Browsing by Author "Egodauyana, K.P.U.T."
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Item Current Status of Coastal Debris Accumulation along Beach Ecosystems in Southern Province of Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Athapaththu, A.M.A.I.K.; Egodauyana, K.P.U.T.; Jayarathna, W.N.D.S.; Abeygunawardana, A.P.; Senevirathna, J.D.M.; Thushari, G.G.N.Coastal debris accumulation in coastal and marine ecosystems is considered one of the serious, the emerging environmental problem in several countries including Sri Lanka. This study aims to identify the current status of debris accumulation in the coastal zone of Southern province in Sri Lanka. The 180 stakeholders were interviewed to collect data using a pre-tested questionnaire survey through 15 open-ended and rank order closedended questions (maximum 1-10 of scale) as a convenience sampling method. Based on the estimated median rank data, the majority of waste types were plastic (991.5), followed by glass (819.5) and papers (768.5) in the Southern coastal zone. Soft drink/water bottles (1264) were recorded as the major disposal items followed by food wrappings (1225) and Styrofoam food containers (1146) considering rank scores. Burning or collecting wastes (32.09%), handing over the garbage to the municipal council (25.5%), usage of public garbage bins (25.11%) are common waste disposal methods along the southern coast. The highest percentage of waste separation practices were recorded from Hikkaduwa (81.81%), Galle fort (60%), and Polhena (61.11%) regions. Hambantota and Tangalle beaches have regular waste collection services (100%) to a satisfactory level. Rekawa and Godawaya regional coasts had not recorded any frequent waste collection mechanism. Tourism and recreational activities (86.36-52.94%) and fisheries and harbor operations (93.33-60%) are major waste accumulation sources in study sites. Coastal debris is also accumulated by residential and household activities and unsustainable constructions to a lesser extent. Thus, unsustainable anthropogenic activities are major sources of coastal debris accumulation. The majority of fishermen and coastal residents did not adequately aware of the ecological and commercial impacts of coastal debris. This study suggests implementing integrated coastal management programs focusing on plastic debris accumulating sources. In conclusion, this study provides a basic platform on the issue of coastal debris deposition on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Keywords: Plastic pollution, Coastal debris accumulation, Coastal environment, Pollution sources, Anthropogenic activitiesItem Extraction of Crude Protein from Sargassum crassifolium Harvested from the South Coast of Sri Lanka and to Determination of the Functional Properties of the Crude Extracts(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Maldeniya, M. U. S.; Egodauyana, K.P.U.T.; Abeyrathne, E.D.N.S.Oceans provide an attractive domain for nutrient sources with the rising global population and decreasing available land and freshwater resources. Marine macroalgae, Sargassum crassifolium has a higher growth rate around the country. It has 9–20% protein content which changes based on the environmental conditions. This study aimed to compare different effective processes to extract crude protein and studying the functional properties of the crude extract from S. crassifolium harvested from Matara, Sri Lanka. Proximate composition was determined and extracted crude protein from S. crassifolium using different protocols (water, salt, ethanol, and alkaline). Extracted crude protein was lyophilized and used for protein quantification and all extracts were analysed by using 15% SDS-PAGE. Selected best yield ratio was used to observe antioxidant properties and antimicrobial properties. Raw seaweed contains 82.61% ±0.47 moisture, 2.45% ±0.47 crude fat, 10.29% ±0.35 protein, and 3.52% ±0.19 ash respectively. Based on yield analysis 1:3 (water extraction), 4% (salt extraction), 1:3 (alkaline extraction) and 1:4 (ethanol extraction) were selected as best. Developed protocols containing 13.34% ±0.97 (Water extraction), 17.69% ±1.39 (Salt extraction), 4.39% ±0.44 (Alkaline extraction) and 9.74% ±0.56 (Ethanol extraction) crude protein respectively (p<0.05). All treatments showed a low-intensity band pattern with 15% SDS-PAGE, confirming the characteristics of the protein. For DPPH radical scavenging activity, the salt extract showed higher activity with 58.94% ±1.52, and ethanol extract showed the highest ironchelating and low malondialdehyde concentration (p<0.05). Results of Total Plate Count showed less antibacterial activities among crude protein extracts of S. crassifolium (p<0.05). These results conclude that crude protein produced from S. crassifolium has good antioxidants, metal chelating, and antibacterial properties which can be used in the food industry. Keywords: Sargassum crassifolium, Crude protein, Antioxidant, Metal chelating, AntibacterialItem Occurrence of Microplastics in Gut and Muscles of Commerson's Anchovy in Madu-Ganga Estuary of Southern Province, Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Praboda, M.W.K.; Egodauyana, K.P.U.T.; Wijethunga, H.N.S.; Abeygunawardana, A.P.; Senevirathna, J.D.M.; Thushari, G.G.N.Plastic pollution causes serious ecological risks on biodiversity with toxicological effects on the biota. The objective of this study was to assess microplastic accumulation in seasonally common fishery resource: Stolephorus commersonnii (Commerson's Anchovy) harvested from Madu-ganga estuarine ecosystem. Fifteen matured fish samples (n=15) were randomly collected from local fishermen from November 2019 to January 2020. Microplastic particles were extracted from the digestive tract and muscles of anchovies using the recommended protocol of 10% KOH digestion. Hot needle test and Fourier Transform Infrared Radiation (FTIR) analysis were used for the confirmation of microscopically observed microplastics in anchovy samples. Microscopically observed microplastics were counted and categorized according to the size, color, and shape of plastics. Results revealed the microplastic accumulation in both the digestive tract and muscles of anchovies. Microplastics accumulate into the muscles via translocation and different respiratory modes. The average microplastic accumulation rate of anchovy gut and muscles were recorded as 301.70±3.58 items/g and 29.33±1.19 items/g respectively. White/transparent microplastic particles were the most abundant type in both guts (145.50±2.18 items/g) and muscles (13.55±1.23 items/g) of fish. However, blue (71.33+0.83 items/g: gut, 9.85+1.13 items/g: muscle), black (37.85+1.07 items/g: gut, 2.49+0.44 items/g: muscle), red (28.31+0.60 items/g: gut, 2.31+0.3 items/g: muscle) and pink (15.31+0.34 items/g: gut 0.96+0.24 items/g: muscle) microplastic debris were also recorded from gut and muscle samples. The majority of accumulated plastics in both gut and muscles were at the size range of 0.50 -1.00 mm. Fiber shape microplastics were observed in all the samples. FTIR results revealed that polypropylene as the only polymer type of microplastics in fish muscles and gut. This polymer is a key component of fishing ropes, netting materials, bottle caps, and packaging materials that enter through tourism/recreational activities and fishery operations into the estuarine ecosystem. Therefore, the current study recommends sustainable, integrated fishery management and eco-tourism programs focusing on plastic pollution control and prevention activities in Madu-ganga estuarine ecosystem. In conclusion, this study highlights the occurrence of microplastic contamination in the estuarine biota and the urgent need for plastic wastes management programs. Keywords: Coastal fishery resources, Estuarine ecosystem, Integrated fishery management, Microplastic accumulation rate, Plastic pollution control programmesItem 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 Present Status of Export Trade of Endemic and Indigenous Freshwater Ornamental Fish Species in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019-02) Egodauyana, K.P.U.T.; Dias, P.C.B.; Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.; Senevirathne, J.D.M.; Liyanage, N.P.P.Sri Lankan ornamental fish export industry has developed rapidly during last decade due to high demand. Recent surveys have indicated that wild collection of endemic and indigenous freshwater ornamental fish species has caused serious conservational issues. This study aims to evaluate the present status of export trade of endemic and indigenous fish species in Sri Lanka during 2016-2017. Secondary information on type of freshwater fish species which were exported as ornamental fishes and their levels of exporting were collected from Sri Lanka Customs. Pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data from 15 ornamental fish exporters, including the details of restricted and prohibited species and current status of the export industry. Results of the study indicated that the exportation of endemic species and indigenous species have been reduced by 43.7% and 9.4% respectively in 2017 when compared to 2016. Highest export trend were recorded on Garra ceylonensis: endemic fish species (48.7%) and Monodactylus argenteus: indigenous species (69.6%). Only 20 species of restricted freshwater fish have exported in 2016 and not reported at 2017. The major export destinations of Sri Lankan endemic and indigenous fish was USA (22%) followed by Netherlands (18%) and Australia (10%). The results of the questionnaire survey indicated that a limited number of exporters (40%) tend to export endemic fish species due to legal barriers. Further, captive breeding of Sri Lankan endemic fish varieties (Puntius titteya) outside the island may threat to the ornamental fish trade of Sri Lanka. A high proportion of exporters (80%) are over depended on the wild collection which leads to overexploitation of demanded species. Further, natural habitats of the wild population are negatively affected by deforestation and environmental pollution. Therefore, improving the captive breeding for wild catch species is important to ensure the sustainability of ornamental fish trade.