Browsing by Author "Wijeyaratne, W. M. Dimuthu Nilmini"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Cadmium, Chromium, and Lead Uptake Associated Health Risk Assessment of Alternanthera sessilis: A Commonly Consumed Green Leafy Vegetable
(Department of Zoology and Environmental Management, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2021) Wijeyaratne, W. M. Dimuthu Nilmini; Kumari, E. A. Charuni Sewwandi
Alternanthera sessilis leaves are rich in protein and therefore they are eaten raw as a fresh green leafy vegetable in many countries of South Asia [1]. Leaves and roots of this plant are widely used in ayurvedic medicine to treat eye and intestinal diseases as well. In Sri Lanka, Alternanthera sessilis is becoming an increasingly popular green leafy vegetable in everyday diet of middle-class families due to its high nutritious value and availability at low cost. With increasing consumer demand, Alternanthera sessilis is cultivated by both organic and non-organic cultivation practices.
Heavy metal concentrations in the edible portions of Centella asiatica: Health risk toward chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology
(Department of Zoology and Environmental Management, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2021) Wijeyaratne, W. M. Dimuthu Nilmini; Kumari, Ellewaththe Arachchilage Charuni Sewwandi
Centella asiatica is a commonly consumed green leafy vegetable in many developing countries due its high nutritious value and availability at low cost. The present study was conducted to assess the Cd, Cr and Pb uptake associated health risks of Centella asiatica harvested from organic and non-organic cultivations in a chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDue) prevalent area in Sri Lanka. The health risk assessment was conducted in terms of the bioconcentration factor (BCF), soil-to-root and root-to-leaf translocation factors ( TF (soil-root) and TF (root-leaf) ), Target hazard quotient for each heavy metal (THQ) and hazard index (HI). In addition, the spatial variation of physical and chemical parameters of the root zone soil were assessed using MINITAB 17 statistical software. Results indicated significant spatial variations in conductivity, organic matter content and Cr concentrations among organic and non-organic study sites. The Cr, Cd and Pb concentrations recorded from roots and leaves of Centella asiatica were higher than the safe limits for consumption established by the European Union. The health risk analysis indicated that there is a potential of hyper-accumulating Cd in the roots of Centella asiatica. Further, the THQ and HI of the heavy metals indicated possible adverse non-cancer health risks associated with long-term consumption of leaves of Centella asiatica. Therefore, necessary precautionary actions to prevent the excessive buildup of Cr, Cd and Pb in the edible portions of Centella asiatica are essential in order to ensure consumer safety.
Multimetric socio-ecological assessment of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart) solms) invasion of an urban Ramsar wetland lake
(Wiley, 2024) Wijeyaratne, W. M. Dimuthu Nilmini; Liyanage, Uditha Prabhath
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart) solms), a widely distributed invasive aquatic plant in Sri Lanka, has invaded the Diyawannawa wetland lake located in Colombo city, which is the first Ramsar wetland city in South Asia. The present study was conducted to assess the water quality parameters that influence the distribution of water hyacinth and to identify the environmental, economic, and social consequences of its invasion of the Diyawannawa wetland. Five sampling sites were selected from the Diyawannawa lake, and the water pH, temperature, conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, dissolved oxygen concentration (DO), nitrate concentration, and total phosphorus concentration were measured at monthly intervals in the rainy and dry seasons of 2020. The abundance of water hyacinth was recorded at each site at each sampling event. Interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with the representatives of the community associated with the wetland to assess the ecological, economic and social effects of water hyacinth invasion. Principal component analysis of the water quality parameters revealed that phosphorus and nitrate concentrations in water significantly influenced the abundance of water hyacinth. Further, the water quality index (WQI) indicated poor water quality in the sites invaded by water hyacinth. The interviews and FGDs revealed that water hyacinth invasion has adversely affected the lake's fisheries and navigation pathways and increased the frequency of flooding, resulting in an increased mosquito population. The results of the present study highlighted the importance of implementing water quality management programmes in the Diyawannawa wetland to control the invasion of water hyacinth. Further, we recommend increasing community participation in water hyacinth control programmes and providing opportunities for the community to engage in self-employment activities associated with the uses of water hyacinth.