Browsing by Author "Liyanage, J.A."

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Adaptation of hydroponics technology in Matara district –Case study in Beralapanathara
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2008) Weerasinghe, K.D.N.; Abeysekara, I.K.; Chandima, H.H.; Wickramasinghe, I.; Liyanage, J.A.
Department of Agric Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna commenced an industrialization program of the Hydroponics technology developed by the Department for farmer groups in Beralapanathara along with SEEDS (Sarvodaya Economic Enterprise Development Services) and ITDG (Intermediate Technology Development Group of Sri Lanka) in 2001. Initially 10 farmers were grouped in to a company and technology was transformed to the members in the company by employing a Graduate for a period of one year, and providing necessary inputs, technology, and know how by the project. Present study was conducted from April to May in 2008 to assess the success of the program after seven years of its existence. The main objective of the study was to assess the economy of the Bell pepper and hydroponically grown Cucumber in Beralapanathara green houses. Survey results revealed that, at present total number of green houses in Beralapanathara were increased up to 16 by grouping 15 farmers. About 76.92 % of farmers have tunnel floor area over 1000 sq.ft; 23.08 % of farmers have floor area less than 1000 sq.ft. Majority of the green houses are dent shape and used the technology innovations for the construction. Bell pepper and Cucumber are the dominating vegetable crops that grown hydroponically in Beralapanathara green houses. 38.46 % of farmers grow only Bell pepper due to its high demand and high market price. Olympus, King Arther, Adino, Golden Bell and Twingo are the commonly grown Bell pepper varieties. Among them, King Arther is better adapted for the area and gives a higher yield compare to other varieties. Cucumber, variety Efdal and variety Sakura have better adoption to this area. Results revealed that, hydroponically grown Cucumber and Bell pepper in a 1000 sq.ft tunnel provides more profit compare to tea. Limiting factor for further expansion of Cucumber appears to be the transport problem, even though profit gain from Cucumber is twice that of the Bell pepper.
Adsorptive transport of chromate by suspended solids in Kelani river
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2006) Duminda, S.L.A.; Liyanage, J.A.; Weerasooriya, R.
Analysis of Drinking Water Quality Related to Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) of a Disease Prevalent Area in Polonnaruwa District
(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Perera, R.T.; Liyanage, J.A.
Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is a burning issue in the Sri Lanka over past 20 years. In those endemic areas, majority of CKDu patient’s drinking water source was well-water. According to the environmental and other collected data from the Medirigiriya where CKDu prevalent area in Polonnaruwa district and Buddangala reference area in Ampara district, both have similar environmental conditions and agricultural habits. But in endemic are high number of CKD patients have been reported and none of CKD patients have been reported in selected reference area. Hence, drinking water quality analysis was carried out in both areas. According to the hospital data obtained from the health service in north central province Ambagaswewa grama niladhari division in Medirigiriya divisional secretariat area, drinking water quality analysis was carried out. Because of highest number of reported CKD patients since 2001.Then Buddangala GN area was selected as reference site for this analysis. Thirty drinking water samples were collected from the drinking water sources of the CKD patient’s residential places in Ambagaswewa GN area and 30 drinking water samples were collected from the Buddangala area. According to the results obtained from this analysis, average Ca and Mg concentration values in both areas were not exceeded than the permissible level defined by SLS in drinking water as well as conductivity of water was also reported high in water samples. Moreover, in Ambagaswewa area, average pH value was 6.65 while Buddangala area it was reported as 7.20 average value. In addition to basic water quality parameters, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn, Mn, As, Cu, Fe, Na, K, Al, F-, SO4-2, NO3-, PO4-3 concentrations were analyzed in collected water samples with the aid of ICP-OES and Ion chromatography instruments. Before the ICP analysis, samples were filtered using nylon Sylinger filters (0.2 micro meters). According to the results, average concentration of Fluoride which suspected to be toxic to the kidney function, has exceeded the permissible levels defined by SLS in Ambagaswewa area,1.32ppm (+0.73), but in reference area those values ware not exceeded the permissible limits, 0.44ppm (+0.24). Average Cd concentration in the endemic area was 3.99 ppb (+2.87) while reference area is 0.15ppb (+0.07). (LOD of Cd-0.07). As and Pb concentrations were reported below the SLS permissible limits in both areas. Further concentrations of other species in both areas were not exceeded the permissible limits defined by SLS. According to the results, it can be reported that fluoride and Cd content in the drinking water may contribute to CKD. Finally, it concludes that drinking water quality can be a very significant reason for the prevalence of the CKDu in the endemic areas.
Assessing Nephrotoxic Heavy Metal Contamination in Reservoir Sediments: Implications for Human Health and Aquatic Ecosystems
(Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, 2024) Dayananda, M.D.N.R.; Liyanage, J.A.; Kannangara, S.D.
Background: Wetlands, often referred to as the "kidneys of the earth," play a crucial role in ecosystem services. This study focuses on reservoirs in dry zone, in Sri Lanka, recognizing their significance in fulfilling diverse ecological needs. Originality/Value: The research addresses the scarcity of studies linking Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) hotspots with heavy metal contamination in reservoir sediments. Objective: The study aims to assess nephrotoxic heavy metal contaminations in reservoir sediments, specifically focusing on the potential health risks for humans through the ecological implications for aquatic ecosystems. Methodology: Ten (10) triplicated composite sediment samples were randomly collected from Ulhitiya, Diwulankadawala, Wahalkada, (within the CKDu hotspots), and Namaloya (the Reference) reservoirs. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry was employed to determine metal concentrations followed by microwave digestion. Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) tool in ArcMap. 10.8 Software was used for the spatial interpolations. Findings: Ulhitiya, Diwulankadawala, and Wahalkada reservoirs exhibited elevated contents of Cd, Pb, As, Cr, Cu, and Zn in sediments than the reference. Sediment-bound As, Cu, Zn, and Cd were higher than NOOA-ERL and ERM levels and instead of Pb, all the other selected heavy metals exceeded the LELs, implicating harmful biological impacts on living organisms inhabiting the selected reservoirs in the CKDu hotspots. A clustering pattern in higher concentrations of Cd and Pb was observed near the water inputs of the reservoirs in CKDu endemic areas. Conclusions: Heavy metal contamination in reservoir sediments, particularly Cd and Pb, poses risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health through the food chain, especially in CKDu hotspots.
Assessment of the Heavy Metals in Rice Grains Grown in Paddy Soil in CKDu Endemic Area in Eppawala, Anuradhapura
(International Postgraduate Research Conference 2019, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Perera, W.P.R.T.; Dissanayake, D.M.U.C.; Kannangara, A.T.; Liyanage, J.A.
Global public health attention is being focused on Chronic kidney disease due to significant prevalence and the enormous cost of the treatment process. It was revealed that longterm consumption of bioavailable metals in grains causes CKD in humans. Therefore, the present study was planned to assess the levels of heavy metals in rice grains grown in paddy soil in CKDu endemic area in Eppawala, Anuradhapura. The soil samples (n=30) were collected from paddy fields in Eppawala GN division. Rice plants with rice grains (n=30) were also collected from the same fields. Collected samples (soil, rice roots and rice grains) were digested using the microwave digester (MDS-6G). Concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb) of the paddy soil, rice roots and ride grain samples were analyzed by ICP-MS (Agilent 7800). Based on the analyzed concentrations, Geo acumination indices were calculated to evaluate the heavy metal contamination conditions in the agricultural soil.The results indicated that the average concentrations of Cr, Cd, As and Pb in soil were 49.918 mg/kg, 0.107 mg/kg 5.033 mg/kg and 9.882 mg/kg respectively and they were 1.709 mg/kg, 0.027 mg/kg, 0.217 mg/kg, 0.566 mg/kg respectively in roots. Nevertheless, the lowest levels of metals were observed from rice grains (Cr, Cd, As and Pb were recorded as 0.342 mg/kg, 0.011 mg/kg, 0.035 mg/kg, 0.112 mg/kg respectively). According to the Igeo calculations, agricultural paddy soil in the Eppawala area has been moderately contaminated with Pb, As, Zn, and Cu. (Class 2). Nevertheless, Cd and Cr levels were between near to moderate contamination level. (Class 1). Although the levels of metals in rice grains were low, long term consumption of metal contaminated rice may contribute to chronic failure.
Behaviour patterns of chronic kidney patients in North Central province of Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2008) Gunawardhana, S.M.; Liyanage, J.A.
North Central Province (NCP) is a major part of the dry zone of Sri Lanka. An increasing trend in admission of patients with renal diseases to hospitals is shown in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Monaragala and Badulla administrative districts. In NCP itself, over 5,000 patients are on treatment for Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKD) with unknown etiology. Hence a survey was conducted to collect information related to socio-economic factors and behaviour patterns of the patients who attending the renal clinics in Anuradhapura and Madawachchiya hospitals. The total number of patients questioned was 240 and they were found to be suffering from early stage of the disease. According to the results 89% of the patients who participated in the survey are farmers and their helpers. The age group of patients is the other most significant finding. That is 61% of the total patients are in the age between 30 and 60 years. This shows that unidentified factors related to CKD are not suddenly affected the individuals. They are functioning or accumulating in the human body for a long period of time. The survey showed that exposure to agrochemicals including chemical fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides is common for 55% of the CKD patients. Of the patients 69% do not consume alcohol but most of them have stopped consuming alcohol after the CKD symptoms appeared. It also showed that the prevalence of the disease is more common in males (69%) than in females and 93%t of the patients use groundwater for the drinking and household purposes.
Bioconcentraton of metals in edible aquatic plants from a Sri Lankan freshwater wetland
(Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, 2008) Amarasinghe, M.D.; Nirbadha, K.G.S.; Liyanage, J.A.
Chemical composition of Ksharasutra (medicated seton) used in ayurvedic Parasurgical management for fistula-in-ano
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura., 2015) Kumara, A.A.J.P.; Liyanage, J.A.; Jayaratne, D.L.
Chemical speciation modeling of drinking water in chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) affected areas
(Department of Forestry and Environment Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka., 2016) Perera, D.H.; Liyanage, J.A.
Chemical speciation modeling of drinking water in Padaviya, an affected area of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDU)
(2017) Perera, K.A.D.H.; Liyanage, J.A.
Chemical speciation of metal-phosphate complexation in natural rubber latex
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2005) Piyathilaka, A.M.; Liyanage, J.A.; Liyanage, S.S.
Chemical Specification of Nickel-Glycinate Complexation
(Journal of Science of the University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2003) Liyanage, J.A.
Analytical techniques which facilitate determination of concentrations of metal ions, solvated protons and hydroxo-complexes or equivalent can be used to study the complexation of metal ions and ligands. Complex speciation measurements using glass electrode potentiometry , which allows a fast, reproducible determination of equilibrium concentrations is an electrometric titration technique used for the determination of formation constants of ligands.The technique does not disturb the labile equilibrium between metal ions, ligands and protons. The computer program ESTA (Equilibrium Simulation for Titration Analysis)is a complex and sophisticated speciation program used to analyse potentiometric titration data and to simulate equilibrium distributions of chemical species. This applies weighted leat squares objective functions to analytical parameters such as titre volume and emf readings. The chemical combination of nickel (Il)-glycinate-proton system has been chosen and activities of component in the equilibrium system were kept constant by working in a medium of high and constant ionic strength of 150 mmol dm-3 sodium chloride inert electrolyte medium, which approximates to that of most biological fluids, in order to express the formation constant in concentration terms. The experimental protonation curve shows that the ligand has two protonation sites and formation and deprotonation curves show that the metal to ligand complexation ratio is up to 1:3. Estimates for the protonation and formation functions obtained were optimized and the refined constants were calculated. Results were further substantiated by the good superimposability of the experimental and simulated curves. The species distribution diagrams confirm that the complexation between nickel (II) and glycinate is up to 1:3.
A comparative analysis of Hinguashtaka Churna in marketed samples
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2013) Samarathunga, D.K.; Gunaratna, T.A.N.R.; Weerasooriya, W.M.B.; Liyanage, J.A.
Daily intake of essential minerals through drinking water in a chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology prevalence area, Sri Lanka
(Proceedings of the Research Conferenc e in Health Sciences 2021, 2021) Botheju, W.S.M.; Liyanage, J.A.; Kannangara, S.D.P.
Background: Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is increasing at an alarming rate in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Based on previous observations, CKDu has a profound relationship with drinking water quality. The contribution of drinking water to the total dietary intake of essential minerals is pronounced. Essential minerals are required for humans in limited quantities, and excessive or insufficient intake of vital minerals can cause various chronic effects such as CKDu. Objective: This study aimed to assess the essential mineral intake of human body via drinking water obtained from a CKDu endemic area in Sri Lanka. Method: Thirty drinking water samples were randomly collected from dug wells in Girandurukotte grama niladhari division, Badulla District, Sri Lanka. The collected water samples were stored in pre-cleaned containers, sealed, and transported to the laboratory at a refrigerated temperature. They were filtered through 0.45 μm membrane filters. Selected essential minerals, including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), ferrous (Fe), and manganese (Mn), were analyzed using Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-Agilent-7800). Mean Oral Daily Intake (ODI) for an adult human was determined in triplicates using the concentrations of essential minerals. Results: The results obtained for Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn were 1.1±0.1 mg/L, 20.3±0.8 mg/L, 1.1±0.0 μg/L, 18.4±1.0 μg/L, 108.3±12.6 μg/L, and 143.0±21.6 μg/L respectively. Mean ODI value (μgkg−1day−1) for Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn were 0.04, 0.74, 3.89x10-5, 0.07x10-2, 0.04x10-1, and 0.01 respectively. Mean concentrations of selected essential elements in drinking water complied with WHO standards except for Mg. Conclusion: The reported chronic ODI values indicate low potential harmful health risks to the people of the study area. However, long-term use of this water may pose a hazard to human health. Therefore, regular monitoring and taking all necessary precautionary measures before using this water can be recommended.
Degradation of 14C ring labeled pesticides in selected soils of Sri Lanka
(Journal of radioanalytical and nuclear chemistry, 2013) Liyanage, J.A.; Watawala, R.C.; Mallawatantri, A.P.; Kookana, R.S.; Smith, L.
Degradation of carbofuran and diazinon in some selected soils in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2005) Watawala, R.C.; Liyanage, J.A.; Mallawatantri, A.P.
Determination of Ash content in Varatika and Abhraka used in Ayurveda Rasa pharmaceuticals
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2011) Gunaratna, T.A.N.R.; Maduwanthi, J.A.H.; Weerasooriya, W.M.B.; Liyanage, J.A.
Varatika is the shell of Cyprea moneta (shell of cowry) and chemically it is identified as a carbonate of calcium (CaCO3). This is used in Rasa Shatra as a key ingredient. Among Abhraka varieties Krishna vajra abhraka (Biotite Mica) is the finest variety used for therapeutic purposes. Mineral compounds that are prepared through Shodhana (purification), Bhavana (trituration) and Marana (incineration) are considered pharmaceutically as the most suitable forms as they are superior, non-toxic and highly potent for therapeutic point of view. Owing to the superiority of mineral drugs in the place of herbal drugs it has been described that the supremacy might be due to their fast action in smaller dose with good palatability. Hence determination of the total ash content and the acid soluble ash content of Varatika and Abhraka bhashma are important, as it could be helpful to understand the effectiveness of those Ayurveda medicines in the human body. Purification of Varatika and Krishna vajra abhraka (six samples each) and preparation of Dhanyabhraka and Dhanyabhraka chakrika were carried out using traditional methods described in authentic Ayurveda texts. Samples were ashed using Muffel furnace and total ash content and acid soluble ash content were determined. Ash content of unpurified and purified Varatika was 55.64% and 57%, respectively. When compared with the traditionally incinerated sample it is lower (8.50%) than the sample incinerated in a Muffle furnace (14%). These results revealed the importance of improving traditional methods using modern techniques for the manufacture of quality Ayurvedic medicines and this result could be useful to interpret the therapeutic effect of Varatika Bhashma used in hyper acidity. The ash content of unpurified Abhraka was 0.94g (±0.00) in 1g of sample and it was 0.95g (±0.01) in 1g of purified sample. Acid soluble ash content has increased during the purification from 5% to 7.8%. Total ash content and acid soluble ash content of Dhanyabhraka was 0.92g (±0.01) and 10% respectively, and 0.66g (±0.01) ash amount was determined in Abhraka chakrika. Acid soluble ash content in Abhraka chakrika was 5.8%. These results highlight the significance of purification process in Ayurveda pharmaceutical preparation.
Determination of Protonation Constants for 2-Hydroxy-1-(2-Hydroxy-4-Sulpho-1-Naphthylazo)-3-Naphthoic Acid
(University of Kelaniya, 2007) Liyanage, J.A.; Janaratne, T.K.
Chemical speciation modelling in combination with potentiometric titration method was used to determine the protonation constants for 2-hydroxy-1-(2-hydroxy-4-sulpho-1-naphthylazo)-3-naphthoic acid, the Patton and Reeder’s reagent, at 25° C in three ionic strengths of 0.1 mol dm-3, 0.01 mol dm-3 and 0.001 mol dm-3 NaNO3. Potentiometric titrations were performed and pH, titrant volume, temperature and free and total proton concentrations at each titration point were measured. Constants were determined for three of the four protonated sites and the forth one being a very low value as this site is always in the ionic form and is readily ionized in aqueous solutions
Determination of the concentration of Mercury, Lead and Arsenic in selected ayurvedic medicine
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2010) Maduwanthi, J.A.H.; Weerasooriya, W.M.B.; Liyanage, J.A.
Determination of the concentrations of copper and iron in selected Ayurvedic preparations
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2009) Maduwanthi, J.A.H.; Weerasooriya, W.M.B.; Liyanage, J.A.