Browsing by Author "Jayarathne, D.S.W.N."

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    Development of Seaweed Based Ready-to-Serve (RTS) Beverage using Elkhorn Sea Moss: Kappaphycus alvarezii - A Novel Approach in Value Addition to Seaweed Resources in Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Karunarathne, K.M.C.S.; Kulasinghe, W.M.A.A.; Thushari, G.G.N.; Abeygunawardana, A.P.; Silva, A.P.R.; Jayarathne, D.S.W.N.; Liyanage, N.P.P.
    In Sri Lanka, the development of seaweed-based food products such as nutritious drinks still gained less attention. This study was focused on the identification of product processing potential with appropriate production technology for the RTS beverage using common red algae: Kappaphycus alvarezii having high culture potential in Sri Lanka. Preliminary trials were conducted to identify the composition of raw materials and ingredients for the development of RTS products. Then, final experiments were followed using 3 levels of Kappaphycus extracts (15, 20, and 25%) blended with 5% fresh lime juice. Final products were subjected to pasteurization at 90 ºC for 5 min and stored at room temperature. The selected final product was analyzed for organoleptic parameters, proximate composition, and keeping quality characters. Results indicated the production potential of value-added RTS beverage using red algae. Final treatment with 20% of K. alverazii recorded as the best product with the highest consumer preference. Based on the results, this RTS beverage contained a significant amount of minerals (2.05±0.01%) and high antioxidant potential (~70%) with 0.001% of carbohydrate level closer to zero (atkins drink) compared to the market available products. pH level (4.37±0.06 - 3.90±0.05), antioxidant property (70.98±1.7 - 53.3±2.0%), acidity (0.30 - 0.36%) and Total Plate Count (2.60 - 3.60 log CFU ml-1 ) of final product had a significant effect with storage time period (P <0.05). Total Soluble Solid level of the product (1.2 ºBrix) was constant during the storage period due to extremely low sugar content. According to physicochemical parameters and microbiological tests, this product was safer for consumption within 4 weeks of the period. Moreover, the production cost is relatively lower compared to the market available, common beverage products. In conclusion, this seaweed-based product can be introduced as a healthy, low-cost, atkins drink as an alternative to conventional beverages. Keywords: Nutritious beverage, Red algae, Atkins drink, Physico-chemical properties, Seaweed based product
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    Study on Removal Efficiency of Fluoride in Water using Environmentally Friendly, Low Cost Filter System
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Chandrasena, D.M.K.M.; Alwis, W.L.; Thushari, G.G.N.; Abeygunawardana, A.P.; Silva, A.P.R.; Jayarathne, D.S.W.N.; Gayathry, dL.D.
    Water sources in specific regions of dry zone in Sri Lanka naturally contain high fluoride level than the maximum requirement level of drinking water. The intake of excessive amounts of fluoride in water causes different human health issues. This study was intended to identify the potential of using the biomaterials for an integrated water filtration system to improve the water quality. Based on the literature records, production cost and availability of biomaterials, Areca nut (Areca catechu) husk fiber, Coconut (Cocos nucifera) spathe charcoal and Snake Cucumber (Cucumis melo) seeds were used to identify the fluoride removal rate in water. Fluoride rich natural water was subjected to different biomaterial weight and treatment time combinations during preliminary trials. Based on the results of preliminary trials, the final experiment was conducted in the column systems using four types of integrated water filter setups at different weight ratios between areca nut husk fiber: coconut spathe charcoal {Experimental setups: A (1:1, 25g:25g), B (1:2, 25g:50g), C (1:1, 50g:50g), D (2:1, 50g:25g)} with 3 layers of sand. Equal treatment period (1½ hrs) was used for all 4 column experimental setups since the adsorption capacity of biomaterials depends on the contact time. Fluoride removal efficiency and other water quality parameters were measured in each filter setup. Biomaterials amount in the filter setups had a significant effect on the fluoride level, pH, and Total Dissolved Solids in water (p<0.05). The fluoride removal rate of filter setups was 27.90%, 28.80%, 34.49%, and 43.15% in the A, B, C, and D systems respectively. Although the same biomaterial ratio (1:1) had for the A and C experimental setups, the fluoride removal efficiency was significantly different due to the variations of biomaterials dose in two systems (A: 25g, C: 50g). The most effective filter setup was identified as the integrated system with 50g of areca nut husk fiber and 25g of coconut spathe charcoal considering Sri Lanka Standards for potable water (SLS 614:2013). Turbidity, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, sulphate, iron, and chloride level of water had recorded the acceptable levels as meeting with drinking water standards after 1½ hrs of the treatment period. The pH of all the filter setup was recorded at the range of 7.1-8.1 within the permissible level for drinking water. In conclusion, areca nut husk fiber and coconut spathe charcoal act as effective, low-cost biomaterials in removing the fluoride from water while maintaining the quality of water. Keywords: Water quality, Biomaterials, Integrated water filter system, Fluoride removal rate, Fluorosis
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    Study on the Potential Usage of Hygrophila schulli (Neeramulliya) for Removal of Water Hardness as a Method of Phytoremediation
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Rajapaksha, R.A.J.J.; Silva, A.P.R.; Jayarathne, D.S.W.N.; Abeygunawardana, A.P.; Coswatte, A.C.W.W.M.C.L.K; Thushari, G.G.N.; ; ;
    A high level of water hardness in drinking water is a serious problem in different regions of Sri Lanka. Phytoremediation acts as an effective, environmentally friendly, and lowcost technology for the removal of water hardness. Therefore, the current study was intended to identify the potential usage of Hygrophila schulli (Neeramulliya) for the removal of water hardness using a hydroponic system. This plant was selected for the current study based on traditional beliefs, literature records, and availability in the natural environment. Preliminary trials were conducted to identify the appropriate maturity stage of plants, the number of plants, treatment time, and growth medium of hydroponic system. Based on the above results, final experiments were conducted in two hydroponic systems (Treatment 01: 4 plants, Treatment 02: 5 plants) with 16 L of natural hard water (Initial hardness: 300 mg L-1 CaCO3) in the growth medium of 1:1 ratio of coconut coir: sand using one-month-old H. schulli plants. Three replicates for each of the systems were used during the final experiment. Temperature, pH, Electrical Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, and Hardness level of water were measured every 12 hours for 36 hours of the experimental period. According to the results, the number of plants and treatment time had a significant effect on the removal rate of water hardness (p<0.05). The hardness removal efficiency of 2 treatment systems ranges at an average of 3.85-21.25% within 36 hours. This explains the capacity of H. schulli plants in absorbing causative ions responsible for water hardness during the phytoremediation process. The hydroponic system with 5 plants per unit was recorded average 250 mg L-1 of hardness which satisfies the standard level permissible for drinking water after 36 hours of the time. Accordingly, the absorbance level of Ca2+ ions had recorded 10 mg L-1 per single plant of H. schulli. Consequently, the treatment system having 5 plants acts as the most effective hydroponic unit in the removal of water hardness. There was no significant difference between pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Electrical Conductivity level in each experimental system, and treatment time (p>0.05). The current study recommends identifying the applicability of similar hydroponic units for removal of extremely high hardness levels from natural water which is over 500 mg L-1 in certain areas of Sri Lanka. In conclusion, this study reveals the appropriateness of H. schulli for the reduction of hardness level (300 mg L-1 CaCO3) during the water treatment process. Keywords: Hardness Removal Rate, Phytoremediation, Hydroponic system, Water quality parameters, Water treatment