Mineral Resources and Technology Degree Programme (MRT)

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Adsorption of Lead (Ii) Ions Using Chemically Modified Banana Stem Fibers as a Low Cost Adsorbent
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) Shakoor, I.F.
Sorption of Lead (II) ions from aqueous solution on to banana stem fibers modified with citric acid treatment were investigated with respect to pH, contact time, initial metal ion concentration, adsorbent dosage, agitation speed and particle size which are the factors that affect the adsorptive capacity. Effects of different citric acid concentrations on the modification of banana stem fibers were also determined in this study. Adsorption was found to be effective, which was 99.5% at an optimum pH of 4.5, where, the initial concentration used was 2 ppm. It took 90 minutes of contact time to achieve equilibrium with an effective agitation speed of 180 rpm. The effective particle size and the adsorbent dosage were found to be below 63 um and 3.0 g respectively. Citric acid concentration used in the modification was also found to be an important factor which affects the adsorption capacity. Final Lead (II) ions concentrations were measured by using Atomic adsorption spectrophotometer. FT-IR analysis showed that banana stem fibers consist of functional groups such as hydroxyl and carboxylic groups which play a major role in the adsorption process. It was observed that with the citric acid modification the peaks' intensity was a little higher compared to that of unmodified banana stem fibers. Langmuir isotherm model fitted well with the results obtained with a R2 value of 0.992 and qmax of 20.12 mg g-1, while Freundlich isotherm model did not describe the process well. Regeneration capability of used banana stem fibers for the re-utilization was found out to 'be very effective under desorption studies carried out where, HC1 concentration was kept constant while varying the contact time. The optimum desorption results obtained was approximately 85% in 90 minutes of contact time in 0.1 M HC1. The results obtained from the study suggests that banana stem fibers modified with citric acid can be used as an effective low cost, eco-friendly adsorbent for the removal of Lead (II) ions from aqueous solution compared to unmodified banana stem fibers.
Adsorptive Removal of Ferrous Ion from Aqueous Solution Using Natural Ferrihydrite
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Mohamed, A.M.A.
Total iron in water is one of major aesthetic problems due to its unpleasant taste, smell and rusty appearance. Iron mainly occurs as ferrous Fe (II) or ferric Fe (III). Fe (II) is soluble and Fe (III) is insoluble and occurs as colloids, in this work we consider all irons in solution phase. Aeration, ion exchanging and adsorption methods are the widely used to remove iron. The adsorption process has many advantages such as low cost of adsorbent, utilization of industrial, biological and domestic waste as adsorbents, low operational cost, ease of operation compared to other processes, capacity of removing heavy metal ions over wide range of pH and to a much lower level, environmentally friendly and cost effective. In this research ferrihydrite is used as a starting material to remove excess iron in potable waters. This method has several advantages; the material is readily available, and can be generated in their presence of excess iron in solution and it is environmentally benign. The major process we are interested is the sorption. Ferrihydrite (Fe5H08.4H20), a poorly crystalline meta stable mineral which is a precursor to the more stable iron oxides such as goethite and hematite. It is commonly formed by rapid oxidation of Fe (II) containing solutions followed by hydrolysis in the presence of crystallization inhibitors (Schwertmann, 1982). One of the most significant roles of ferrihydrite is as an adsorbent for various trace elements due to its coordination-unsaturated surface sites, large surface area, strong adsorptive effects, and high adsorption capacity. In this study, a series of batch laboratory experiments were conducted in order to investigate the feasibility of natural ferrihydrite for the removal of iron, Fe (II) from aqueous solution by the adsorption process. Investigation was carried out by studying the influence of initial solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage and initial concentration of iron. All batch experiments were carried out at a constant temperature of 25°C using magnetic stirrer that operated at 120 rpm. The findings indicate that the possibility of applying natural ferrihydrite as an adsorbent to remove ferrous ion with the approximate removal percentage of 99%.
Analysis of Fate of Septic Tank Le Chate S
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Gowrinath, P.
Well water is an important water source, which provides drinking water supply especially to dry zone of Sri Lanka. Therefore, considering in the quality of groundwater is essential to ensure the health of human and other living things. However, the quality of groundwater varies place to place, mainly depending on its geological origin, even though it is become deteriorated by various anthropogenic activities. This is especially due to population increases and subsequent poor sanitary facilities by means of poorly design a toilet pit Nowadays in Sri Lanka. In this context, this study was concerned on the influence of toilet pits on the groundwater quality in Vavuniya town area. Study was focused Vavuniya urban area in which 60 wells were randomly selected and samples were obtained for the water quality analysis. In which the well samples were tested for the nitrate (NO3"), Phosphate (P043") and the fecal coliform count and the distance between well and toilet pits were measured. The relationship between the quality of groundwater and distance to toilet pit was analyzed on MINITAB 14.0 statistical kit. It has been found that the increased number of poorly designed toilet pits are one of the factors causing nitrate and phosphate contamination in its adjacent wells. In the study area the nitrate concentration shows the significant variation from 1.74 to 172.75. Nearly 17% of the well are exceed the maximum permissible limit and consider as not suitable for drinking purposes. Most of the wells are under the suitable condition for drinking purposes, which have the nitrate concentration below 45 ppm; but nearly 10% of the wells are very close to the maximum permissible limit these wells have the susceptibility to exceed the maximum permissible limit in few years. Mean nitrate concentration values of this area wells is above 30.98 ppm. The phosphate concentration not show the huge variation and most of the wells fall into the maximum permissible limit so it rarely causes the water quality problems. In Vavuniya urban area we have to take the immediate measures to prevent the further contamination. Furthermore, the nitrate concentration further increases with the number of toilet pit if the number of toilet pits high the concentration also high So that it is found that the toilet pit is one of the reasons for the nitrate contamination in well water.
Analyzing Seasonal Variation of Water Quality Parameters of Kelani River
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) RANATHISSA, N. P.K.
Raw water quality of a surface water body directly affects the purification process and the final water quality of drinking water. When considering Sri Lanka, the Kelani River plays a vital role in fulfilling people's water necessities, as it provides water for more than 80% of the population of capital city, Colombo. The current study focused on the Kelani River in order to identify the models of variation of raw water quality parameters and to investigate patterns and trends of parameter variation. The main objective was to forecast the variation of water quality parameters with special reference to the Kelani River. The water quality was analyzed with different parameters including pH, Turbidity, Electrical conductivity, Total Coliform and Escherichia coli, and used data that was gathered for five years (2012-2017) at five different intakes. Analysis was carried out by R studio software. Time Series techniques were used to perform the tests, and all decisions were made under p-value of 0.05. ARIMA and SARIMA models were used to identify the best fitting model for the variation of quality parameters with time. Results were forecasted for a 6 month time period using the above fitted models. Based on obtained results, the seasonality of the water quality parameters changed from one intake to another. When analyzing the pH, Ambathale and Biyagama showed seasonality while other three intakes showed non seasonality. Electrical Conductivity had a seasonal variation at Biyagama and Pugoda intakes, while Escherichia colishowed seasonality for Ambathale intake only. Frequent long-term monitoring of physicochemical parameters of surface water resources is vital for the better management of water resources as well as aquatic habitats and the environment. Based on the results of this study, a better prior understanding about the behavior of raw water quality parameters can be obtained, and this prior understanding can be used to manage the water purification process and final water quality. Keywords: Kelani River, Water Quality, Time Series Analysis, ARIMA, SARIMA
Applicability of Red Earth in Manganese Removal from Groundwater
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Uthishdiran, S.
Manganese is commonly present in groundwater worldwide. The presence of manganese in the drinking water supply is not harmful to human health, however it is undesirable. Bad taste, discoloration, staining, deposition in the distribution system leading to after growth, and incidences of high turbidity are some of the aesthetic and operational problems associated with manganese in water supplies. Different mechanisms (physical, chemical, and biological) may contribute to the removal of manganese in filters and the dominant mechanism depends on water quality and process conditions applied. Under the commonly applied treatment conditions in manganese removal plants, the oxidation-floc formation mechanism (floc filtration) is commonly believed to be dominant. Adsorption characteristics of manganese onto Natural Red Earth (NRE), have been studied in batch technique to ascertain the effect of pH, ionic strength, initial sorbent and sorbate concentrations, temperature and effect of other cation and anion. Solid suspension (10 g/L NRE) was sufficient to remove Manganese up to 1 Oppm. Manganese adsorption achieved its maximum adsorption of nearly100% at neutral to slightly acidic conditions. The rate of adsorption of manganese was very fast. Manganese adsorption onto NRE was better explained by Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm. These results suggested that the NRE could be effectively used as a low cost candidate for removal of Manganese from environmental water.
Arsenic (V) Removal from Water by Modified Montmorillonite (MMT) from Naturally Occurring clay Deposits in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) Rajamanthri, R.R.M.M.
Montmorillonite (MMT) nano-clay is widely used in many applications. MMT clay has been deposited and enriched in dry zone of Sri Lanka. Identifying the possibilities and methods for use of MMT clay for heavy metal removal was the objective of this research. Mainly naturally occurring clay deposits in Murukkan area were considered. Research focused on arsenic (As) removal by raw MMT clay and modified MMT clay because of the human health problems associated with excessive and long-term exposure to As. The can be either acute and chronic health issues. Purpose of the study was developing suitable and low cost adsorbent materials for arsenic removal. Only the clay particles were used to prepare the samples. Selected MMT samples were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) technique. Apart from the identification the samples were modified by FeCl3 and modified clay was used to make small pellets for filter media. The pellets were fired at 500°C - 600°C temperature range in a furnace. FTIR technique was used to identify composition and functional groups present in resulted product as well as raw MMT. Modified filter media and raw samples were treated with As(V) solutions with different contact times and different pH ranges. Then filtrate of all samples were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) to determine arsenic concentration and iron concentration of each samples. Results of the test prove that the MMT clay is capable of removing arsenic efficiently.
Arsenic Removal from Water Using Humic Acid Modified Meetiyagoda Kaolinite
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Jayahansani, K.H.D.
Kaolinite is one of the major clay types which can be used to remove ions from the water by using its adsorption capacity. Though Sri Lanka is blessed with several clay types, none of them are used for value addition purposes. By considering that fact and the unique ability which possesses by kaolinite to remove ions from water when it is in contact with water is focused throughout this research. Meetiyagoda kaolinite is used as clay type, because it is currently used only as a raw material for ceramic industry as well as none of the researches has been conducted to identify its ability to remove ions from water. Thus, the ultimate goal of this research is to fill up that gap and to develop a value added product from Meetiyagoda kaolinite. Throughout this research it focused on removing Arsenic (V) from water while modifying kaolinite surface using Humic Acid in order to enhance the adsorption capacity of kaolinite and measuring the removal amount of arsenic (V) by changing amount of clay, concentration of arsenic (V) and pH. With increasing of arsenic concentration, arsenic adsorption on to humic acid modified Meetiyagoda kaolinite has increased whereas increasing of amount of humic acid modified Meetiyagoda kaolinite in solution, the adsorption has decreased. The highest sorption has gained when pH was in 6.0.
Arsenic Removal from Water Using Magnetite Coated Quartz Sand Column
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Gamlath, P.G.R.C.A.
Arsenic has become a major contaminant of concern due to the increase knowledge of its toxicological and carcinogenic effects. This fact has prompted the need to investigate suitable methods for lowering arsenic concentrations in drinking water by rapid, simple and low cost techniques so the process utilizing natural geo materials as adsorbents has been promising. The sorption of As (III) and As (V) onto iron oxides has been studied previously and proven success. In this research Sri Lankan Magnetite coated quartz sand are evaluated as arsenic sorbents due to their high surface area and minimal production of waste. Magnetite coated Quartz was prepared according to literature. Columns with different fillings and operating conditions were set up to evaluate the effect of their combinations on Arsenic removal. Effluent solutions were collected at 1 h interval for each trial and analyzed for residual Arsenic through Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Experiments were conducted separately for Arsenic (iii) and (iv). Magnetite coated Quartz accomplished better Arsenic removal with an iron weight of 14.68 mg el. In this work arsenate was better adsorbed than arsenite. Moreover the experimental results visualized a significant difference in Arsenic removal over the investigated grain size ranges and removal efficiency of As (v) decreased above pH 6 and comparably As (iii) removal efficiency against pH variation demonstrated consistent pattern. The experimental results suggest that the adsorption generally depended on the surface area of the adsorbent and adsorption isotherm results were best fitted with Langmuir model. Further, the maximum adsorption capacity of As (iii) was greater than As (v). The decrease of arsenate removal efficiency in alkaline pH can be explained by the formation of colloids. As for the conclusion, this study demonstrated that Magnetite coated sand could be an effective media for Arsenic removal from water in a fixed bed reactor.
Assesment of Heavy Minerals in Stream sediments of Wellawaya Area
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Chathurangani, A.S.M.
The study of heavy minerals placer deposits of the stream sediments in Wellawaya in Uva province in Sri Lanka at boundary of Highland Vijayan complexes was carried out; the surface sediment samples from ten locations of different tributaries along the kirindi oya are collected. The main framework of this research is to study the identification of various type of heavy minerals in stream sediments in Wellawaya and analyze grain size distribution in stream profile. The heavy mineral analysis involved separation of sand grains into different sizes; density separation of heavy minerals using heavy liquid, and magnetic separations and identify types of each mineral using transmitted light microscope. Results show that the sediments with 0.125mm grain size dominate in all the samples. Studying stream profile is involved measuring weight of each sieve fractions and they analyze using graphs. Identified heavy minerals in sample locations are Ilmenite, Rutile, Garnet, Sillimanite, Zircone, Monozite, Hornblende, Magnetite, Biotite, Muscovite, and Limonite. Magnetic, Physical, and optical properties of minerals are used to identify types of heavy minerals. There are six stream layers and two of them are gravel layers while others are poorly sorted.
An Assessment of Economic Heavy Minerals Associated with Gem Bearing Gravel Layers in Kiriella Division
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Perera, S.H.K.
Although Sri Lanka is world famous for its abundance of gem minerals, a scientific study on other economically important minerals associated with gem bearing sediments has not been conducted. During the gravel washing, the sediments which have the grain size higher than around 2 mm remain in the panning bucket, while rest finer portion fills into the panning pit. This study was focused on assessment of economic minerals associated with Kalu Ganga gem bearing sediments in Kiriella Division, Ratnapura. The wash dirt which represents the gem bearing layer was used for the assessment. In order to determine the economically important heavy minerals present in the wash dirt and the relationship between the grain size and the heavy mineral content, selected grain size fractions of wash dirt (1 mm +500 p,m), (-500 pm +250 pm), (-250 pm +125 pm) and (-125 i_tm +75 pm) were undertaken for heavy mineral separation by magnetic separation and bromoform separation. Petrographic microscope analysis reveals that the wash dirt is essentially composed of ilmanite, garnet, zircon, magnetite, spinel, and sillimanite, with trace amount of rutile, pyrite, monazite and corundum. Statistical analysis of data reveals that the panned gem bearing gravel layer contained 31.58% of average magnetic heavy minerals and non¬magnetic heavy minerals, and have an inverse relationship between the grain size and the weight percentage of heavy minerals. As well as the weight percentage of the magnetic heavy minerals increases as the grain size decreases, the weight percentage of non-magnetic heavy minerals is decreasing, as the grain size is decreasing, and the total heavy mineral (magnetic heavies and non-magnetic heavies) weight percentage is increasing while the grain size is decreasing. The highest heavy mineral accumulation is in the northern part of the study area with a decreasing trend from high-elevated area to low. The observed variation in the distribution of heavy minerals in the study area and the roundness of the grains showed that the sediments have been transported from a same source at high-elevated area. It was showed that wash dirt does not have the required "Concentration Factor" and grade to mine them economically. Therefore, the economical feasibility for extraction of heavies from wash dirt is not much effective.
Biocoagulation and its Potential Applications for Graphite Bioprocessing
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Jayarathna, S.P.B.L.
The technical relevant sorting processes like density, magnetic or electrical separation and flotation, require a narrow particle-size range for a sufficient selectivity in order to eliminate overlapping effects. Since the rapid decrease of the mass forces and increase of the surface energetic state with decreasing particle size the well-known sorting processes are not applicable to an effective separation of particle sizes smaller than 10 mm. Flotation cell is common in Graphite industry to upgrade its carbon grade and it used to upgrade over 80 % Graphite in Sri Lanka. Pyrite is a major impurity in Sri Lankan Graphite and it remove as lumps with graphite. Three fungi were isolated from Bogola graphite mine and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used to biocoagulation process. Isolated fungi were named as Fl, F2 and F3. Ash content was analyzed to determine the carbon grade of graphite. Furthermore, biocoagulation was tested to 40 pm, 56 p,m and 72 pm particle sizes. All three fungi Fl, F2 and F3 were given over 99% carbon recovery grades. Among them, highest carbon recovery grade obtained from F1 fungus. The efficiency of biocoagulation decrease with the increment of particle size and maximum coagulation was observed in 40 pm. Key Words: Graphite, Biocoagulation, Fungi
The Biological Treatment for Color Removal of Distillery Effluent
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Dilini, L.M.L.
Distillery effluents should treat before disposal into the environment.Spent wash is the major polluting waste of distillery industry.These effuents may cause severe soil and water pollution, specially in aquatic environments. It reduces the sunlight penetration causing decreased photosynthetic activities. Various studies have been carried out on removing these effluents from the water bodies, using physical and chemical methods. But these methods are very hard,could be very expensive and could be destructive to the environment. In this study we used biological method to remove these effluents from aquatic systems which is more economical and environmentally friendly. In this study we planned to remove the colour by using five polyporus fungal species that is commonly found inMatara area. Basidiomycetes decomposing fungi has exhibited extensive bioremediation activities that are mainly based upon their capabilities to produce one or more extracellular lignin-modifying enzymes which have thepotential to decolorize distillery effluent.In this study over the fivepolypores fungal species were collected and cultured. The absorbance was mesuared for seven days, after 5 days incubation period. Results revealed that most of fungal species were removed up to 50% of color.The most efficient color reducing fungal species was fungal "C" (Lenzites botulin). Key words: Polyporusfungal, spread plate; streak plate, ligninolitic enzymes, liquid broth
Characterization of in-situ Corundum Occurrences in Sri Lanka: A case study from Badalkumbura, Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) Chathuranga, H.P.G.
Gem deposits can be categorized as primary or in-situ deposits and secondary or sedimentary deposits. All Sri Lankan gem deposits are belonged to one of these gem deposit types. The primary gem deposits are metamorphic deposits and magmatic deposits (Chandrajith & Dissanayake, 2010). According to the Dahanayake et al, 1980 there are three major secondary gem deposit types recognized as alluvial, eluvial and residual in our country. This research is carried out to study the corundum mineralization and to identify primary and secondary deposits in the Badalkumbura area. Primary and secondary samples were collected from Badalkumbura area. petrologcal analysis were carried out using primary fresh rock sample and XRF analysis were done for geochemical analysis of residual soil samples.' Sedimentlogical analyses were carried out for river sediments. Corundum mineral were identified in thin section during the petrological analysis of primary rock samples. According to XRF analysis results A1203 was identified and Ti, Fe were identified as trace element. According to analysis secondary, residual and rock samples the major sources for the gem mineralisation are garnet-sillimanite—graphite-gneiss (khondalite) and skarns. Weathering of source rocks and transportation though the tributaries have formed the secondary gem deposits in law land areas. Further sedimentological analysis interpreted the low distance transportation of these sediments from the source.
Characterizing of Vein Quartz Occurrences in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Piumalee, W.D.H.
This research focused on suggesting a suitable and more reliable model for vein quartz occurrence along Highland/Vijayan (H/V) boundary. Detailed studies that were conducted by the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau at well known vein quartz occurrences along the H/V boundary; Mahagama, Randeniya and Ilukipalessa were considered for this study. Based on geological, textural and mineralogical data suggest of Randeniya that quartz veins bear evidence of single stage crystallization. Randeniya field observations are exhibits fast cooling history which can be occurred due to high temperature disparity of country rock and hot aqueous solution. In many instances, vein quartz ridges are mainly associated with part of outer calc-gneissic rim clearly visible in these locations. Vein quartz occur as narrow concordant or discordant bodies as dykes, lenses, pods and veins in high-grade metamorphic rocks. In sense of geology extension of the vein quartz ridges are almost aligned to the strike direction of the regional geology. Field observations reveals that cross-cutting field relationship of large vein quartz deposits is hardly visible in Randeniya. The flat nature of the 1-D resistivity curve over 1000f1m resistivity range is an indicative for subsurface extension of vein quartz occurrences. Two- D image profiling are used for interpret lateral extension of quartz. In order to most reliably assess the subsurface vertical extension of vein quartz core drilling was necessary for quantitative (depth of extension). Dissimilarities of mode of the occurrence , cooling history and characterizing changes of vein quartz in Central Highland and H/V boundary is clearly distinguish to achieve a clue. Existing most acceptable model of vein quartz occurrence suggested pegmatitic origin, where quartz may have been separated from the hydrothermal solution at later stages of crystallization from magma. According to above explanation suggesting the presence of a root for each and every sporadic vein quartz occurrence is very improbable when the lateral extent of the studied deposits is taken in to consideration. This study and other previous studies on vein quartz lead to the conclusion that the subsurface extension of vein quartz is very limited although the main occurrence is balk in appearance.
Chemical Removal of Fluoride from Drinking Water Using Gypsum
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Kumari, K.E.D.K.W.
An excess amounts of fluoride in drinking water cause detrimental health effects such as dental and skeletal flurosis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the maximum acceptable concentration of fluoride in drinking water is 1.5 mg/L. According to Sri Lanka Standard desirable and permissible levels of fluoride are 0.6 mg/L and 1.5 mg/L respectively. In tropical countries like Sri Lanka, the lowering of the fluoride regulatory limits in drinking water is required due to high consumption of water by the people living in these regions. Therefore excess fluoride in drinking water must be removed to the permissible level. There are several techniques available to remove excess fluoride from drinking water based on adsorption, precipitation, ion exchange, membrane separation. Most of these methods are highly specialized and cost intensive in that they cannot be implemented successfully at community level. In this research fluoride removal ability was investigated using gypsum based on precipitate common ion effects. Gypsum was separated in to different particle sizes (mesh sizes: 500 j.im, 250 1.1m, 125 63 i.n). The definite (10 ppm) fluoride solutions were prepared and study the fluoride removal ability of the gypsum under different particle size, pH levels and variation of the dose. The residual fluoride concentration is decreased with the particle size of the gypsum and the maximum fluoride removal is obtained the gypsum particles which have diameter below 63 gm. The pH for maximum removal of fluoride was around 8. The residual fluoride concentration in solution decreased with the addition of gypsum. When gypsum content is in excess, the residual fluoride concentration has decreased showing an optimal value at 2.50 g gypsum. Gypsum can be used to mitigate fluoride in drinking water. The particle size effect on fluoride removal efficiency was accounted for to increase in specific surface area.
Delineate Vein Quartz and Bedrock with the aid of 2D Resistivity Technique Compared with Ground Truths
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Zufra, M.H.
Sri Lanka consists of four major lithotectonic divisions. And nine-tenths of the island is underlain by Precambrian crystalline rocks, the rest being made up mainly of Miocene Limestone and Quaternary deposits along the north-western and northern regions. Principally, mineral resources are highly confined to the Highland/Vijayan boundary zone. One of the main mineral resources along this zone is vein quartz, predominantly south and southeastern part of the island. Mahagama and Randeniya are two major occurrences which were investigated in detail including 1D resistivity survey and 2D resistivity profiling by the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB). Generally vein quartz boulders are confined to elongated ridges along strike direction displaying a weather resist nature. Both the vein quartz and bedrock resistivity values are in the same dynamic range and advanced processing techniques have to be identified to screen out vein quartz from the bedrock. The field survey was performed using ABEM Terameter (300-c SAS) and AGI (Advanced Geosciences, Inc.) Mini-sting system. The terrain condition only permits to perform resistivity soundings and profiles parallel to the ridges. 1D data was processed using Resist freeware package while maintaining RMS (Root Mean Square) error below 5%. 2D data was processed via EarthImager licensed software by introducing terrain files to compensate terrain undulations and applying resistivity ranges 100m-3000K2m and 250m-30000m for Mahagama and Randeniya respectively. 2D resistivity sections obtained from various profiles in the area reveal that quartz has high resistivity range with differential weathering and bedrock corresponds for the similar resistivity range with concentric weathering. Therefore, it clearly defines the sharp contact between the vein quartz and the bedrock with different weathering patterns as the key to delineate the two entities.
Designing Prototype Portable Particle Size Separator for Pure Ilmenite Separation
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Rusiyanthan, S.
Designing prototype portable particle size separator for pure ilmenite (FeTiO3) particle size separation is giving a good phenomenon to further know about particle size distribution and their elementary analysis. Ilmenite has magnetic property that can be feasible to separate the ilmenite due to percentage of Fe2+ percentage on each particle. Separator design has several adjustments for best performance and concentration was analyzed to know success of this research. Sri Lanka has huge beach sands deposit including high amount of ilmenite which are spread over eastern costal of Sri Lanka specially pulmoddai and there is a plant which does ilmeinte separation ,the product of separation export as bulk without any valuation but foreign countries are using ilmenite for nono technology, abrasive purpose and synthetic process, those technologies based on particle size of ilmenite there for perfect analysis of particles based on elementary distribution gives value addition process of ilmenite. When Ilmenite grade is low separator can upgrade the ilmenite also, therefore portable particle size separator can feasible for particle size analysis of ilmenite. Particle size separator outlook is rectangular box shape and in front side of the design has all processing apparatus which are primary coil, secondary coil, feed hopper, conveyor belt, chutes, splitter and switches but inside of this instrument has designed with all circuits, transformer and gear system with motor and bridge circuit. Each apparatus was fixed with systematically for proper separation, after designing Ilmenite was fed through feed hopper and conveyor belt toward the separation point where primary and secondary coils are fixed. Due selective magnetic flux, particle size separation was occurred and concentrate and tailing were dropped into separate bins through chutes. Selective flux rate was changed by current regulator for each deferent particle size distribution output because each ilmenite particle has different amount of Fe2+ which concern by selective magnetic flux density to capture the particles.In low current passage, flux density is low therefor particle size distribution has lot of large grains with low ilmenite grade but when increase the flux density particle size distribution has low amount of large grain and medium size grains with high amount of small particles and distribution can be contained high amount of titanium ion. This separator has high efficiency but recovery is low, to increase the recovery rate feasible magnetic coils are needed.
Detection and Identification of Bacteriological Contamination and Some Heavymetals (Fe, Mn & Zn) Contamination of Groundwater in Gurunagar Area, Jaffna Peninsula
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Sriskantharaja, A.
Jaffna Peninsula is mainly depends on groundwater sources because other fresh water sources are not available. Groundwater contaminated with microbiological and heavy metals constituents can cause a variety of water related diseases. Groundwater intended for human consumption should be safe, palatable and aesthetically pleasing. Coliform group has been extensively used as an indicator of drinking water quality and historically led to the public health protection concept. The aim of the present study were carried out to determination and identification of bacterial species of groundwater and to determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn) in groundwater at gurunagar located in Jaffna compare the results with guidelines from WHO. Seventeen sampling points were collected from different places in Gurunagar area. Sixty one Water samples were collected from these sampling points. Most Probable Number (MPN) method has been currently used for assessment of the microbiological quality of drinking water. Bacterial identification was carried out using biochemical tests. Water samples were analyzed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy for their heavy metals concentration. A total of bacterial species: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, Salmonella, Shigella and Enterobacter were identified form groundwater samples. The bacteria belonging to the family enterobacteriaceae (coliforms) showed the maximum occurrences in water samples. The high total coliforms count 2400 MPN index/100 ml in groundwater samples. Different selective media like Eosine Methylene Blue (EMB) and MacConkey were used to isolate bacteria rather than one increased the chances of successful isolation/identification. The identified bacteria were reconfirmed through the use of biochemical (IMViC) tests made for this purpose. The average abundance order of trace element contents in groundwater samples are: Fe > Mn > Zn, respectively. The maximum determined concentrations of Fe, Mn and Zn are 0.0339, 0.0100 and 0.0017 mg/l.
Determination of Heavy Metal Speciation in Kandy Lake and Surrounding Water Resources
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) Vinayahamuththurasa, S.
These days chronic toxicity of heavy metals is becoming potential impact on human as well as the aquatic animal. To get the clear understanding of chronic toxicity it is important to study the metal speciation as its divalent ion can be present as a variety of aqueous species, including the free cation, inorganic or organic complexes. So aim of this study was to determine the metal speciation in Kandy Lake and some near water ways around the Lake in order to predict the chronic toxicity for the aquatic organisms as they are more sensitive for elevated concentration of metal. The work was done through the geochemical model called Visual MINTEQ 3.0. The results of this study were shown that metal speciation depends on various factor such as pH, dissolved organic matter and total metal concentration. High pH would reduce the bioavailability of heavy metal. Inorganic and organic complexes would also decrease bioavailability of metal at high pH. 0.5n/1 Cd was found only in intake water for water purification plant and also it showed high Zn concentration as 1776.6 µg/l. It was found that particular point called intake water for water purification plant may have chronic toxicity of metals such as Zn" 1546.4 [tg/1 and Cd" 0.46 p,g/l. So it may be harmful to aquatic organisms such as Rainbow trout and green alga as their toxic exposure for Zinc was identified as 110-1970 pg/L and 26-1630 vtg/L respectively, while Pb, Ni, Cu have significant level. The Kandy Lake and outgoing canals did not show any chronic toxicity. Inlets showed averagely 0.4[ig/1 0.0714/1 Cu" and 6.1p,g/1 Zn". Kandy Lake showed averagely 0.2[1g/1 Ni", 0.005[1g/1 Cu" and 1.4[1g/1 Zn2+ while outgoing canal showed averagely 0.511g/1 0.08m/1 Cu" and 5.6pg/1 Zn'. At this Moment no any chronic toxicity in lake, canal and river except the point called intake water for water purification plant.
Determination of the Most Effective Size of Moving Beds for "Mbbr" System
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) Bandara, H.W.M.N.
MBBR is Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor. This is the modern technology of waste water treatment in world. This biological process is used for waste water treatment both municipally and industrially for BOD removal, nitrification and de-nitrification. MBBR consists of a tank with submerged but floating plastic (usually HDPE, polyethylene, polypropylene) media having specific gravity less than 1.0. The large surface area of the plastics provide abundant surface for bacterial growth. Biomass grows on the surface as a thin film whose thickness usually varies between 50-300 microns. Medium or coarse bubble diffusers uniformly placed at the bottom of the reactor maintains a dissolved oxygen concentration higher than the 2.5-3 mg/L for BOD removal. Higher DO concentration is maintained for nitrification. To retain the media flowing out of the tank, screens are placed on the downstream walls. A clarifier or a DAF is placed downstream of the MBBR tank to separate the biomass and the solids from the waste water. Sludge recycle is not required for this process. There are several sizes of moving bed. These sizes are indicated as PE01, PE02, PE03, PE04, PEO5 etc. This research is done for determination of the most effective size of moving bed for reducing COD in dye waste water.

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