Browsing by Author "Henagamage, A.P."
Now showing 1 - 16 of 16
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Antimicrobial Activities of Different Microbial Consortia Developed from Endophytic Fungi and Soil Bacteria(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Pathirathna, W.R.M.; Henagamage, A.P.Microbial combinations are a major source of novel and diverse bioactive compounds with a variety of biotechnological potentials. The present study aimed at developing fungal-bacterial biofilm and evaluating the antimicrobial effect of the biofilm combinations. Nine endophytic fungi were isolated from the leaf section of Murraya koengii plant and sixteen soil bacteria were isolated from local forest reserve soil. Antagonistic activity of isolations was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Cladosporium cladosporioides separately under dual culture technique. Antibacterial and antifungal effects of ethyl acetate extracts of the selected isolates were performed using the disk diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus and C. cladosporioides. The best bacterial and fungal isolates, having high antimicrobial activities from disk diffusion assay were combined to develop initial 6 biofilms namely BF1 to BF6. The ethyl acetate extracts of the best attachment biofilms (BF1, BF2, BF5, BF6) were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities and compared with their monocultures. Out of all isolates, three bacterial (B1, B2, and B3) and two fungal (F1 and F2) isolates showed higher responses for the antagonistic activity. Out of five microbial extracts, two bacterial (B1 and B2) and all fungal extracts showed positive responses for the antimicrobial assays. Microscopic observations confirmed the successful formation of four biofilms (BF1, BF2, BF5, BF6) and three biofilm extracts showed positive responses for antibacterial activity through disk diffusion assay. Out of all biofilm combinations, BF6 showed the highest antibacterial and antifungal effects. B2 bacterial extract showed the highest significant (p < 0.05) antibacterial activity and the F1 fungal extract showed the highest significant (p< 0.05) antifungal activity. Therefore, these findings conclude that the biofilms are a potential source for bioactive compounds and may find the potential to use as antimicrobial compounds. Keywords: Antibacterial activity, Antifungal activity, Microbial biofilm, Endophytic fungi, Soil bacteriaItem Antimicrobial Activity of Plumbago Rosea Root Extract against Human Pathogens(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2011) Mihirani, M.A.A.M.; Henagamage, A.P.; Karunathilake, A.A.K.; Madhusinghe, M.M.G.Note: See the PDF Version Plumbago prosea, also known as Plumbago indica is an ornamental garden plant. Root of this plant wild acrid, vesicant, a iterative, digestive, stimulate abortifacient and oral contraceptive ve properties is used in Ayurvedic medicine (Okeyo, 2006). According to the previous studies root of P.rosea contains plumbagin or 5-hydroxy-2- methyl- 1,4- napthoquinone (Mallavadhani 2002). Plumbago is present in all the varieties of genus plumbago to a maximum of about 0. 9 I %. Pliiml›ago zeylanicas, another species belong to genus plumbago has been reported for its antimicrobial properties. (Dhale, 2011). The emergence of antibiotic resistant strains of human pathogens and side effects of currently available drugs are becoming a serious problem , for witch alternative therapies are urgently required. Infections caused by staphylococcus aureus especially due to methicillin -resistant S.aureus (M RSA) in immune compromised patients is continue to be a serious problem in worldwide. Staphylococcus aureus is a cause for community- acqu ired urinary tract infections in young women. Opportunistic pathogens which as Pscu‹loiiioiias act uginos which causes range of human infection and the Escherichia coil are also, being reported for the antibiotic resistance. Drug resistant strains of CanJi‹la albicans, which causes cand id iasis is also a problems with global concern,Item Assessment of Quality of Drinking Water in Selected Areas of Badulla District: An Approach to Causative Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019-02) Rathnayake, R.M.M.L.; Purathini, M.; Henagamage, A.P.; Premetilake, M.M.S.N.Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is one of the major health issues in Sri Lanka. Though the main reason for the CKDu has not yet been identified, it is suggested that this is due to multi-factorial effect. However, it strongly correlates with certain drinking water quality parameters. Hence, this study was aimed on evaluating the quality of drinking water sources in CKDu potential areas in Badulla district and compare with the Sri Lanka Standard (SLS) water quality admissible levels. Drinking water samples were collected from dug wells in CKDu potential areas in Uva Province; Lower- Rathkinda, Ginnoruwa, Rideemaliyadda and Uva Paranagama (control area). Parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, anions and heavy metals were analyzed following standard methods. Data were analyzed by one sample T- test, using IBM SPSS statistics 21.0 version. Mean values of pH value, electrical conductivity, chloride levels, nitrate levels and hardness of water samples of all the areas were within the acceptable range for portable water according to the standard SLS 614:2013. Mean fluoride contents and phosphate contents of all potential CKDu areas were less than the stipulated standard levels while Uva Paranagama exceeds the standard levels. Cadmium, as one of the most suspected causative heavy metal for CKDu, showed significantly higher level (P<0.05) than that of the admissible level of 0.003 mg L-1 in Lower- Rathkinda (0.005± 0.001 mg L-1) and Ginnoruwa (0.006± 0.001 mg L-1). Control area showed a higher Cd level (0.04± 0.002 mg L-1, P>0.05) than that of the permissible level whereas Rideemaliyadda (0.002± 0.002 mg L-1, P>0.05) shows lower levels than the permissible level. Lower- Rathkinda and Ginnoruwa areas showed higher levels of iron than that of the standard level of 0.3 mg L-1. Due to the high content of Cd levels in all the water samples, the water sources are at a risky status for drinking purpose even though the other parameters showed safe levels.Item Bioactivity of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl), Tagetes erecta L. and Lantana camara L. against Grain storage Pests Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2011) Gunathilake, G.G.V.L.; Henagamage, A.P.; Karunathilake, A.A.K.; Hapuarachchi, H.A.C.S.Note: See the PDF Version According to the viewpoint of economists, farmers have an opportunity to take advantages of seasonal price rises, but the benefits can only be achieved if grain is deal longer on the farm with no deterioration in quality. Then it appears the necessity of post-harvest management. Post-harvest deterioration of grains is principally causal by bi0logical spoilage organisms including insects, fungi and small vertebrates (Golob e/ at., 2002). Control of these insects relies heavily on the use of synthetic insecticides and fumigants. But their widespread use has led to some serious problems including development of insect strains resistant to insecticides, toxic residues on stored grain, toxicity to consumer and increasing costs of application (Jbilou et at., 2006; Golob ei at., 1999), Thus, several of natural plant extracts had been tried in the control grain storage pest insects with the view of advantages such as local availability, little or no toxicity to humans and simple preparation procedures (Okigbo ei at., 2009). The present study was undertaken to analyze the insecticidal activity of Laiitana carnal a L., Tagetes erecta L. and Tilhonia ‹diversifolia (Hemsl) with the aim of development of plant base insecticidal fumigants to apply on grain storage pests. These are underutilized plants in Sri Lanka which are heavily used in conventional farming to eliminate insects. Also they have been shown to have repellent and insecticidal activities against certa in insects (Adedire ct at., 2004, Nike:on e/ ml., 2009; Ogendo e/ n/. 2004). Insects, red flower beetle, Tribolium caslaneum (Herbst) is considered as a major pest of stored grains (Jbilou e/ uf., 2006).Item Biological Activities of Polysaccharides Extracted from Vernonia cinerea and Vernonia zeylanica(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Wickramasinghe, W.M.C.N.K.; Henagamage, A.P.; Alakolanga, A.G.A.W.Many members of the genus Vernonia are shown to have biological activity which contained important chemical compounds. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in polysaccharides obtained from higher plants that may have biological activities. This study was focused to investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial and protease inhibition activity of crude polysaccharides extracted from Vernonia cinerea and Vernonia zeylanica. Plant materials were collected from Ankumbura forest area in Kandy district, Sri Lanka. Polysaccharides were extracted from the powdered above ground plant materials by hot water and alkali extraction methods and were fractionated seperately. FT-1R analysis was performed using potassium bromide powder for the purified polysaccharide fractions in the frequency range of 400 to 4000 cm-1.Total carbohydrate analysis and antimicrobial activity were performed using phenol sulfuric acid method and agar well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus and Cladosporium cladosporoides respectively. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging activity assay and OH scavenging activity assay. The highest total carbohydrate content (9.1 mg ml-') was recorded from NaOH extraction of V.zeylanica. The FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of polysaccharides, which displayed bands characteristic to O-H, C-O- C, and C-O groups. NaOH extraction of Polysaccharide from V.zeylanica displayed the highest antibacterial activity against Stapphylococcus aureus. NaOH extraction of V. zeylanica showed the highest significant scavenging abilities (p < 0.05) on hydroxyl radicals (IC50, 4.832 mg ml-1) whereas the highest significant scavenging abilities (p < 0.05) on DPPH radicals (IC50, 9.594 mg ml-1) was shown by the hot water extraction. Significant difference was not observed in all fractions for protease inhibition activity. Thus, this study reveals that polysaccharides extracted from V. zeylanica have significant biological activities.Item Bioremediation of Cadmium by Microbial Biofilms Developed Through Endophytic Fungi from Selected Mangrove Species and Soil Bacteria(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019-02) Nufla, S.I.M.F.; Henagamage, A.P.Cadmium is the most dangerous heavy metal characterized by high stability and toxicity even at low concentration. The potential use of metal-resistant microorganisms as an ecofriendly method in the treatment of heavy metal contaminated soil and water has become more important. Therefore, the biosorption removal of cadmium from aqueous solutions by using mono and mixed microbial cultures was investigated in this study. Twelve endophytic fungi were isolated from the leaves of Avicennia marina and Lumnitzera racemosa, whereas thirteen bacteria were isolated from the mangrove soil collected from the Puttalam lagoon in Puttalam district, Sri Lanka. Microbial isolates were grown in Potato Dextrose Agar and Nutrient Agar with different concentrations of Cd to select the most Cd resistant fungi and bacteria. Fungal-Bacterial Biofilms (FBB) were developed from the selected Cd resistant fungi and bacteria. The selected biofilms and mono cultures were inoculated in Cd supplemented Combine Carbon Broth (CCB) in the concentration range of 50-500 mg l-1. Concentration levels of Cd in the CCB were measured periodically using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Out of three fungal (LRA, LRC and AMA) and three bacterial (SB2, SB3 and SB12) strains that showed the highest resistance against Cd, two fungal (LRA and LRC) and all three bacterial strains were selected for the formation of FBB. Screening assay revealed that LRA and SB3 strains had significantly the highest resistance against Cd (P < 0.05). The lowest significant mean Cd concentration level in CCB was observed in F2B1B3 biofilm (103.167 mg l-1) that reduced the Cd concentration level by 58.74% after sixteen days of incubation (P < 0.05). Even though all the microbial cultures showed significant reduction of Cd concentration level, biofilms except F1B1B3 (52.73%) showed much reduction than that of mono cultures. Thus, these results indicated the potential of biofilms to reduce the concentration of Cd in water very efficiently.Item Correlation of Ground Water Fluoride with Total Hardness and Total Alkalinity in CKDu Prevalent areas in Uva Province(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Rathnayake, R.M.M.L.; Henagamage, A.P.; Premetilake, M.M.S.N.; Udagedara, D.T.Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) describes as a multifactorial effect. Thus, postulates on CKDu focus on the cumulative effect of nephrotoxic contaminants which deteriorate the kidney function progressively. This study aimed to determine the influence of total hardness (TH) and total alkalinity (TA) on fluoride (F-) content of groundwater in CKDu prevailing areas in Uva Province. Divisional secretariats of Mahiyangana (MDS), Rideemaliyadda (RDS), Wellawaya (WDS), and Siyambalanduwa (SDS) were selected as CKDu prevailing areas for sample collection. Water samples from 45 dug wells were collected by following a simple random sampling method and the samples were triplicated. Samples were analysed by standard methods of water analysis (APHA 1985). Statistical data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS 21.0 software. The range of F- contents in MDS (n= 17), RDS (n= 8), WDS (n= 11) and SDS (n=9) were 0.01– 1.80±0.08 mg L-1 , 0.02 – 0.61±0.13 mg L-1 , 0.01±0.01- 5.8±0.1 mg L-1 and 0.17±0.02– 1.42±0.11 mg L-1 respectively. The highest mean value for TH was observed from WDS (156.44±21.53 mg L-1 ) and the least was observed from RDS (116.36±21.95 mg L-1 ). All the mean values for TA were recorded within the permissible level according to WHO guidelines for drinking water and the highest was observed from WDS (336.36±117.58 mg L-1 ). Results of the linear regression analysis on the dependence of Fon TH indicated a positive correlation in MDS, WDS, and SDS as well as a negative correlation (r= - 0.33) in RDS. All the test areas were observed with positive correlations between F- content, and TA. Among the selected DS areas, 44% of the water samples in SDS, 36% of the water samples in WDS, 12% of the water samples in MDS, and 0% of the water samples in RDS exceeded the maximum permissible level for F- defined by WHO. The influence of total hardness and total alkalinity on Fluoride content in groundwater is required to be studied further. Keywords: Fluoride, Total Hardness, Total Alkalinity, CKDu, Uva ProvinceItem Development of a Wine from Water Melon (Citrullus lanatus): A Value Added Product from a Tropical Fruit Crop in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayawardana, G.H.; Henagamage, A.P.Wine is generally produced by the fermentation of fruit juice with yeast (Saccharoinyces cerevisiae). Ripened fruits have natural sugar, natural acids and pectinase enzyme which ultimately enhance the quality of the product. The quality and the type of commodity dictate the final quality of the fruit- based wine. Hence, the selection of correct fruit commodity is critical in wine making. It has been found that the Jambola (Citrus grandis) peels have high amount of pectinase content which has the potential to enhance quality of fruit beverages. Thus, this study was focused to develop a wine from watermelon using baker's yeast and to evaluate the effect of Jambola peels to enhance the quality of the wine. Fruit juice was extracted by crushing the flesh from completely ripened water melon. Quality parameters such as Total Soluble Solid (TSS) and Titratable Acidity (TA) were adjusted by adding 250g sugar and 2.8g of Citric acid for 6litre of solution to prepare for the fermentation. The prepared fruit juices were allowed for fermentation for four weeks with and without treating Jambola peels and by adding baker's yeast. Quality attributes such as pH, TA, TSS and alcohol content were measured using standard protocols. Sensory attributes were evaluated and analyzed using Friedman Test (MINITAB, version 16). Mean TSS and mean TA values of the wine treated with jambola peels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the wine without treating jambola peels. Wine sample treated with Jambola peels was the best with respect to aroma (p = 0.000), taste (p = 0.006), colour (p = 0.006), and overall acceptance (p = 0.025) except texture (p = 0.72). Further, final mean alcohol percentage of the selected water melon wine sample treated with jambola peels (10.32 %) was in the acceptable range compared to standard wine (9.0- 13.50%). Therefore, water melon wine developed with jambola peels can be recommended as the best wine since it has high quality attributes and high sensory attributes ccmpared to the standard wine and has a potential to improve as a commercial wine. Keywords: Watermelon, Baker's yeast, Sensory evaluation, CitrusItem Development of Cocoa and Coffee Based Set Yoghurt According to Sri Lankan Consumer Preference(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2011) Sabry, M.B.M.; Jayarathne, M.P.K.; Henagamage, A.P.Note: See the PDF Version Dairy products play a major role in human diet as milk is complete food. Yoghurt is one of the dairy products, popular as a desert which contains standardi7.ed full cream milk, sugar, gelatin, permitted stabilizer and colorings. Yoghurt market in Sri Lanka is still iii growing stage compared with other countries. Consumer preference is due to increasing desire to take a more proactive role iii optimizing personal health and wellbeing without relying on pharmaceuticals. The consumption of fermented yoghurt iii which lactose has been converting to Tactic acid has helped to reduce the risk of having pathogenic microorganism grow in the food (Baker and Miller, 1990). Consumer preference is considered as one of the major critical parameters iii food industry including dairy products. Vanilla, chocolate, banana, mango, strawberry are the different types of flavored yoghurts available in the market according to the consumer preference. Cocoa and coffee have lots of health benefits and can be used as flavors iii yoghurt industry. Cocoa is rich source of antioxidant flavonoids, which may have beneficial cardiovascular effects on health and coffee contains caffeine, which acts as a stimulant. (Tank ine and Robison, 1985). Therefore, the present study was carried out to produce cocoa and coffee based set yoghurt according to Sri Lankan consumer preference and as a new value added product for dairy industry.Item Development of High Nutritious Value Added Bread from Composite Flour(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Fernando, L.T.I.; Peries, C.M.; Henagamage, A.P.; Premathilake, M.M.S.N.Bread is a popular bakery product across the whole cross profile of the society, where all consumers like to consume bread alike, regardless of the level of income, education and other demographic characteristics (Lohano et al., 2010). Conventionally, flours used in bread making are made from cereals, mainly wheat (Nnabuk et al., 2012). Wheat is a foreign origin commodity and substantial amount of foreign exchange is required to import this food item, which is a real burden to the national coffer. Due to the drop in production of wheat internationally the future pricing of this product will be very uncertain and increasi ng prices will be forecasted (Piyasena et al., 1996). The government of Sri Lanka is also discouraging the consumption of wheat based products by mainly reducing the wheat flour usage by 20% and mixing with flour obtaining from various other sources could be used in order to save the massive amount of foreign exchange (Piyasena et al., 1996). In recent years, the demand to use novel sources as substitute for the wheat flour has increased to provide the consumers requirements. Replacement of wheat flour by other kinds of flour in bread making is economically important in Sri Lanka. There is a growing interest in using composite flour for bread making owing to some economic, social, and health reasons (Adeyemi and Idowu, 1990).The composite flours used were either binary or ternary mixtures of flours from some other starchy crops with or without wheat flour. Previous studies have given successful evidences for the substitution of 10 % cassava flour to wheat flour as the composite flour mixture for bread making process (Adeyemi and Idowu, 1990; Dhingra and Jood, 2004). Therefore, this study was focused to develop a high nutritious bread by partially substituting wheat flour with composite flour mixtures made out of Caryotaurens (Kithul) and Xanthosoma sagittifolium (Kiriala) flour. Methodology This study was designed to assess the quality of bread produced with composite flourobtained from wheat, X. sagittifolllium and C. urens. Matured X. sagittifolllium tubers and C. urens flour were obtained as raw materials and X. sagittifolllium tubers were further processed to obtain the flour. Six blends were prepared by homogenously mixing wheat, X. sagittifolllium and C. urens flour according to the percentage proportions, 100:0:0 (A), 50:50:0 (B), 50:0:50 (C), 50:40:10 (D), 50:30:20 (E), 50:20:30 (F), 50:10:40 (G) respectively. The dough mixtures with different blends were kept in a mold for 90 minutes at room temperature followed by baking in a pre-heated oven at 250°C for 30 minutes. Physical parameters such as loaf weight, loaf volume, specific volume and sensory attributes (i.e. crust and crumb color, taste, aroma, texture and overall acceptability) were evaluated by using 30 untrained panelists. Sensory data were statistically analyzed using Friedman Test with the confidence level of 95% using MINITAB 15. Proximate analysis and cost analysis were investigated for the selected bread sample in order to evaluate the nutritional quality and the total cost. Further, microbiological analysis (bacterial count, yeast and mold count) and shelf life analysis were performed for the selected best sample under the refrigerated condition and room temperature conditions separately.Item Development of Microbial Biofertilizer for Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Maheshika, W.A.H.; Singhalage, I.D.; Henagamage, A.P.; Seneviratne, G.Extensive application of chemical fertilizers and agrochemicals has led to environmental and health issues, and has contributed to climatic changes. In order to minimize the usage of them, environmental friendly biofertilizers containing inoculants of beneficial microorganisms have been introduced. Present study aims in investigating a microbial biofertilizer for tomato, a vegetable highly dependent on the chemical fertilizers (CFs). Bacterial species living in tomato rhizosphere were isolated in Nutrient Agar medium. Growth medium pH, growth in N free Combined Carbon Medium (CCM), phosphate solubilization, indole acetic acid (IAA) production and lettuce seed germination assay were conducted for them and 8 isolates ( J, C, S, F, I, R, B, E) were selected for tomato plant assay. Those isolates were inoculated to soil in tomato planted pots in triplicate. Recommended dosage of CFs for tomato was taken as positive control and a negative control was maintained without adding CFs or microbes. Plant height, number of leaves and flowering were recorded at 10th week and data were analyzed by ANOVA in minitab16.1. The highest clear zone diameter (40 mm) in phosphate solubilization and highest absorbance in IAA were given by isolate C. Inoculants B, R, S changed the colour of CCM into blue, while J, E, I, F, C changed the colour of medium to yellow. In lettuce seed germination assay, the highest vigor and germination percentage were observed in B (246) and F (82%), respectively. All bacterial isolates significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved plant height over the controls. The highest mean plant heights were observed under bacterial strains C (93 cm), S (91 cm), F (91 cm) and E (90 cm). Plant treated with C showed the significantly increased leaf number per plant over the other species and the controls. Flower number was highest in E and F treated plants. In conclusion, bacterial strains associated with tomato rhizosphere have the potential to be used as biofertilizers to improve the vegetative growth of tomato.Item Development of Wine from Jack Fruit (Artocarpus Heterophyllus): A Value Added Product from a Tropical Fruit Crop in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2011) Kaushallya, H.K.H.N.; Henagamage, A.P.; Singhalage, I.D.; Madusinghe, M.M.G.Note: See the PDF Version Introduction Wine is an alcoholic beverage typically made from fermented grape juice or variety of fruits. Since fruits have natural sugar and natural acids, they provide all the required Ingredients for making wine. The quality and the type fruit dictate the final quality of the trait-based wine. Therefore. selection of correct fruit commodity is critical in wine making (Fitli riad i c/ p/., 1996). Jackfruit is an extensively grown and very important tree for the people of Sri Lanka. It is essentially a carbohydrate food and is useful as a source of energy. The perianth is rich in sugars, contains carotene, protein, fat, calcium, phosphorous, and iron in quantities similar to those found in other fruits which are used to manufacture wine (Pushpakumara ct at., 2007). Therefore, Jackfruit it can be considered as a potential fruit crop in making wine. Wine is produced by fermenting crushed fruits using various types of yeasts, the majority of the yeast used iii baking is Saccliaromyces cere visiae, which is the same species commonly used in alcoholic fermentation, and so is also called brewer's yeast (Pelcza er>/., 1977). Therefore, this study was carried out to prepare wine front Jackfruit it juice with the baker’s yeast as a low cost method for wine making and to compare the sensory attributes and quality parameters with commercial red wine front grape.Item The Effectiveness of the Particle Sizes of Rice Husk Powder and Clearing Nut Seed Powder for Removal Efficiency of Cd (II) from Wastewater(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Tharshigah, K.; Henagamage, A.P.; Pitawala, H.M.J.C.Biomaterials are considered as efficient removers of heavy metals from wastewater through biosorption. The main goal of this study was to investigate the effect of particle sizes of Rice Husk Powder (RHP) and Clearing Nut Seed (Strychnos potatorum) Powder (CNSP) for the removal efficiency of Cd (II) in synthetic wastewater. Rice husks collected from the Badulla area were thermally treated at 200°C for 3 hours and clearing nut seeds collected from the same area were dried at room temperature for 7 days and powdered. Batch experiments were conducted to study the effect of particle sizes of biomaterials (0.5-1.0 mm, 150-500 µm, <63 µm) and contact time (2, 4, 6 hours) in removal efficiency by keeping other factors at constant (Adsorbent dosage = 1.5 g, pH = 5, Cd(II) initial concentration = 100 ppm, Cd(II) volume = 50 ml, Temperature = 25±2°C, Agitation speed = 150 rpm). The characterization of the materials before and after treating with Cd (II) was analyzed using SEM, FT-IR, XRD, and XRF. The characterization analysis revealed that both are fibrous in nature and rich in SiO2. The results of the study showed a linear positive strong correlation between removal efficiency and reducing particle size for both materials (p < 0.05). The lowest particle size (<63 µm) of RHP and CNSP showed higher removal efficiency except for the mixture of materials and they were 84.12% & 78.74% respectively. The highest removal efficiency (85.12%) was obtained for 1:1 mixture of the materials with the particle size <63 µm at the contact time of 4 hours. The reduction of FT-IR peak intensity for Si-O after the treatment confirms the participation of functional groups in metal binding. SEM images confirmed the changes in surface morphology of materials after the treatment. In conclusion, a decrease in particle size causes an elevation in removal efficiency of Cd (II) due to the presence of large surface area for biosorption and 1:1 mixture of RHP and CNSP is an efficient biomaterial for Cd (II) removal. Keywords: Rice husk powder, Clearing nut seed powder, Particle size, Cadmium, Removal efficiencyItem Enhancement of Cellulolytic Activity through Biofilm Action for Bioethanol Production(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Jayathilaka, M.G.L.W.; Henagamage, A.P.; Peries, C.M.; Seneviratne, G.Cellulosic biomass is a biopolymer with great potential for bioconversion to valueadded products. However, efficient degradation of cellulose is a problem in many industries including bioethanol production. Although a variety of microorganisms are capable of degrading cellulose, few of them produce significant quantities of enzyme fractions which hydrolyze cellulose to simple sugars. Extensive studies on bio-degradation by cellulolytic mixed microbial cultures would be beneficial in cellulosic biofuel production. Thus, this study was focused to evaluate the efficiency of cellulolytic activity of mono and mixed microbial cultures. Microbial isolations were carried out using soil samples obtained from a land at Kuliyapitiya, in Kurunegala district, Sri Lanka. They were streaked on Cellulose-Congo red Agar medium to screen for potential cellulolytic microorganisms. The selected microorganisms were inoculated on Carboxy Methyl Cellulose Agar medium to screen the most effective cellulolytic fungi and bacteria. Fungal-bacterial biofilms (FBB) were developed from the selected cellulolytic fungi and bacteria using Combine Carbon Broth. The efficiency of cellulolytic activity of the selected microbial combinations was evaluated using the production of reducing sugar through 3,5-Dinitro Salicylic acid after treating with cellulose powder. Two fungal (F1 and F2) and three bacterial isolates (B1, B2 and B3) were selected as the best cellulolytic microorganisms. Out of the selected cellulolytic microorganism, F2 and B I showed the significantly highest cellulolytic activities (P < 0.05). This mean reducing sugar level (113.90 ppm) was observed with the F2B1 combination after twenty three days of incubation. In addition, F2, B1 and B2 mono cultures showed significantly higher yield of reducing sugar than that of the other mono and mixed cultures, except F2B1. Thus, the selected FBB combination can be used to enhance the hydrolysis efficiency of cellulose for bioethanol production.Item Fumigant and Contact Toxicity of Tithonia Diversifolia (Hems!), Tagetes erecta, Helliunthus Annus and Bidens Sulphurea against Tribolium Castaneum (Herbst)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Premarathna, V.L.; Henagamage, A.P.; Karunathilake, A.A.K.; Hapuarachchi, H.A.C.S.Since Sri Lanka is a developing and agriculture based country, it is crucial to minimize the post harvest losses in order to increase the national income. Post-harvest deterioration is principally caused by biological spoilage organisms including insects, fungi and small vertebrates (Golob et al., 2002). The huge post-harvest losses and quality deterioration caused by insects and pests are major problems of assuring food security in developing countries. Therefore, effective and efficient controlling methods are required to eliminate this problem. Control of these insects and pests relies heavily on the use of synthetic insecticides and fumigants. But their widespread use has led to some serious problems including development of insect strains resistant to insecticides, toxic residues, on stored grain, toxicity to consumer and increasing costs of application (Jbilou., 2006). Therefore, the development of bio insecticides has been focused along with an urgent need for safe but effective biodegradable pesticides for a low cost. This study was undertaken to screen the contact toxicity and the fumigant toxicity of Targetes erects, Bidens sulphurea, Helianthus annuus and Tithonia diversifolia which are highly abundant and underutilized herbaceous plants in Sri Lanka against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). This method can be used as a cost effective, environmental friendly and efficient method to develop a bio insecticide as a value added product for grain storage pests.Item Purification of Kaolin in Meetiyagoda Kaolin Deposit, Sri Lanka by Bio Leaching for Removing Iron Oxide Impurities(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Wijekoon, A.S.K.; Attanayake, A.M.A.N.B.; Henagamage, A.P.Meetiyagoda Kaolin has both iron and titanium impurities which cause deep coloration in it. Deep coloration in Meetiyagoda kaolin is the main barrier for most of the applications where the higher whiteness is necessary. This study was aimed to purify kaolin and enhance the whiteness properties by removing iron oxide impurities using microorganisms under bioleaching method. Bacteria and fungi were isolated from iron rich Meetiyagoda soil. Iron tolerated microorganisms were selected by inoculating the isolated microorganisms in nutrient media impregnated with different known concentrations of iron (200, 400, 600 and 900 ppm). Kaolin samples with three particle sizes (125-150, 63-125, and less than 63 microns) were separately treated with the screened microorganisms and the soluble iron concentration of the treated samples was measured under different time intervals using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Out of screened bacteria and fungi types the most tolerated and the most suitable bacteria type and fungi type to leach iron impurities was investigated. Bio leaching ability was increased with the increasing particle size. The most convenient particle size was 125-150 microns. This biological treatment has shown one of the most effective processes for removing iron impurities and enhancing the whiteness properties of kaolin. The study concludes that the bioleaching method can be used for purification of kaolin in Meetiyagoda by using soil microorganisms and it can significantly improve the quality of kaolin from an industrial point of view. Keywords: Kaolin, Bacteria, Fungi, Bioleaching