indiscriminately harvested from wild and leads to extinct. To overcome the problem of species loss and inadequate supply to the local and foreign market, in vitro and conventional propagation protocols were developed for both species. Rhizomes, seeds and leaf explants of both species were sterilized using NaOCI and 0.1 % HgC12 and established on full strength MS medium supplemented with combination of 6- benzylaminopurine (BAP) 2, 3, 5 mg/L with or without 0.1 mg/L indole acetic acid (IAA) for initiation. For shoot multiplication 2, 3, 5 mg/L BAP were used. Rhizome cuttings and seeds of both species were planted in pots, which contain sand, sand: top soil, top soil and boggy soil with water as conventional propagation method. Experiment was arranged in Complete Randomized Design method and data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's Test. The presence of growth regulators had significant effect (p<0.05) on shoot initiation of A. rigidifolus rhizome. The highest shoots per replicate (2.4) were proliferated in 2 mg/L BAP medium. Application of hormones had a significant effect on number of leaves and seedling height of seed explants of both species. Maximum number of leaves (5) and seedling height (5.8cm) in A.rigidifolius obtained from the treatment which supplemented both 5 mg 1-' BAP and 0.1 mg IAA while the highest leaves (3.43) and height (1.92 cm) shown in 5 BAP alone medium in A. jacobsenii seedlings. The highest shoots per seedling (4.2) obtained from 2 mg BAP contain multiplication medium in A. rigidifolius seedling. Conventional growth media significantly influence on the shoot development from A. rigic4folius rhizome cuttings, seed germination, and in other seedling growth parameters of both species. Mean number of leaves, height of seedlings, and number of roots and length of roots were high in both plants which planted in boggy soil medium. The highest shoots ofA. rigidifolius obtained in sand medium. Keywords: Aponogeton rigidifolius, Aponogeton jacobsenii, in-vitroItem Effect of Aquaponic System in Increased Stocking Densities of Guppy Fish (Poecilia reticulata) at Grow-out Phase One(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Aththanayake, A.M.M.B.; Liyanage, N.P.P.; Bambaranda, B.V.A.S.M.; Silva, S.S.U.Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is one of the widely marketed ornamental fish. Fry rearing density recommended by NAQDA, Sri Lanka for grow-out phase one was 20 fish ft-2. However, grow-out farmers are using different stocking densities. Production efficiency of existing facilities can be enhanced by increasing the recommended stocking densities. Therefore, identifying possibility of enhancing stocking density is vital for increasing production. Current study was focused to improve the efficiency of grow-out rearing of Guppy by incorporating aquaponic system using water spinach (Ipomea aquatica). Guppy juveniles with mean body size of 2.63±0.06 cm were stocked in similar glass tanks at three different stocking densities as 20 fish ft-2 (T1), 25 fish ft-2 (T2), and 30 fish ft-2 (T3), with three replicates. NAQDA recommended stocking density was used in T1 and increased densities were used in T2 and T3. Fish were fed three times a day with commercial larval rearing feed at 10% of their mean body weight. A mixture of sterilized brick-lets and coconut coir were used as media for the grow bed with 10.6 cm thickness. Six plants of same size and age were introduced to each aquaponic system. Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen level, nitrate, nitrite, and phosphate concentrations were tested. Growth performance was determined using Mean Length Gain (MLG), Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), and condition factor (K). Collected data were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s pairwise comparison at a significance level of p < 0.05, using Minitab 17 software. T3 showed significantly lowest MLG and SGR, whilst T1 showed the highest. However, T1 and T2 did not show significant difference. Significantly highest FCR was observed in T3. Condition factor did not show significant difference and no mortality was observed. Nitrate, nitrite concentrations were significantly high in T3 whilst other parameters did not vary significantly among treatments. According to the results obtained, the medium stocking density of 25 fish ft-2 can be suggested as the optimum stocking density for guppy grow-out phase one for aquaponic coupled rearing facilities as it allows medium level stocking density while obtaining satisfactory growth and maintaining favorable water quality. Keywords: Aquaculture; Aquaponics; Fish growth performance; Ornamental fishItem Evaluation of Chemical and Sensory Acceptability of Kappaphycus alvarezii Powder Incorporated Functional Processed Cheese(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Dileeka, M.A.A.; Mudannayake, D.C.; Bambaranda, B.V.A.S.M.; Jayarathna, G.G.N.Kappaphycus alvarezii is a red algae, which is mainly cultivated for carrageenan extraction. It can act as a functional food ingredient due to the presence of antioxidants and phenolic compounds. In this study, the chemical and sensory properties of K. alvarezii seaweed powder (SWP) incorporated processed cheese were evaluated. Fresh seaweed was cleaned, blanched, oven dried (60℃ for 18 hrs), and pulverized to prepare SWP. Chemical properties of the SWP, including moisture content (Moisture analyzer), antioxidant activity (DPPH), total phenolics (Folin-Ciocalteu method), and total flavonoids (AlCl3 colorimetric method) were evaluated. Natural Caerphilly cheese was prepared using fresh cow milk, incorporating rennet (0.03%), single strain Lactobacillus helveticus culture, and ripened at 10 for 2 weeks at 80% RH. Ripened cheese was melted and incorporated with different w/w levels of SWP (0, 1, 2, and 3%) to prepare final processed cheese and stored in the refrigerator (4 ℃). Antioxidant activity (AOA), pH, microbial qualities of the cheese were evaluated at 1,7,14 and 21 days while total phenolics (TP) and total flavonoids (TF) were analysed at 7th day of refrigerated storage (4 ℃). Sensory evaluation was done using the 9-point hedonic scale at 7 days of storage (4 ℃). SWP contained 4.77 0.16% of moisture, 22.53 2.09% of AOA, 5.18 0.04 mg GAE/100g of TP and 5.37 0.24 mg QE/g of TF. Increasing the level of SWP significantly increased the AOA, TP, and TF in cheese. Three percent of SWP incorporated cheese showed significantly higher AOA (16.47 0.26%), TP (2.82 0.029 GAE/100g) and TF (2.59 0.37 mg QE/g) compared to control (0% SWP) which showed 4.82 0.02% AOA, 1.24 0.01 GAE/100g TP and 0.10 0.04 mg QE/g TF. The sensory properties were not significantly different between treatments. K. alvarezii SWP can be successfully incorporated into the processed cheese at the 3% level to develop potentially functional processed cheese with acceptable sensory properties. Keywords: Seaweed powder, Antioxidant activityItem A Preliminary Study on Potentials of Seaweed Culture as an Alternative Livelihood for Small Scale Fishing Community in Southern Coast of Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Gayathry, L.D.; Silva, A.P.R.; Shanuke, D.S.; Wijethunge, H.N.S.; Egodauyana, K.P.U.T.; Dharmakeerthi, T.N.; Jayarathna, W.N.D.S.; Bambaranda, B.V.A.S.M.Large scale seaweed mariculture is widespread in many Asian countries for decades. But Sri Lanka is still in its infancy. Therefore, promoting seaweed mariculture as a commercialscale industry is an urged necessity. Seaweeds grow abundantly along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Therefore, the study attempted to assess the socio-economic status of small-scale fishermen, the potentiality of using seaweed culture as an alternative livelihood, and awareness of fishermen regarding seaweed culture on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Data were collected by key-informant interviews and questionnaire surveys from November 2019 to February 2020. Cluster sampling was used to draw a sample of 160 fishermen from 8 major landing sites. Results of the socio-economic analysis showed that 72% of fishermen were between the age group of 35 - 55 years. Due to the seasonality of fishing, 65% of fishermen are having below-average monthly income (LKR 12,000 - 15,000). In three landing sites, 25% of fishermen are seasonal fishers. But almost all fishers are active in other landing sites. In total, 90% of fishermen are interested in seaweed farming. Identified reasons for their interest in seaweed culture were, additional income (85%), manageable with fishing (65%), and women empowerment (58%). Results relevant to awareness on seaweed farming among fishermen 80 - 90% in four landing sites, 60 - 65% in two landing sites, and below 30% in the other two landing sites. Favorable environmental conditions, adequate workforce, and willingness to initiate seaweed culture were identified as potentials. Absence of proper mechanism to disseminate knowledge, financial support, and lack of knowledge on marketing were identified as constraints for the initiation of seaweed farming. Accordingly, knowledge regarding seaweed farming should be disseminated and effectively transferred. The overall results indicate greater potential to initiate seaweed mariculture as an alternative livelihood for small scale fishing communities in southern Sri Lanka. Keywords: Seaweed, Mariculture, Fishing community, Alternative livelihood, Southern coastItem A Preliminary Study on the Best pH Value of Water to Increase the Quality of Echinodorus Bleheri(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Withanage, W.A.S.; Bambaranda, B.V.A.S.M.; Jayamanne, S.C.; Fernando, M.A.G.C.The Aquatic plant export industry of Sri Lanka has been developing rapidly. This industry requires a continuous supply of high quality plants. Echinodorus bleheri is one of the highest demanded aquatic plants in export market. Aquatic plants have adapted to life in water with a specific pH, Temperature, Electrical conductivity and may suffer from even a slight change. High quality plants can be supplied with in a short time period by finding the best pH value of water. In the world of plants each plant species is perfectly adapted to a certain pH range of the soil or water. Aquatic plant hobbyists are usually familiar with the different pH requirements of various plants and regulate the pH of water appropriately. Hydroponics is proved to have several advantages over soil gardening. The growth rate on a hydroponic plant is 30-50 percent faster than a soil plant. A nutrient solution for hydroponic systems is an aqueous solution containing mainly inorganic ions from soluble salts of essential elements for higher plants. Eventually, some organic compounds such as iron chelates may be present (Steiner, 1968). Changing the pH of a nutrient solution affects its composition, elemental speciation and bioavailability. An important feature of the nutrient solutions is that they must contain the ions in solution and in chemical forms that can be absorbed by plants, so in hydroponic systems the plant productivity is closely related with to nutrient uptake and the pH regulation (Marschner, 1995). Each nutrient shows differential responses to changes in pH of the nutrient solution. The proper pH values of nutrient solution for the development of crops, lies between 5.5 and 6.5. Plants need the right combination of nutrients to live, grow and reproduce. When plants suffer from malnutrition, they show symptoms of being unhealthy. Too little or too much of any one nutrient can cause problems. The main objective of the present study is to find out the best pH value of water to increase the quality of Echinodorus bleheri. Methodology This experiment was conducted under green house condition with 80% shade at Ruvini Aqua plants Lanka (pvt) Ltd, Koralawella, Moratuwa. Hundred and eighty Echinodorus bleheri plant pots(containing four plants in each pot) were used for the experiment. Experimental design was Complete Randomized Design. Fifteen Styrofoam boxes (46 cm×39.5 cm×19.5 cm) were used to plant them. HANNA (HI98107) portable digital pH meter was used to measure pH and HANNA portable digital EC meter (HI 98303) was used to measure Electrical Conductivity of water. Two months aged 180 Echinodorus bleheri plant pots were randomly selected and uprooted from culture tanks. Plant pots were washed thoroughly after removing sand and other objects. Randomly selected 12 plant pots were assigned in to a tank and measure the wet weight of 12 plant pots. Plant pots were planted in 15 Styrofoam boxes. Bottoms of the Styrofoam boxes were covered by black polythene sheets to prevent the algal growth. Placement of Styrofoam boxes were decided by lottery method. Five different pH solutions were used for the experiment as 6.0, 6.5, 7.0 (control), 7.5 and 8.0. Six grams of Albert solution was dissolved in 7 l of water and filtered the solution using a muslin cloth. pH of the solution was measured. NaOH or HCl was added drop wise until required pH value achieved and maintained the electrical conductivity 1000-1500 µs level. Prepared pH solutions were kept for 1 hour to see the fluctuations. pH solutions were poured in to tanks. After 2 days pH solutions of each tank were removed using manual squeeze water changer pump and filled the solutions again week, plant pots were uprooted from Styrofoam boxes and measured the wet weight of each replicate (12 plant pots). Total lengths of plants were measured using a tape weekly. Number of leaves was counted weekly. Wet weight of each replicate (12 plant pots) was measured before starting the experiment and at the end of the experiment. Data obtained from the experiment were analyzed by Microsoft Word. Treatment significances and significance among individual treatment levels were analyzed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA).