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Item 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, SARIMAItem Removal of Cu (Ii) Ions from Industrial Waste Water Using Low Cost Biosorbent Prepared from Jackfruit (Artocarpus Heterophyllus) Leaf Powder(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) Swarnamali, V.M.R.The presence of heavy metals in industrial waste water has become a major concern of environmental pollution. In recent years, various technologies for heavy metal removal from industrial wastewater have been developed. In this regard, adsorption of heavy metals on solid surfaces has gained a growing interest. Activated carbon is widely used to adsorb heavy metal ions, but the high cost of activated carbon restricts its use in developing countries. As a result, the process of heavy metal removal by adsorption has diverted to the use of lower cost adsorbents. The main objective of this study is to investigate the efficiency of Cu (II) ion removal from wastewater by using jackfruit leaf powder (JLP) and chemically modified .JLP. It is much suitable to use JLP as a biosorbent because of its abundant availability without any commercial value and the ability to be disposed after the use without need for expensive regeneration. Batch adsorption technique was utilized for the removal of Cu (II) ions in aqueous solution by JLP under different experimental conditions. The effect of various process parameters including _biosorbent dose, contact time, pH, particle size and various initial copper concentration were investigated and optimized. Maximum sorption for copper was reached at pH 5. The efficiency of adsorbent for copper removal was 98.8% for dilute solutions at 1g/50m1 adsorbent dose. Equilibrium data were successfully fitted to the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity onto JLP was found to be 48.85mg/g for Cu. JLP was treated using HNO3 acid to chemically modify its surface. The adsorption efficiencies of untreated JLP and HNO3 treated JLP were compared. Treatment using HNO3 has slightly increased the Cu ion removal efficiency of the adsorbent. The results confirm that untreated JLP is a promising biosorbent for the removal of Cu (II) due to its high efficiency, economic feasibility and simplicity of preparation. Keywords: Industrial wastewater, Jackfruit leaf powder, Batch adsorption technique, Adsorption, Biosorbent.Item 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.Item Investigating the Presence of Heavy Metals in Chunnakam and Areas Around Due to the Contamination of Oil Leaked from Chunnakam Power Plant(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) Ehanthan, G.The Jaffna Peninsula, is situated within the dry zone in Sri Lanka,and it is underlain by miocene limestone that is considered to have appropriate aquifer properties for groundwater storage and discharge. Among the four aquifer systems in Jaffna, chunnakam consists of high capacity and acceptable quality for drinking, agriculture and also being supplied for other water scarcity areas.The consequences of contaminated ground water or degraded surface water are often serious.During the period of 2009 improper disposal of oil directly to the ground was observed which threatened the quality of water and environment. Disposed waste oil in landfills or dumped on the ground had the possibility of seeping into groundwater contaminating wells or surface waters. The objective of the research was to identify the levels of contamination of toxic chemicals in well as a follow up to the research conducted in 2016.Waste oil contamination data were collected through questionnaires and a sample of 46 wells were selected for analysis. The water quality of these wells was analyzed for pH, EC,Oil & Grease and heavy metals in water and soil samples. According to the study of wells in this area 52.17% are having the oil contamination where the concentration values are greater than maximum permissible level of oil and grease in the drinking water (SLS 614, 2013) with higher oil level than the standard while no wells were not contaminated by oil or grease. As per the heavy metal analysis done in water samples, results showed contamination present in Cd", Pb" .With reference to the SLS 614 (2013) standards for drinking water from wells, these results have shown the presence of heavy metals more than maximum permissible level, and also Cu2+ ,Zn2+ ,Fe2+ contamination results were under the permissible level.Pb and Cd are the causative ions for the water pollution and Zn,Fe,Cu does not cause any pollution to the water according to the study. As per the heavy metal analysis done in soil samples, results showed contamination present in Cd",Pb" ,Fe" with reference to the SLS 614 (2013) standards for drinking water from wells, these results have shown the presence of heavy metals more than maximum permissible level, and also Cu' ,Zn" contamination results were under the permissible level. Most of the heavy metals cause for the pollution in the study areaItem Potential Fertilizer Application of Waste Mica from Feldspar Mining Sites in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) Dayarathna, U.K.I.Pegmatite mine which have been mined for feldspars contain higher value of biotite as accessory minerals. Biotite has been considering as waste materials and dump in nearby site. This resulted several environmental impacts. Therefore, the percent work aims to study the leaching pattern of element from biotite under different biochemical environment to use them as source of fertilizer. Deferent proportions of biotite (<125gm) were mixed with organic matter, surface soil, water and 2% citric acid. The mixtures were kept under controlled moisture and pH conditions. The water soluble ionic concentrations of different mixtures were measured and their variations with time were studied. Results showed that the releases of ions are highly heterogeneous in all samples. Biotite releases high concentration ions under wet acidic condition. Biotite released considerable concentrations of K, Fe, Na, Mg and Mn ions as fertilizer according to reference levels. Keywords: Chemical fertilizer, Organic fertilizer, Biotite, Soil nutrients.Item 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.Item A Study of the Effect of Crude Oil on the Rate of Corrosion and the Properties of Selected Ferrous Metals(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) Aluvihara, W.B.W.M.R.G.S.In the industry of crude oil refining, can be found wide range of applications of ferrous metals such as in the storage and transportation. The corrosion is a kind of major problem faced in the usage of such ferrous metals. The formation of the oxides, sulfides, hydroxides or the compound related to the carboxylic group on the surface of metal due to the chemical reaction between metals and surrounding are known as the corrosion which is highly depended on the sulfur content, salt content, mercaptans content and the acidity of crude oil as well as the chemical composition of ferrous metals. In the current research it was expected to investigate the effect of Murban and Das blend crude oils on the rate of corrosion of seven different ferrous metals which are used in the crude oil refining industry and also expected to investigate the change in hardness of each metal due to the corrosion. The sulfur content, acidity and salt content of each crude oil were determined. A series of similar pieces of seven different types of ferrous metals were immersed in each crude oil separately for 15, 30 and 45 days. Their rate of corrosion was determined by using their relative weight loss after these time periods. The corroded metal surfaces were observed under the microscope. The hardness of each metal piece was tested before the immersion in crude oil and after the corrosion with the aid of Vicker's hardness tester. It was found that Das blend crude oil contains higher sulfur content and acidity than Murban crude oil. Carbon steel metal pieces show the highest corrosion rates whereas the stainless steel metal pieces show the least corrosion rates in both crude oils. The mild steel piece and the Monel piece show relatively intermediate corrosion rates compared to the other types of ferrous metal pieces in both crude oils. It can be observed that there is a slight decrease in hardness of all the ferrous metal pieces due to corrosion. The corrosion rates of ferrous metals are varied with the properties of crude oils such as sulfur content, acidity and the amount of mercaptans present. Finally the relevant metallic concentration of each crude oil sample was tested using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). According to those results significant Fe and Cu concentrations were observed from some of crude oil samples.Item Optimize the efficiency of raw material grinding through variation of size ratio of grinding media in ball mills(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) Appuhamy, G.K.D.M.K.Sri Lanka is rich in minerals, such as kaolin, ball clay, feldspar, silica quartz and dolomite, which are used in the manufacture of ceramic products. Using of modern manufacturing techniques and quality assurance methods allow for efficient and cost effective production. The ceramic industry consumes much energy. It is also noted for great percentage of the energy cost in the total production cost. Besides of kiln systems and other energy consuming manufacturing processes, optimizing the energy of ball mill grinding helps to an efficient product. The ball mill grinding in ceramics are classified mainly as plastic and non plastic material grinding. Plastic ceramic raw materials are any clay material that reveals a property called plasticity when mixed with water. Plastic raw materials include kaolin, clay and Bentonite. Non-plastics include minerals that not plastic when mixed with water such as feldspar, quartz, limestone, dolomite, talc. For the fine and efficient grinding, there are several grinding parameters that have to be considered. The material type, the input sizes, specific gravity, hardness, plasticity and the quantity of material are some of them with relevant to the material that ground. As parameters of milling, the ball mill volume(contacting area), filling ratios, inside liner, rotation speed, the grinding media; grinding media ingredient, hardness, the input size ratio can be consider here . The water quantity also effects to this grinding due to the wet grinding process requirement of ceramic slurry. Grinding media size ratio of ball mill is the parameter that choosed, for change the grinding time to obtain the required particle size. Study through a small scale ball mill, two hour save from plastic materials and twelve hour save from non-plastic material were resulted using 1% of large pebbles and 79% of small pebbles. At initial time large size pebbles affect much more than medium and small sizes. After crush into the next size portion by large size pebbles, the medium sizes effect to milling process, via impact rotation motions. Small size pebbles influence at last to reduce the particle size. Depend on test ball mill results, a small quantity of large pebbles and high quantity of small pebbles is the requirement for an efficient and fine ceramic grinding. Due to the plasticity property of clay materials, continuous increment of small size pebble fraction is not fruitful. After obtaining the required particle size, only mixing is take place and sizes of pebbles are not much influence to reduce the grinding time.Item Heavy Metals and Trace Element Distribution in Groundwater Around Eppawala Apatite Deposit(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) Wickramasinghe, P.C.B.Sri Lanka phosphate was discovered at Eppawala which is situated in north central province along the Kekirawa —Thalawa Road, about 240Km from Colombo. The deposit is estimated to occupy an area of 7 Km2. Mineralogically, the phosphate rocks have different origins and chemical and physical properties. The principal phosphate minerals in them are the apatite (Ca phosphates). Chemically, a pure fluor-apatite would contain 42% P205 while francolite, another mineral found in phosphate rocks has 34% P205. Chemical composition of the Sri Lankan appatite is [Ca5(PO4)3(F, Cl, OH)]. Mainly F concentration is higher than other Cl & OH anions. Apatite rocks by their very geological and mineralogical nature contain a host of environmentally hazardous chemical elements such as Cd, Pb, Hg, U, Cr, As, Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, Al, Zn, Ba, Be, Li, Rb, Sr and among others. Those elements leaching to ground water due to weathering, it may case to health deses. Nonetheless not sufficient study has been conducted on heavy metals and trace elements contamination of drinking water of the Eppawala apatite region of Sri Lanka. For this reason, due emphasis is given to the analysis of these contaminants. The main objective of this research is to determine the levels/concentration of some of the physicochemical parameters, heavy metals and trace elements (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ba, Be, Li, Rb, Sr) in drinking water in different parts of the Eppawala apatite region , to compare the values with the national and international organization( WHO) recommended drinking water standards. And distribution of heavy metals and 'trace elements around Eppawala phosphate deposits (EPD). The water sample was collected around the EPD tube well and dug wells. Sample size (60) was determined by distribution of the population around the EPD. Sample was collect in wet season and after analyze the water samples, over again 13 sample was collected in dry season and it was analyzed. Standard laboratory analyzed method and atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) was used to establish the major heavy mineral and trace elements.Item Investigation of Ground Water Quality in Colombo, Kandy and Gampaha Districts Using Inorganic Parameters(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) Karunarathne, T.K.M.D.Leaching from natural occurring deposits are the natural sources of groundwater pollution. Most concern over groundwater contamination is concentrated on pollution associated with human activities. Groundwater pollution occurs when used water is returned to the hydrological cycle. Industrial and ordinary civil activities cause negative effects on environment. Investigations on groundwater are essential for the effective management of the resource including groundwater policy development and planning, water management operations, project planning, public awareness. Colombo, Kandy, Gampaha are mainly urbanized industrial cities. Also high density of population can be seen in Colombo, Gampaha, Kandy districts. Therefore residential wastewater systems can be a source of many categories of contaminants. These can contaminate the soil and leach into the groundwater. Water sampling was carried out randomly from seventy five dug wells from three districts. Selected districts were Colombo, Kandy and Gampaha districts. Water samples were analyzed to check inorganic water quality parameters and physical parameters Jon concentrations and heavy metal concentrations were analyzed as inorganic water quality parameters. Distribution maps were drawn using Arc GIS software to identify the ranges of contamination at sampling locations independently. Correlations between contaminants were built using Minitab software. The results indicated that Ammonium and Nitrate pollution is higher in both Gampaha and Colombo districts. Average pH level also cross the safe Sri Lankan Standards and WHO permissible level in Colombo and Gampaha. Average Ammonium contamination level is higher in Kandy also. Heavy metal contamination in ground water is not in a risky level in all the three districts. As the conclusion overall Groundwater quality is good in almost all the sampling locations except few places. But the overall value for Nitrate, Ammonium contamination may be increased in future in these highly urbanized three districts. Remedy should be suggested for the issue of higher pollution of Nitrate and Ammonium.Item Groundwater Contamination Around Paddy Terraces in Badulla; Special Focus on Nutrients and Tracer Element Mobility(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) Wijenayaka, W.N.C.Groundwater can become contaminated when rain water or surface water contact with contaminated soil while infiltrated into the ground and can also contaminated when fertilizer/pesticide soak down through the soil or rock into groundwater. Nutrient and tracer element mobility and magnitude of groundwater contamination due to pesticide/fertilizer use in paddy terrace in Badulla, Sri Lanka was studied during January to May 2014. The study area is located in latitude and longitude of 6.98°, 81.05° and paddy terraces are in Rabukpotha area. Forty water samples were collected both well and surface waters from each two different stages of paddy cultivation, such as before cultivation and after fertization. Eighty water samples were analyzed for 24 chemical parameters (temperature, pH, Eh, turbidity, NO3, POi- , , CO1- , HCO3, Cl-, NH4, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Fe, Rb, Li, Sr, Cs). The average pH, turbidity conductivity and ORP were present 7.5, 4.47, 0.90 and -22.80 respectively. The water was under reducing environment in several locations. The results could be concluded that the application of N, P, K fertilizers in paddy terraces has a direct impact on the concentration of elements in groundwater. Excessive application of fertilizers to soils contributes to contamination of groundwater around paddy terraces. Some of the elements are (CL, Fe,NO3, Mn, NH 4, Zn, Sr) leach to groundwater with highly usage of artificial fertilizer. Samples which are collected from near the paddy terrace present higher nutrients and tracer elements concentration beyond others. There is significant different between before and after cultivation. With the terrace arrangement, tracer elements and nutrients are enriched in low land areas as compared with other areas. Fe and Zn have moderate positive relationship. After the cultivation, Fe concentration is higher than Zn concentration. Fe is high mobilizing than Zn. Higher Cu concentration is found after cultivation. Cu is leached slightly faster than Zn.Item Study of effect of structural varieties of Sri Lankan vein graphite on synthesis and properties of graphene oxide.(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) Weerasinghe, G.G.A.P.Sri Lanka is a rich country with graphite. Basically two types of graphite exist in Sri lankan graphite deposits namely vein graphite and flakes graphite. In terms of relative amount and the purity, these two types shows a considerable difference. The amount of the vein graphite is much higher than that of the flakes graphite. Purity of vein graphite is around 99% whereas the purity of flakes graphite is around 60%. Basically graphite mining is carried out at bagala and Kahatagaha mines. Those are the only operational graphite deposits being mined in Srilanka currently. Eventhough the purity level of the vein graphite is much higher, less attempts have been made to develop this graphite for new applications. Srilanka is renown as a graphite exporter as the row form. Only naturally pure graphite is extracted, crushed and exported to other countries without getting the real use of it though we have a huge potential to do something new with them. Making graphene out of natural vein graphite is such new technological approach that can be made with the development of technology. Graphene is a one atom thick layer of carbon arranged in a honeycomb lattice that forms flakes of graphite when stacked together. graphene has a unique set of properties that show potential to be used in a wide range of applications such as transistors, high-sensitivity sensors, transparent conductive films for touch screen displays, more efficient solar cells and electrodes in energy storage devices. Though there are many proposed mechanisms for making graphene, the most efficient method is used in this research which is Improved hummers method. This method is used for all the structural varieties of vein graphite and the behaviors of graphene obtained from each variety is analyzed using FTIR analysys, XRD analysis.Further more electrical conductivity is also analyzed. Key words — Vein graphite, Graphite Oxide ,Graphene, Nano technologyItem Relating Climatic Parameters with Leachate Chemistry and its Association with River Water Quality(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) Weerakoon, W.M.D.S.K.Increased solid waste generation due to rapid urbanization and industrialization is a major problem in the world (Golomeova et al. 2013).Landfilling is the most common disposal method of municipal solid waste (MSW) in developing countries, even though majority of these landfills are not properly managed, and pose a serious threat to the environment due to leachate run-off which contaminates the nearby ground water and surface water bodies (Kjeldsen 1993). The solid waste dumping operation in the Kandy area is canyon method, where a suitable canyon (depression) has been filled with dumped waste (Werellegama & Samarakoon 2007) without taking any measures to prevent or minimize hazards arising from dumped waste. Hence this study was carried out concentrating on the impact of climatic parameters on leachate quality and its association with the river Mahaweli water quality which has not yet been further studied Landfill leachate ,river water samples and ground water samples were collected from the leachate drain of the Gohagoda landfill, four locations along the Mahaweli river- two upstream and two downstream points from where leachate drain to the river and from two wells within the landfill. Weekly sampling was carried out for a period of two months and sample preservation, storage and analysis were performed according to Standard Methods (APHA, 1999). Daily temperature and rainfall data were collected from Horticultural Crop Research and Development Institute (HORDI) Gannoruwa and the statistical computations were performed with MINITAB version 17.0. The concentration of Gohagoda landfill leachate components in the primary leachate were higher than CEA standard values and most of these parameters were similar to the past studies. According to the results obtained from the Pearson correlation Analysis and the ANOVA table, no significant impact on Mahaweli river water was caused by the Gohagoda leachate and this is most probably based on the dilution.Few of the leachate parameters were effected from the temperature and rainfall, yet a comprehensive study should be carried out encountering all other climatic parameters(wind pattern, solar radiation)in order to develop a broader view.Item Trace Element Mobility in Ground Water Aound Gem Pits(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) Vimalarathne, C.V.In relation to its surface area, Sri Lanka could be considered as having gem-bearing areas with the highest concentration of gem deposits in the world. Gem mining in Sri Lanka is still based on 'hearsay' methods. The application of modern scientific methods to gem exploration is a national requirement. Vast areas of land still remain unexplored for gem deposits. The study was directed towards development of a geochemical and statistical method to investigate gem gravels and potential areas by water chemistry analyzing. Maudella and Dela, two well-known gem potential areas were selected as test areas and 40 well samples from particular area were used for this purpose. Geochemical differences and relationships in water samples from areas having a potential to bear gems were successfully identified by a statistical method. In earlier studies the Rb/Sr ratio of stream sediments was used to delineate gem bearing areas. Rb/Sr ratios and element distribution patterns of particular water samples were compared with those earlier studies and both results delineate the same pattern of Rb-Sr ratio. Instead of earlier studies Mg and Fe shows significant relationships with other elements due to weathering of Ferro magnesium minerals in particular area. Therefor tracer element mobility in ground water around gem pits is possible to use as a prognostication method of gems, with low cost.Item Purification of Surface Graphite from Passyala, Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) Somarathna, R.M.U.M.Flake graphite is the geologically most common variety of natural graphite. Surface graphite (flake graphite) deposits occur at South Western region of Sri Lanka. Even though there are various studies on Sri Lankan vein graphite, limited attention was drawn to study the surface graphite deposits in Sri Lanka. Present research was aimed to study the purification of flake graphite by using both chemical and physical purification techniques. Flake graphite samples were collected from two abandoned mines in Pasyala area (Kaluaggala -Katawalla watta and Wawehena area). Particle size was reduced by using hammer and they were powdered using disk mill. Powdered graphite samples were sieved and purified using froth flotation. Samples were chemically purified using alkali roasting method. Series of NaOH was used. Carbon content of the purified samples was calculated. Electrical conductivity was measured (in room temperature) using Four- Probe DC electrical conductivity method. XRD and FTIR spectra were taken to study the structure of the graphite samples. Final purity seems to be strongly depended on the initial purity. After single froth flotation, purity was increased in a high percentage. Sample with lower initial purity have obtained the maximum purity at relatively high NaOH concentrations. Electrical conductivity values after the froth flotation are relatively high for graphite. Final electrical conductivity values are relatively lower. Removal of impurities which influenced the electrical conductivity can be the reason for these results. It can be conclude that it is possible to purify low grade surface graphite (flake graphite) to obtain high purity graphite (97.98% C) using these method. Froth flotation method can be used to achieve a significant purity enhancement level. Key words — froth flotation, alkali roasting, conductivity, Surface graphiteItem 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.Item Solubility Enhancement of Eppawala Rock Phosphate Through Bioleaching(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) Senevirathna, T.C.Plants acquire phosphorus from soil solution as phosphate anion. It is the least mobile element in plant and soil contrary to other macronutrients. It precipitates in soil as orthophosphate or is adsorbed by Fe and Al oxides through legend exchange. Microorganisms have been active in the formation and decomposition of minerals in the earth's crust since soon after life on earth began. Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria play role in phosphorus nutrition by enhancing its availability to plants through release from inorganic and organic soil P pools by solubilization and mineralization. Principal mechanism in soil for mineral phosphate solubilization is lowering of soil pH by microbial production of organic acids and mineralization of organic P by acid phosphatases. In the present study two bacteria strains isolated from Eppawala Rock Phosphate (ERP) deposit and apply them for the ERP and HERP. The test of the relative efficiency of isolated strains is carried out by selecting the microorganisms which are capable of producing a halo/clear zone on PVK agar plate due to the production of organic acids into the surrounding medium. Out of four fungi and four bacteria two were selected as Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganisms (PSM). They were named as B1 and B2. According to the UV spectrophotometer results, B2 bacteria perform on HERP than B1 bacteria. B1 did not show any significant P solubilizing ability on ERP. But the B2 showed significant P content increment on ERP. When the P solubilizing abilities were compared between. ERP and HERP, B1 was the best candidate in the HERP containing PVK medium whereas the performance of B2 was the best in ERP, containing PVK medium. pH changing is almost similar in all the test samples. This result supports that the organic acid production by the secretion of microorganisms not the only reason for the P solubilization. It is influence with several other mechanisms like, the presence of interference by metal complexes in apatite to the process or growth of the organisms by impurities. Both CE controller sample and CH Controller samples P solubilizing rate is considerably lower than the other samples. That emphasis the microorganisms are directly contribute to increase the P solubilizing rate.Item Determine the Presence of Gold and its distribution in Upper Nilwala River Basin, Southern part of Sri Lanka.(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) Saranga, B.G.P.T.Gold (Au) is a native metal has a higher value for it. Investments made on gold prospecting are only second to oil exploration. Billions and Billions of rupees will be spent for the soil analysis done for gold prospecting. This research was carried out to find gold in upper Nilwala River and possible areas that gold can be found. In this study, distributions of indicator elements of gold were studied to identify potential gold enrichments in the upper Nilwala River Basin. 30 samples of river sediments and 10 samples of gem pit sediments were collected within upper Nilwala River Basin. These samples were prepared to carry out mineralogical analysis and XRF analysis. Then the data was interpreted find out the distribution of the gold. Within 40 gem pit samples and river sediment samples, gold was able to find in NWM-10 location by mineralogical analysis. Using XRF analysis gold was able to find in NW-2, NW-8, NWM-4, NWM-8 and NWM-10 locations. As, Pb, Co, Ni and Cu indicator elements and pyrite grains were used to identify possible areas that can find gold. According to it NW-23, NWM-2, NWM-5, NWM-6 and NWM-9 locations were identified as possible areas that we can find gold. This study reveals, gold is present in the upper Nilwala River Basin. Mainly these gold particles can be found in the gem pits so there is a higher possibility to find gold in gem pits sediments than river sediments.Item Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Gem-Bearing Alluvial Layers in the Ratnapura Gem Field, Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) Samarakoon, S.M.D.C.K.A common difficulties encountered in gem industry were poor technology when doing gem mining and poor knowledge about geology, geochemistry and mineralogy. So as a solution for these problems, a few gem bearing areas were studied in Ratnapura district according to the geochemical and mineralogical parameters. A few gem pits were studied including Ganegama and Palmadulla areas. Two gem pits of Ganegama and one gem pit of Palmadulla were studied. Sample were collected from each gem pits according to their layers. Then the samples were studied after sampling with the aid of cone and quarter method. Part of the sample was carried-out for sieve analysis. Another part was carried-out for mineralogical analysis by using Frantz separator, heavy media separation from Bromoform and microscope. And rest of sample was carried-out for XRF analysis. Through the XRF analysis, depositional environment of each gem pits were discussed and the samples were analyzed geochemically. Transportation of each gem pits were analyzed through the mobile element/immobile element ratios. Gem bearing layer of Ganegama was subjected from nearest source rock. But Pelmadulla and Ganegama New were subjected from at a distance of source rock. Transportation can identify through the microscopic analysis. (Crystal shape- perfect/euhedralhounded) Enrichment of Zr and Y is mainly due to hydro dynamical heavy mineral accumulation in the area. Gem bearing layer can identify through the particle analyzing. When coarse sand highly presented in a layer it reveals that was the gem bearing layer.Item Investigation of the Effectiveness of Upparu Salt Barrage in Jaffna Peninsula (3rd Stage)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) Rupathasan, N.Jaffna is a peninsula which is 1000 km2 of land covered by Indian Ocean by 160 kin of coastline and no location is more than 10 km away from the coast. Hence it is very much susceptible to the salt water intrusion in to the land area. The water resource mainly the underground water in Jaffna Peninsula is totally polluted due to prolonged negligence and improper management of existing barrages and the salt water intrusion was taken place due to the none- maintenance of SWE blinds. In addition to these garbage and soakage pit pollution and increased usage of fertilizer chemicals also affected the ground water. As a result, people are facing problem in getting good quality water in their wells. Due to the salt water intrusion, hundreds of acres of lands, hundreds of wells are in abandon stage. To convert the internal salt water lagoon Upparu, to fresh water lake is expected to improve the water resources of the peninsula, both in recharging the underground storage with additional surface storage and desalinating the lands fringing the lagoons and making suitable for cultivation (Shanmugarajah, 1993) and fresh water prawn farming in the banks of the lagoon. This research focus on the area from the fringe of the lagoon into the land extending for 2 km perpendicularly to evaluate the effectiveness of the barrage by delineating the salt water intrusion pattern and ground water flow pattern. Wells were selected in a profile perpendicular to the fringe of Uppu Am and Jaffna lagoon. The areas coming under study are parts of Nallur, Kopay and Chavakachcheri D.S Divisions. Electrical conductivity (EC) values and water level were measured in , situ for groundwater samples which were drawn from 78 wells in each month of January and July. Sixty shallow well samples were selected for chemical analysis out of 78 wells in which EC was measured. Water samples were analysed to determine Chloride and Sodium. EC values for groundwater in the study areas vary between 574 RS/cm and 23,470 RS/cm in wet seasons between 544 µS/cm and 22,810 µS/cm in dry seasons. Chloride values vary in between 449.8mg/L and 7,197.7 mg/L in wet seasons between 949.7 mg/L and 4,098.7 mg/L in dry seasons. Sodium values vary in between 38.3 mg/L and 802.9 mg/L in wet seasons and between 26.7 mg/L and 648.4mg/L in dry seasons. drt3 Ground water quality is comparatively high in Upparu lagoon in both seasons. According to the effectiveness of the barrage the ground water in the fringe of the lagoon will become fresh in the coming years. We are hoping that the continuation of the researches in future will provide a better result. Most of the researchers feel that the conversion of fresh water lagoons shall make very big contribution to the GWT (70%-80% of the total requirement) but the side effects of this conversion also has to be analyzed environmentally, socially and economically.