Browsing by Author "Prabagar, J."

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Determination of authenticity of palmyrah toddy using chemical tests
(Institute of Chemistry Ceylon Adamantane House, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Glanista, T.; Prabagar, J.; Suganja, T.; SriVijeindran, S.
Palmyrah toddy is one of the alcoholic drinks traditionally prepared by the fermentation of sweet sap from the young inflorescence of Palmyrah tree (Borassus flabellifer). It is a popular drink not only in Northern part of Sri Lanka but also in other parts of the country. It generates a high income for families who make the traditional toddy. There are some adulterated toddy samples available in the local market and can be made by the fermentation of sugar and starch solution. Identification of toddy samples, whether it is pure or artificial is a big challenge as both sweet sap and added sugar contain sucrose, which undergoes fermentation. Hence, this study was focused to identify the authenticity of Palmyrah toddy using qualitative analysis of compounds such as chloral hydrate, paraldehyde and starch and quantitative analysis alcohol content, acidity, Brix, sulfated ash, turbidity, conductivity and yeast count. Genuine toddy samples were obtained from different Palm Development Co-operative Societies. Adulterated toddy samples were collected form the market and artificial toddy samples were prepared in the laboratory using sugar and starch solution. Chloral hydrate and starch were present in the artificial toddy and artificial toddy samples are having significantly higher (p<0.05) alcohol content (5.5 - 6.2 % v/v), turbidity (2025-2511 NTU) and yeast count (20.8 x 106 – 25.2 x 106 cells/mL) than the genuine toddy samples (3.9 - 4.2 % v/v), (798 - 1023 NTU) and (15.9 x 106 – 16.5 x 106 cells/mL) respectively while there is no significant difference between genuine and artificial toddy in Brix, acidity and conductivity. The sulfated ash content of genuine toddy samples was found in the range of 0.45 to 0.52 g/100 mL and this content is significantly lower (p<0.05) in artificial toddy (0.05 to 0.10 g/100 mL). Therefore, chemical analysis could be used to identify the authenticity and the quality of Palmyrah toddy.
Identification of Major Interfering Substances for Heavy Metal Determination in Northern Sea Areas of Sri Lanka
(2024) Anoja, N.; De Silva, R. C. L.; Prabagar, J.
This study investigated the physicochemical characteristics of seawater from five locations along the northern Sri Lankan coast, encompassing areas with varying degrees of anthropogenic activity. The analysis revealed significant variations in several parameters, potentially influenced by human influences. The results reveal significant variations in several parameters. For instance, turbidity levels varied from 1.88 NTU in Thalaiyadi to 13.3 NTU in Pannai, with Pannai, Myliddy, and Kakkaithivu exceeding the recommended limit of 5 NTU. Total suspended solids (TSS) ranged from 3 mg/L in Thalaiyadi to 83 mg/L in Pannai, surpassing the recommended limit of 30 mg/L. Electrical conductivity (EC) ranged from 45,700 µS/cm in Nainathivu to 49,500 µS/cm in Pannai, exceeding the typical seawater range. Nitrate levels ranged from 10.4 mg/L in Thalaiyadi to 19.1 mg/L in Myliddy. Major cations such as calcium (361 mg/L to 417 mg/L), magnesium (1,222 mg/L to 1,327 mg/L), and sodium (10,140 mg/L to 10,530 mg/L) also showed significant differences across locations. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and effective management strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of anthropogenic activities on these coastal ecosystems. Furthermore, the complex seawater matrix presents challenges for heavy metal determination using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (GFAAS) due to spectral interferences from major cations, non-specific matrix effects, and interferences from organic matter, turbidity, and suspended solids. Careful consideration of these factors through background correction techniques, matrix modifiers, sample pre-treatment, and optimization of analysis parameters is crucial for accurate heavy metal determination in these environments. This study contributes to a better understanding of the environmental conditions and emphasizes the need for further research on heavy metal contamination and the development of robust analytical methods tailored to address the challenges posed by the complex seawater matrix in northern Sri Lanka.
Investigation of some water quality parameters in the ground water of East and Central regions of Valigamam Zone in Jaffna Peninsula
(Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, 2018 Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Navaranjan, S.; Prabagar, S.; Rajapaksha, H. G. N.; Prabagar, J.
Jaffna peninsula relies on ground water for their entire domestic and agricultural needs due to less rainfall and not any other fresh water resources. In recent years many complaints have been received indicating that ground water is unsuitable for human consumption. Increased levels of certain ions such as calcium, nitrate in water deteriorate the quality of water and can cause serious health issues such as kidney diseases and blue baby syndrome. Thirty two water samples from domestic and agriculture wells were collected randomly from East and Central regions of Valigamam zone in Jaffna peninsula. The water quality parameters such as total dissolved solids, alkalinity, potassium, phosphate, sulfate, nitrate, calcium and magnesium were evaluated from December 2017 to March 2018. Phosphate, nitrate and sulfate were determined by multiparameter photometer using powder pillows, calcium and magnesium were determined by titration methods, total dissolved solids were determined by multiparameter and potassium by flame photometer. The results obtained were compared with the Sri Lankan standards for potable water – SLS 614:2013. It was found that about 62.5% of samples exceeded the standards (500 mg/L) in total dissolved solids. Alkalinity content of all the samples exceeded the Sri Lankan standards (400 mg/L). Sulfate content was higher in 12.5% samples compared to standard (250 mg/L). Manipay, Kopay and Inuvil areas showed high concentration in most of the ions compared to standards. These are the areas where agriculture was practiced throughout the year. High amount of calcium in ground water was observed in areas such as Kopay and Urumpirai. Calcium ions in water samples varied from 63.2 to 246.4 mg/L which shows an increase by about four fold within 16 years compared to studies in 2001. Elevated levels of nitrate content were found in Inuvil, Uduvil and some places in Kopay. A survey conducted among the farmers has shown that application of fertilizers in those areas were high. The nitrate content varied from 2.7 to 199.5 mg/L. 37.5% samples showed higher content of nitrate than the permissible level (50 mg/L) making them unsuitable for drinking purposes. The pH values of the water samples were within the range of 6.8 to 10.39 indicating slight alkalinity. The phosphate level varies from 0.18 to 3 mg/L in Kopay and 0.12 to 2.4 mg/L in Kondavil area. Compared to a study in 2013, the phosphate levels have increased in the study areas by three folds. The present study suggests that water quality of groundwater in Valigamam zone has increased in the levels of nitrate, phosphates, sulfate and calcium. Agriculture practices impact on the water quality parameters and use of fertilizers in agriculture should be minimized in Valigamam area.