Application of Water Quality Index to Monitor Ground Water Quality: A Case Study in Colombo Catchment of Sri Lanka

Deterioration of groundwater quality directly threatens the livability of a community. Sri Lanka is currently undergoing a rapid increase in the demand for water, particularly for urban/rural water supplies, irrigated agriculture and in the industrial sector, exerting a considerable pressure on the available groundwater resources. This study was carried out to assess the status of groundwater quality around the Parliament Lake, in Colombo catchment, Sri Lanka by employing the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Water Quality Index (WQI) from September 2016 to September 2017 (one year). The objective of the study was to assess the suitability of groundwater in the study area as potable water through CCME WQI. Water samples were collected from thirty-four (34) locations including twenty-six (26) domestic shallow wells and eight (08) deep wells. The in-situ measurements of the parameters pH, Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Total Dissolved Solids, Electrical Conductivity, Salinity were conducted monthly while the laboratory testing for Ammonia, Nitrate, Phosphate, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Biological Oxygen Demand were conducted twice for fifteen (15) selected wells during the project period. CCME WQI was calculated taking pH, Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Total Dissolved Solids, and Electrical Conductivity into account. Results revealed Nitrate, Sulphate and Calcium levels of both shallow and deep wells were within the Maximum Permissible Levels in the SLS 614, 1,983 drinking water standards. The Nitrate levels of both shallow and deep wells were comparatively high in the dry season and in contrast, Phosphate, Calcium, Sulphate and BOD values in most the shallow wells and deep wells were comparatively high in the wet season. High Ammonia levels of five (05) out of fifteen (15) selected shallow wells exceeded the maximum permissible level given in standards. The highest COD levels in dry and wet seasons were recorded 42.0 mg/l and 88.0 mg/l respectively indicating that the water is unsuitable for drinking. According to the CCME WQI, the quality of twenty three (23) out of twenty seven (27) shallow wells were in the “Marginal” level (85.19%) and one in “Poor” condition (3.70%). The water quality of these twenty four (24) shallow wells is frequently endangered or deteriorated. The CCME-WQI values indicated that the water in four Deep Wells is in good quality (57.14%), whereas water in two deep wells is in Marginal level quality. Present study revealed that GW 20, GW 08, GW 09, GW 10 and GW 28 have deteriorating water quality with downgrading parameters of Electrical Conductivity, Salinity, and Total Dissolved Solids. Accordingly, it is proposed to carry out a well-planned groundwater quality management mechanism to avoid further pollution. In addition, detail studies to identify the causes of ground water pollution should be conducted.Keywords: Ground water quality, Pollution, Colombo catchment, Water quality inde

Surface Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Enhanced Removal of Heavy Metals: A Review

Human health and environmental sustainability are strongly influenced by the contamination of water resources with hazardous heavy metal ions due to the accumulation in human body via food chains. Thereby, researchers’ attention has been paid on effective methods for heavy metal ion scavenging to prevent them releasing to environment. Notably, Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (MSNPs) with high surface area, massive surface area to volume ratio, large pore volume and uniform pore distribution play a crucial role in addressing this challenge. Additionally, researchers focus on novel surface functionalization methods of MSNPs with suitable organic and inorganic moieties to amplify the adsorption efficiency of heavy metals. MSNPs possess easily functionalizable surface which facilitates the modifications and enhanced removal of heavy metals. The review article summarizes the different moieties used for functionalization of MSNPs such as amino, thio, carboxyl, phenyl, cyano groups, different types of polymers, inorganic functional groups. Further, a comparison has been made between functional and unmodified MSNPs to elaborate how these modifications have enhanced the removal performance of heavy metals in water. Further, this review provides an overview on different synthesis routes and structure directing agent used in synthesis of MSNPs. Moreover, pH effect on adsorption andreusability of modified NPs, while illustrating the mechanism of adsorption on to modified MSNPs surface has also been elaborated. Maximum adsorption capacity of each functional moiety has been taken into consideration with the aim of supporting future advancements. Keywords: Adsorption, Mesoporous silica nanoparticles, Heavy metals, Functionalization, Maximum adsorption capacit

Application of Metal/Metal Oxide Doped Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes in Sustainable Catalysis

The unsustainability of the production of catalysts due to limited resources and higher energy demands makes it critical to explore and reengineer new catalytic materials for future applications. Woefully, the unrelenting demand for the metals/metal oxides increases both the financial and environmental cost, particularly in mining and synthesis, rendering consumption unsustainable in its current form. In this context, electrospinning offers a new template for designing sustainable ways of minimizing the higher loading of catalysts and recyclability. In this context, metals/metal oxide doped electrospun membranes have grasped a great scientific interest as sustainable catalysts due to their enhanced catalytic activity and synergistic structure-property relationship of the doped material and the matrix. More specifically, the selectivity arising from the electronic properties and quantum mechanical interactions at the nanoscale of metal/metal oxide nanoparticles coupled with interactions at the electrospun membrane interfaces lead to such enhanced properties. This review article summarizes the applications of metals/metal doped electrospun membranes in different aspects of catalysis, such as thermocatalysis, photocatalysis, organocatalysis and electrocatalysis, with a particular focus on their sustainability. Keywords: Sustainable catalysis, metal/metal oxide doped catalysts, electrospinning, organocatalysis, photocatalysi

Potential Applications of Electrospun Nanofibers in Agriculture

Some of the major challenges associated with current agricultural practices include inefficient delivery and utilization of agrochemicals; fertilizers, pesticides, and pheromones; to crops. This results in low nutrient utilization efficiency with respect to applied fertilizers which leads to a greater economic burden to farmers to maintain crop yields at optimum levels. In addition, plant diseases by various pathogens also pose a threat to agriculture. In an effort to address some of the aforementioned challenges, electrospun nanofibers have emerged as a potential class of one-dimensional nanomaterials for use in agricultural applications. Unique characteristics of electrospun nanofibers such as enhanced surface area: volume ratio, high porosity distribution, and increased specific surface area pave the potential for agricultural applications that will be elaborated in this review. These applications include slow-release of fertilizers, pheromones and insecticides, seed and fruit coatings, plant protection, and nanofiber fabricated sensors. In addition, this review also focuses briefly on other preparation methods of nanofibers, and most importantly on the parameters that govern the electrospinning process; solution parameters, processing parameters, and ambient parameters. Furthermore, many more unexplored applications in the field of agriculture employing nanofiber usage exist, and it is believed that a greater understanding of the current nanofiber research and practices of green electrospinning will enable the upliftment of current boundaries to enable agricultural applications of nanofibers on a commercial scale. Keywords: nanofiber - agriculture - electrospinning - slow-release – senso

TEAK VOLUME MODELLING USING MEAN TREE MEASUREMENTS

Volume prediction al ;1 known precision IS essential especially for planners to makedccisions on torcst management. Thinning planning. harvesting. timber utilisation for ali<uch activities should he planned based on economical returns. to obtain maximum benefits(mill these 111;"1made forest pl.muuionx. Based on the dominant height growth variations.Illrc(' Teak /\llles were identified. ill each teak zone several teak trees were felled and truevolurncx (tot:1I Volume and the Timber Volume) were calculated and Volume Iunctionswere developed I'm each Teak zone, These volume functions were developed using meantrCl' gruW!1l measurements 01';1 st;IIHI. Therefore it is not to he used to dctcrm inc volumesIll' iudividual trccs hut to calculate the per hector volume 01 a stand by measuring the meanp.u.unctcr values of a sl:llId.The volume 01';1 felled tree was obtained by adding volume'S of its components. In the logvolume c.ttcuiauon thc "Hubcrx" equation was used. this equation gives reliable estimateslor ;iilY sli;IJ'" of jogs other than "ncloidic shape. The Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)dlHI the tlll;" hcil-'ht or Ihe tree was recorded before felling the tree. The models tested forh: Iter rill illg were:V =;, + h*DBH2 'I' Height (I)V :=; a + h*DBH2 * Height + c* Height (2)V = a"'DBH"*(Hcight)" 0)V =;\ + h*(DBH') * Height + C*(DBH) (4)In ;I11three zones the hest rilS obtained for volume estimation was model 3. This modelhas obtained high correlation in all three zones compared to other models tested.The volume functions obtained for mean free volume estimation in three Teak zones arc:Zone I: V = .O()OO!:I * (DBH)251111 "(Height ,72-1Zone 2: V = .000102 * (DBH)I.'>O(,' *(Height) .7'15Zonc S: V = .000102 * (DBH(8~~S *(Height) .81SProceedings oftlu: Fourth Annnal Forestry and Environment Symposium /99R of the Department ofForestry and

ZONING AND SITE CLASSIFICATION FOR THE EVEN-AGED TEAK PLANTATIONS

The relatively high accuracy possible with growth and yield models for uniform standsresults partly from the precision with which it is possible to classify site. The height of auniform stand, at a given age is a good indicator of the productivity of that type of forest onthat particular site. Hence the construction of height/age curves corresponding to differentsite classes is the first step in growth and yield modeling. However the mean height of astand is usually sensitive not only to age and site, but also to stand density. Site for a standis area specific, where the site of a particular stand cannot be improved significantly bybetter management. Therefore, dominant height which is almost entirely insensitive tostand density, could be used as a good indicator for site classification. Dominant heightcan be defined in various ways, but the definition with the widest used is that the dominantheight of a stand is the mean height of the 100 thickest stems per hectare.In this study, when dominant height/age scatter graphs were constructed separately foreach district, it was clearly observed that these diagrams were similar in some districts andwere significantly different compared for others. The districts and were similar site trendcurves were combined together to give one teak zone where, within one zone, the variationin dominant height growth is very similar in all districts falling under that zone. Usingthis zonal categorization, it was easy to separate the growth variations among the teakgrowing areas in Sri Lanka. This zonal effect may possibly be due to genetic variation, butthis cannot be analysed because the genetic information is not available.Three zones have been identified for teak growing areas in the country. This was doneusing 'mean dominant height - age graphs, and constructing maximum, minimum andmedium trend curves for each district. These curves and scatter graphs were comparedwith each other and grouped into selected sets using graphical methods. Different zoneswere identified using this method.Once the zonal categorization had been done, each zone was considered separately for itssite classification. This was done using the mean dominant height-age-site indexrelationships, which are basic to uniform forest growth predictions. The relationships areusually referred to simply as the site index curves for a species in a given environment.For each zone the site index curves have been constructed using 20 years as the index age.The Schumacher equation was used in fitting a model for the medium trend curve. For siteindex curves both common slope and common intercept methods were use

Climate Smart Agriculture: The Role of Fertilizer Innovations and Efficient Plant Nutrient Management

Climate change has emerged as a significant threat to the global agro-economy, adversely affecting agricultural productivity, food security, and local and global agricultural development goals. To ensure sustainable crop productivity and meet future demands, it is essential to take prompt actions to address the current challenges of lower agricultural productivity due to climate change. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is a novel concept that offers a promising approach to tackle these challenges by introducing sustainable farming practices that minimize negative environmental impacts and enhance resilience to climate change. It involves realigning current agricultural practices and introducing smart techniques to reduce the adverse effects of agriculture that contribute to climate change and higher carbon footprints. The importance of climate-smart fertilizers in agricultural productivity cannot be overemphasized, as the soil is susceptible to structural changes and alterations in nutrient availability due to climatic impacts. Therefore, the implementation of proper nutrient management mechanisms and advanced fertilizer innovations has become a top priority in implementing the concepts of CSA. Consequently, there has been a greater focus on introducing more climate-adaptive and resilient plant nutrient delivery systems and technologies in recent times. For instance, nanofertilizer, bio-based controlled-release and slow-release fertilizers have provided a more sustainable and climate-friendly alternative to traditional synthetic fertilizers. Despite the innovations, challenges remain in implementing CSA practices and practices of climate-smart fertilizers at scale. This is largely attributed to the lack of proper knowledge and a streamlined policy framework on climate resilience in agriculture and fertilizers. This article seeks to review the role of fertilizer innovations and nutrient management in CSA, targeting the reduction of nutrient losses due to climate changes. It also examines the current status of climate-smart fertilizers with a particular emphasis on the current implementation challenges and future prospects in fertilizer production, leading to global food security by adapting to climatic changes. By highlighting specific examples of modern climate-smart agriculture and  fertilizer management, this article aims to provide insights into the potential benefits and challenges of implementing CSA practices and encourage further research and development in this important field. Keywords: Climate-smart agriculture, Climate-smart fertilizers, Climate change, Nutrient Management, Innovations in fertilizer

Printed Circuit Board Defect Detection Using Image Processing

This study was conducted to verify the hypothesis of the possibility to design an Automated Defect Detection system at a budget using image processing software. Focusing mainly on simplicity of integration with the capability to inspect a high variation of PCB with less user input. Reference comparison method was utilized to construct the defect detection algorithm where a defect free reference PCB gets compared with an inspection image to identify defects and anomalies. The paper discusses the range of possible defects for inspection on non-assembled PCBs, suggests methods for image processing and presents a final inspection algorithm, including their testing. The defect detections system showed high accuracy in detecting defects under ideal testing conditions and was unreliable in detecting defects in real-life testing conditions. Even though the current system may be sufficient for an experimental prototype system more improvements need to be done to be used in the industry

Effectiveness Of A Staff Motivation Program

Background: Improving the quality of care provided to patients by increased staff motivation, will increase patients’ satisfaction and leads to improved health.Method: An interventional study was carried out among ENT ward patients at NHSL over a period of 2 years. Satisfaction regarding different components of patient needs was assessed in an interviewer administered questionnaire prepared in Sinhala, English and Tamil. This contained statements about initial management of patients, time factors, treatment and attitudes of the staff members, tidiness and orderliness of the ward, information delivery, discharge and the clinic appointment system. Pre and post interventional patients were selected by systematic sampling, each group consisting of 200 patients.Results:The demographic distribution of the pre and post intervention categories was not significant. The mean score of satisfaction at base line was 3.68 (73.6 %).The mean score, 4.81(96.2%) following the intervention was significantly high. Also a statistically significant increase in the patient satisfaction was observed in initial management of the patients (