Browsing by Author "Geethanjana, R.M.S."

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    Consumer Awareness and Perception on Highly Processed Food Products Available in Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Hettiarachchi, H.A.S.U.; Madumali, J.H.S.; Geethanjana, R.M.S.; Sajiwanie, J.W.A.
    Highly processed food products are popular in modern world. There is a worldwide discussion regarding their positive and negative effects on human health. However, the studies on awareness, acceptance and misbelieves of these food products are less in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study was focused on consumer awareness and perception on highly processed foods available in Sri Lanka. Randomly selected 500 respondents from all over the country were interviewed using a structured questionnaire that was designed to obtain information on the general awareness and perception and factors influencing their buying behavior. Demographic information and occupation were collected to identify their effect on awareness and perception of highly processed foods. Respondents were also asked to state the level of perception of the family members. Results revealed that 74% of the respondents had awareness on highly processed foods. Highest awareness (95%) was observed in Colombo and Kalutara districts. Respondents below 45 years had approximately higher awareness than those above 45 years. Highest positive perception was observed among children in their families. According to the occupation, 92% of academia and researchers had awareness and positive perception towards highly processed food. The taste and convenience (53%) were the major reasons for consuming highly processed foods. Mostly consumed highly processed foods were ice cream, instant noodles and soft drinks. More than half of the respondents (57%) had selected retail shops as shopping place. Online buying choice had a small influence on the positive perception. Results clearly revealed that young generation and academia have better awareness and positive perception on highly processed food products.
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    Evaluation of Cadmium Ion (Cd++) Adsorption Ability of Banana Peels and Luffa Sponges
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019-02) Geethanjana, R.M.S.; Fernando, A.Y.L.
    Cadmium is highly used in industries and causes harmful effects on organisms. The use of low-cost, safe, environment friendly sorbents has been investigated to remove heavy metals from aqueous waste streams of industries. This study was carried out to evaluate the cadmium ion adsorption ability of banana peels (Musa sapientum) and luffa (Luffa cylindrica) sponges. Any chemical modifications were not used for plant materials during the experiment. Water with known initial cadmium (Cd++) concentration was prepared by adding Cd ions to the cadmium free deionised water. Adsorptions were measured at three different plant material dosages of 0.25 g, 0.5 g and 1.0 g in 25 ml of deionised water with known Cd++ concentration of 5 ppm. All experiments were conducted under room temperature (27oC). Atomic Absorption Spectrometer was used to evaluate the Cd++ concentrations of samples after treatments. Time duration for each trial was 120 minutes. During first 10 minutes all samples showed their maximum Cd++ adsorption ability. The highest adsorption of 0.3575 mg/g was given by 0.25 g/25 ml (0.01 g/1 ml) of banana peel powder. The lowest adsorption of 0.0778 mg/ g was given by 1.00 g/25 ml (0.04 g/1 ml) luffa sponge powder. The results showed the potential use of banana peel and luffa sponge as bio adsorbents for cadmium ions.