Volume:6 Number:2 June 2021

Spatial and Temporal Variation of Irrigation Water Quality of a Small Tank Cascade System in Up-stream of Malala Oya River Basin, Thanamalwila, Sri Lanka

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Spatial and Temporal Variation of Irrigation Water Quality of a Small Tank Cascade System in Up-stream of Malala Oya River Basin, Thanamalwila, Sri Lanka Amarasinghe, S.R.; Madushanka, P.L.A. Limited attempts were made using Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) water quality index (WQI) to interpret irrigation water quality conditions of tank cascade systems (TCS) in Sri Lanka. The present study attempts (i) to investigate the temporal and spatial variations of the irrigation water quality of a small TCS in Malala oya basin in Thanamalwila catchment, Monaragala district and (ii) to determine the WQI recommended by CCME. Representative tanks of TCS for upper (Sinhalayagama wewa and Podi wewa), middle (Maha wewa) and lower (Bagmuwa wewa) locations were selected to understand the nutrient dynamics along the cascade during Maha (wet) and Yala (dry) seasons. Hydrochemical parameters of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), NO3 -—N and NH4 +—N, PO4 3-, CO3 - and Cl- were determined applying standard analytical methods. The results reveal that the levels of pH and salinity have been increased in the middle and tail tanks of TCS in both dry and wet seasons. The Bagamuwa wewa possessed the highest values in EC, TDS, Cl-, NO3 -—N and NH4 +—N, indicating the unsuitability for irrigation. Further, Bagamuwa wewa and Podi wewa discovered extraordinary high values for PO4 3- in the dry spell beyond the permissible limits of 0-2 mg/L. The normalized values of CCME WQI for each tank in the cascade showed fair and good water quality conditions in upper cascade tanks while marginal conditions in middle and lower cascade tanks. The Bagamuwa wewa obtained the lowest CCME value indicating the marginal use for irrigation in both seasons. Accordingly, it was clear that the irrigation water quality decreases along the cascade where a temporal and spatial variation was clearly identified. Therefore, CCME WQI can be used to understand the temporal and spatial variations of water quality as an effective tool for a small TCS.

Polythiophene Films Containing Anthraquinone Groups

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Polythiophene Films Containing Anthraquinone Groups Perera, Sarath D. The monomer, 3-(3-thienyl)prop-1-yl-9,10-anthraquinone-2-carboxylate (5) was prepared by reacting 9,10-anthraquinone-2-carbonyl chloride with 3-(3-thienyl) propanol. Electrochemical polymerisation of (5) at a platinum electrode was achieved in acetonitrile. Electrochemical behaviour of (5) and the resulting greenish blue polymer, poly(5), have been examined by cyclic voltammetry in acetonitrile containing TPAB. These films were quite stable to repetitive scanning between 0 and –1.35 V. The neutral, hydrophobic poly(5) films show some resistance to swelling in acetonitrile and are not stable at potentials more negative than –1.55 V.

Nut Cracking Machine for Terminalia catappa (Tropical Almond/ Kottamba)

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Nut Cracking Machine for Terminalia catappa (Tropical Almond/ Kottamba) Kahandage, P.D.; Pathirana, M.A.B.L.; Balasuriya, A.; Weerasooriya, G.V.T.V.; Piyathissa, S.D.S.; Charithangi, M.P.; Kosgollegedara, E.J.; Ariyawansha, T. Tropical almond (Terminalia catappa) is an underutilized crop that belongs to Combretacea family. This plant has been identified as an important medicinal plant owing to its antioxidant and therapeutic properties against cancer and diabetes as proven in numerous pharmacological studies. In its processing, the adoption of manual cracking method results in damages of nuts with high risk of injuries to workers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to design, develop and evaluate a motorized tropical almond nut-cracking machine to minimize the damages on nuts. Major components of the machine are an electric motor as the power source, conveyor belt, fruit holders and impact hammer. Power is transmitted to the crankshaft from the electric motor by means of a belt and pulleys. The rotating crankshaft moves the hammer up and down to apply an impact on the fruit while the belt conveyor feeds fruits towards the hammer. After shattering, the nuts are separated from the shells through oscillatory action. At the performance evaluation of the machine, it was realized that damages caused to fruits and the operator were negligible. The machine weighs 62.5 kg and the total production cost of the machine was 65,000.00 LKR. Actual capacities of manual and mechanical cracking were 184 and 285 nuts/hr, respectively, while theoretical capacities were 225 and 327 nuts/hr, respectively. The comparative figures of the manual and mechanical cracking for field efficiencies were 82% and 87%, respectively. Therefore, this mechanical nut-cracking device could be recommended to replace laborious manual method of nut-cracking for tropical almond (Kottamba).

Knowledge on Prevention of Allergic Reactions and Associated Factors among Beauticians in Selected Beauty Salons in the Biyagama Medical Officer of Health Area

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Knowledge on Prevention of Allergic Reactions and Associated Factors among Beauticians in Selected Beauty Salons in the Biyagama Medical Officer of Health Area Heiyanthuduwa, Wasana; Seneviwickrama, Maheeka An allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction initiated by immunological mechanisms. Beauticians work with cosmetic products which contain allergens. They should be able to identify and prevent allergies associated with cosmetics. The objective of study was to describe the knowledge of beauticians in selected beauty salons on prevention of allergic reactions and associated factors for their knowledge. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among beauticians in selected beauty salons in Biyagama MOH area using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Knowledge was assessed by using a 10 item questionnaire. The possible range of the knowledge score was 0-25 which was then converted to 0-100 and categorized as ‘Good’ if ≥75%, ‘Moderate’ if 50%-75% and ‘Poor’ if <50%. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 26.0. Comparisons were made between mean knowledge scores of beauticians from different socio-demographic and service related categories using the independent sample t-test. The level of significance was considered as p<0.05. Response rate was 82% (n=107). The majority were females (57%,N=61). The mean age was 32.6 years (SD=±9.16). The mean knowledge score was 55.25% (SD±11.34) with 71.96% (N=77) having a ‘Moderate’ knowledge. Only 1.87% (N=2) had ‘Good’ knowledge. Knowledge scores were significantly higher among beauticians who are females (T=2.57, df=105, p=0.011), educated ≥A/L (T=-3.45, df=105, p=0.001), having professional qualifications (T=5.88, df=105, p=0.000), trained on skin care (T=2.26, df=105, p=0.026), and bridal dressing (T=2.52, df=105, p=0.013). The majority of beauticians had moderate level of knowledge on prevention of an allergic reaction. Higher level of knowledge was observed among female beauticians with higher educational, professional qualifications, trained on skin care, bridal dressing.