This study investigates the predictive performance and accuracy of machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) yield and field brix values using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based multispectral imagery captured at 10th, 11th, and 12th months after planting. UAV imagery was used to calculate five different vegetative indices (VIs) including the normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI), green difference vegetative index (GRVI), excess green vegetation index (ExG), difference vegetation index (DVI), and ratio vegetation index (RVI). Five ML algorithms including multiple linear regression (MLR), partial least square regression (PLSR), random forest (RF), support vector regression (SVR), and extreme gradient boosting (XGB) are used to develop predictive models using VIs. XGB algorithm was able to predict field brix values with a higher coefficient of determination in 10 (R2 = 0.91), 11 (R2 = 0.88), and 12 (R2 = 0.81) months after planting. However, the predictive performances were gradually reduced when reaching closer to the harvesting period (R2 = 10 > 11 > 12 months). When testing each month`s reflectance ability to predict the final yield, same observation was recorded as XGB provided the highest R2 (0.96) values with lower RMSE (0.12) at the 10th month after planting, and interestingly, the predictive performances were also reduced when reaching closer to harvesting period. This result highlights the effects of a weaker correlation of crop canopy reflectance with the agronomic attributes when reaching the harvesting period.

Within the dynamic interface of academia and industry, the issue of graduate employability emerges in large, with universities endeavouring to prepare graduates with the skills demanded by evolving industries. This study explores the collaboration between academia and industry, emphasizing the dual role of universities in supplying skilled workforces and fostering innovations. Specifically focusing on the context of Sri Lanka, where challenges persist in the absorption of graduates by universities and the alignment of academia with industry needs, this study recognizes key gaps and evaluates the efficacy of existing industry-academic collaboration initiatives. The collaboration between academia and industry is envisioned to bring about transformative changes in both sectors. Drawing insights from comparative analyses of government support mechanisms in developed countries, this research offers valuable perspectives for policymakers and stakeholders. At its core, this study emphasizes the need to enhance industry-academic collaboration in Sri Lanka to address graduate employability challenges and foster innovation. Proposing a holistic approach to industrial and academic engagement, the study advocates for initiatives that align educational offerings with industry demands, enhance learning experiences, and drive innovation. Through strategic initiative of Industry Interaction Cell Model, the paper outlines a roadmap for nurturing mutually beneficial relationships between universities and industries, paving the way for transformative changes in the technology sector and beyond. The envisioned collaboration model has the potential to not only enrich educational experiences but also drive innovation, economic growth, and professional development.

Conventionally used thermal milk pasteurization methods such as high-temperature short-term (HTST) and low-temperature long-term (LTLT) treatment are associated with flavour and nutritional defects. This has given rise to an increased interest in non-thermal pasteurization techniques such as high-pressure processing (HPP) and ultraviolet (UV) processing. However, there is limited research comparing their sustainability. Therefore, this study compared the sustainability of LTLT, HTST, HPP, and UV pasteurization technologies using PROMETHEE II multi-criteria decision-making framework, utilizing data collected from previous studies, with the pasteurization unit as the defined system boundary. Based on an overall net outranking flows, UV processing was determined to be the most sustainable method. The study also used uni-criterion preference flow analysis to evaluate each criterion separately, and it showed that UV processing performed better than the other techniques in terms of reducing water consumption, auxiliary equipment requirement, and impact on flavour. Sensitivity analysis was also carried out to determine the criterion that wielded the most significant influence on the final decision. The results highlighted that percentage change in fatty acids is the most sensitive criterion, further highlighting its critical role in the selection of an optimal pasteurization method. The results of the study emphasize the growing acceptance of non-thermal technologies, with UV processing emerging as the most suitable way for pasteurizing milk, due to its superior performance in terms of a number of sustainability criteria. It provides useful information for the dairy industry's decision-making process.

Over the last decades, textile waste has steadily grown to be a significant global concern, particularly with regard to synthetic textiles because of its non-biodegradability, toxicity, and anticipated expansion due to continuously rising production levels. Because of this, there may be a unique chance to regenerate and use textile waste as resources while reducing environmental pollution. With the use of a manual mixing procedure and compression molding technology, this research aims to produce HDPE polymer composites that are reinforced with 100% polyester fabric for use in ceiling boards. Samples were produced with fabric to polythene ratios of 40: 60, 30: 70, 25: 75, 20: 80, and 10: 90% weight. Four replicates were taken for each mix proportion, and metal mold were taken for making composites which has the volume of 250 mm × 200 mm × 3 mm, under 150 °C temperature and 50 tons pressure. The statistical findings demonstrated that the matrix loading at α = 0:05 and the fiber mixing ratio have an impact on the mechanical parameters of the manufactured composite samples, including tensile strength, flexural strength, water absorption, and flammability. The composite ceiling reinforced with 10 weight % polyester fabric waste and a matrix of 90 weight % HDPE polythene had a maximum tensile strength of 12.83 N/mm2 and the flexural strength of 12.70 N/mm2. On the contrary, the false ceiling board made from 40% polyester fabric waste and matrix of 60% HDPE polythene had a lower tensile strength of 6.74 N/mm2 and flexural strength of 10.037 N/mm2. The mechanical characteristics of made composites were generally comparable to those of commercial ceiling boards now in use, and the results of this research’s work can reduce environmental pollution by reducing the amount of textile waste dumped in landfills.

University–industry collaborations (UICs) are the harmonial relationships that are created between industries and institutions of higher education, functioning as generators of technological advancement and knowledge empowerment. Forming long-term UIC programmes is hampered by the disparate structures of business and academia as well as the challenges of aligning their interests. The absence of a coordinated innovation strategy, resource disparities, and a lack of human capital seem to be enduring obstacles, especially in the dynamic Asian academic and corporate environment. The aim of this study is to comprehensively investigate and look into the outreach issues that practitioners run into while collaborating together in a variety of global settings. Its major objective is to develop substantial recommendations to promote successful UIC in Asian institutions and enterprises. To do this, the research focuses on the constraints of international UIC, with a particular emphasis on blended learning, interdisciplinary collaborative research, student employability, and techno-entrepreneurial abilities. The research conducts a comprehensive literature analysis using 41 journal papers from 1995–2023 to analyse key aspects important for strengthening collaboration between universities and enterprises. The results provide more details about the enabling factors that shorten the limitations of UIC implementations. Notably, the study emphasizes the potential perks of academics working with universities in order to gain access to employers for one-on-one interviews, which will advance our knowledge of the dynamics of employability. In terms of education, in order to increase employability, the study makes a rationale for adding technopreneurship courses, particularly for research-based studies, journals, and seminars. Furthermore, to promote the growth of invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the study makes several recommendations, one of which is to improve the links between companies, educational institutions, and research centres. This comprehensive strategy strives to connect the ambitions of graduates, academics, farmers, SMEs, and varied industries in Sri Lanka and beyond Asia. According to the study, these concepts will have a revolutionary impact on the collaborative environment and pave the way for a more impactful and sustainable future.

Agricultural exports generate a considerable amount of foreign exchange to Sri Lanka. Even though Sri Lanka has a competitive edge in international market through agricultural exports, a thematic analysis of literature revealed that non-tariff measures imposed by developed countries act as a considerable trade barrier. This study analyzes the effects of non-tariff measures on top ten agricultural exports by using a panel data set with top ten agricultural commodities at Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System 6-digit level, exported from Sri Lanka to 21 countries from 2018 to 2022. Gravity model and panel data regression were employed with inventory approach to investigate the effect of non-tariff measures while incorporating insights from 30 respondents including agricultural experts and customs officers. Tea, cinnamon, coconut products (molded products, coconut milk, activated carbon, desiccated coconut), animal feed, fish products, pepper, and herbal preparations were derived as top ten agricultural exports while the Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures (SPS), Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), pre-shipment inspections (PSI), and Export-related Measures (ERM) were identified as the most prominent types of non-tariff measures that affected on the abovementioned commodities. The analysis revealed that SPS measures have a significant negative impact on the exports of tea (− 1.166), cinnamon (− 5.021), pepper (− 6.249), and herbal products (− 0.347) at 5% level significance while TBT measures show a negative effect on tea (− 0.104), cinnamon (− 1.358), coconut milk (− 0.356), animal feed (− 2.214), and pepper (− 0.705) exports at 1% level of significance. Moreover, pre-shipment inspections adversely affect the exports of cinnamon (− 0.682), desiccated coconut (− 0.869), and fish products (− 2.063) from Sri Lanka at 1% level of significance while Export-related Measures have a significant negative impact on export of tea (− 0.093), coconut milk (− 0.849), pepper (− 1.401), and fish-related (− 6.098) products at 1% level of significance. The findings highlight the substantial challenges posed by these trade barriers on the country's foreign exchange earnings and the need for strategic measures to address these barriers and enhance the country's international competitiveness.

Wetland ecosystems are critical waterbird habitats, yet human activities increasingly threaten them. The Mannar region, which consists of an ecosystem, exhibits substantial untapped potential for harnessing wind energy, presenting a promising opportunity for developing wind power generation infrastructure. Vankalai Sanctuary, located in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, is a globally significant wetland that provides a vital habitat for waterbirds, including several threatened and migratory species. More energy development projects (transmission lines) in this area threaten those species. This study aimed to develop a habitat suitability model to enhance conservation strategies for sanctuary waterbirds while promoting sustainable energy development. Habitat suitability model is a statistical method that relates species distribution to environmental variables’ spatial distribution. This habitat suitability map for waterbirds was created using remote sensing data, including NDVI, NDMI, LULC (with an overall accuracy of 96.38% and Kappa values of 94.79%), slope, and human disturbances. The LULC data was classified into five classes: water, dense vegetation, vegetation, wetland, and sandy. High spatial-resolution images from Google Earth were used to assess the classification accuracy. The ground truth assessment point (500-point data) was obtained from a stratified random sampling process. The analytical hierarchy process was used to determine the weights of environmental variables to generate habitat suitability index (HSI) map using weighted overlay process to predict the relative suitability of different areas for waterbirds and can be used as a decision-making tool to identify the most suitable habitats for the target species because it provides a promising strategy for protecting critical habitats for waterbirds in the sanctuary. Created HSI map offers a framework for future conservation efforts in other wetland areas, mainly where sustainable energy development is a priority. The results of this study can help policymakers, conservationists, and stakeholders to develop and implement conservation and sustainable energy policies accurately that support both ecological and economic sustainability.

About 10,000 different types of dyes are available, and the annual global production of dyes is above 7 × 105 metric tons. They are mainly used for textile, paper, food, and pharmaceutical industries. The textile industry is the largest dye consumer in the worldwide heeding about 50% of dye usage. As reported, a massive amount of textile dyes is released with wastewater from the textile dying industry and is considered as one of the serious environmental problems in the world. The decolorization, foul smell, and contamination of waterbodies are the major problems related to waste textile dyes, and certain dyes are reported as toxic and carcinogenic. Most of the dye compounds are stable and difficult to degrade. Numerous techniques like physical, chemical, biological, and combined methods have been developed for eliminating textile dyes in wastewater. This paper presents a review of literature on biological dye removal techniques (aerobic, anaerobic, and facultative) their merits and demerits to improve the resilience of the ecosystems. Other than that, biological methods generate fewer harmful by-products. Biological dye removing methods lead to less environmental impacts with reduced toxicity and carcinogenic risks standing out as a safe and effective solution. This review consolidates the available information on diverse treatment methods for industries to select appropriate treatment methods for their dye-contaminated effluents.

Global climate change presents significant challenges across social, economic, and environmental realms, particularly affecting agriculture and rural livelihoods. Smallholder vegetable farming, crucial for local economies, faces vulnerability. A study investigates climate impacts, extreme events, crop failure effects, and coping strategies, revealing deep poverty traps for farmers. It has been identified that rainfall, frequency and intensity, was adversely affect the quality of vegetable produce and lead to lower crop production in 2023 compared to 2022. The quality of the produce is considered by the middlemen to decide the price, which can be determined mostly by observing the external appearance of the vegetables. Mean production in 2022 Yala season was (1105.500 kg) and in 2023 it was (544.700 kg). This difference is proved to be statistically significant (P 

Plastic debris contributes to marine pollution, with a portion transported from land via rivers. Understanding seasonal variations and tracking the movement of plastics are crucial for effective management. Sri Lanka lacks comprehensive studies on this issue due to limited resources. We conducted a year-long study (October 2022-September 2023) at North Dikkowita Fishery Harbour (NDFH). Macroplastic debris (>2.5 cm) was collected from twelve 10 × 1 m2 points at the land–water interface, following the weekly accumulation study method. To analyse seasonal dynamics, data were categorized into distinct periods: October–November (Second Inter-monsoon), December-February (North-East monsoon), March–April (First Inter-monsoon), and May–September (South-West monsoon; SWM). The One-way ANOVA test revealed a non-significant seasonal difference (P = 0.511). Despite the lack of notable seasonal changes by count, 76% (n = 23) of the fishermen were aware of such seasonal changes. Also, observations were made from the collection of identifiable plastic packaging waste. This was important as the packaging (ice packets a dairy production brand) was originated from an industry unit which exclusively distributed these products within a limited area in the Kegalle district. Two packets collected on June 14, 2023, were manufactured on December 20, 2021, and April 20, 2021, while one collected on June 2, 2023, was manufactured in 2022. This could be linked to the SWM activation. These packets travelled ~ 63 km along the Kelani River to NDFH within 1–2 years. The SWM is the primary weather source for the Kelani River basin and the primary ocean current through Dikkowita. During the dry season, the river’s flow decreases to 20–25 m3/s, but during monsoons, it reaches 800–1,500 m3/s, serving as a force for flushing plastic debris. Previous studies suggest the island deflects the eastward-flowing SWM surface current southward, creating an oppositely directed current at Dikkowita. Further recommended studies should utilize tagging with a larger sample size to precisely study debris movement patterns.

Coating is a process of applying a protective or decorative layer on a surface, which can enhance its durability, appearance, and functionality. Coating technology is an important aspect of Sri Lankan cultural heritage, as it reflects the history, identity, and creativity of different eras throughout history. Sri Lanka has a rich and diverse coating tradition, which includes the use of natural materials, such as plant extracts, resins, oils, and minerals, as well as techniques, such as painting, and lacquering. Sri Lankan coating technology has been developed and transmitted over generations, reflecting the local culture, environment, and resources. However, these invaluable intangible cultural heritage practices are facing the risk of disappearance due to various factors, such as urbanization, globalization, environmental degradation, and lack of awareness and appreciation. This paper aims to explore the potential of developing new coating products by safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage of Sri Lankan coating technology and to examine the benefits and challenges of such an approach for sustainable future of the coating industry. The paper reviews the existing literature on the topic, presents experimental studies of successful initiatives, and proposes a framework for integrating the traditional knowledge and skills of coating with modern science and technology. The paper also discusses the sustainable implications of this approach and provides recommendations for future research and action. The paper argues that by developing coating by safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, Sri Lanka can preserve its cultural diversity, promote its cultural identity, and contribute to its social, environmental, and economic well-being.

Collaboration between universities and industry (UIC) is one of the key factors bringing innovation, economic growth, and knowledge transfer at the global level. As part of the fostering sustainable university-industry techno-entrepreneurial collaborations and innovations in Asian universities (FOUNTAIN) project, this systematic literature review provides critical views on the current state of university-industry collaboration (UIC) status in Sri Lanka and points out some key areas that need to be worked on in order to develop mutually beneficial long-term collaborations. The review focuses on the global views of UIC, the factors that influence the cooperation, and the specific problems, especially in the Asian region. Using a comprehensive process consisting of keyword search and qualitative content analysis, as many as 45 relevant articles were eventually found and scrutinized. The results, thus, stress UIC’s role in economic stimulation and society, as well as in the academic-industrial linkage. However, obstacles like limited financial resources, regulatory bottlenecks, and dissimilar communication styles still remain as major challenges in achieving effective collaboration. However, despite all the endeavors of the government and university-industry partnerships, there are still some problems with collaboration and entrepreneurial capabilities, as well as infrastructure capabilities, in Sri Lanka. It is paramount to elucidate these drawbacks to maximize the contribution of UIC in encouraging entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth. The process continues by providing ways in which UIC can be improved, stressing on customized interventions, collaboration among stakeholders, and more research for sustainability.

Poor indoor air quality poses a significant challenge due to the rising levels of CO2 in air-conditioned environments, such as offices, apartments, banks, schools, etc. As the number of occupants increases, so does the concentration of CO2, and levels beyond 1000 ppm are considered unhealthy for indoor living. Though there are mechanical approaches to mitigate that, they are highly energy-consuming. Recognizing the need for a more sustainable solution, this study focuses on applying the capacity of plants to absorb CO2 through photosynthesis. The net performance of plant leaf area in carbon dioxide assimilation was measured and compared. This prompted a thorough exploration into the capacity of NASA-recommended indoor plants, which had undergone minimal experimentation in tropical climates. Simultaneously, an assessment was made on the efficacy of native herb plants in curbing indoor air pollution. Among these categories, the Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum blandum) and Thippili (Piper longum) plants emerged as the top performers resulting in 103 ppm of CO2 absorption per leaf area per hour (ppm/m2/hour) and 136 ppm/m2 /hour, respectively, under 4000 lx level. Using these selected plants, a hybrid air purification unit was developed, by incorporating vertical gardening system with modern technology. In this innovative approach, Internet of Things (IoT) technology is employed to monitor the CO2 levels inside the building. When the concentration surpasses the desired threshold, the unit, equipped with sensors, detects the imbalance and automatically provides the necessary conditions for plants to enhance photosynthesis. The key principle is to create an automated system that regulates indoor air quality by utilizing the CO2 absorption capabilities of plants. The unit responds dynamically by providing essential resources for optimal plant performance, such as artificial lighting, maintaining the right fertilizer levels, and ensuring other environmental conditions conducive to efficient photosynthesis. By integrating IoT technology and leveraging the natural processes of plants, this study aims to bridge the gap in current air purification methods, offering a more energy-efficient and sustainable solution for maintaining healthy indoor environments. Not only does this system offer energy efficiency, but also provides therapeutic effects and establishes a connection with nature, which are priceless advantages of the proposed approach.

Coral reefs are the most diverse marine ecosystems, containing hundreds of thousands of diverse species together with their biological richness, attractiveness, and significant output. This review examines the scientific literature on coral bleaching, mortality rates, and ecosystem disruptions caused by climate change, particularly temperature changes, and evaluates current mitigation and adaptation techniques for protecting coral reef ecosystems at local, regional, and global levels. By consulting and studying twenty research articles produced between 1998 and 2019, information was obtained and was used to compose this particular review. The scientific literature claims that over the last century, sea temperature in many tropical locations has risen by almost 1 °C, and currently rising at a rate of about 1–2 °C per each century. Over the past 20 years, there have been periods of higher water temperatures that have been linked to mass coral bleaching, which is the loss of zooxanthellae as a result of prolonged photoinhibition. Worldwide, coral reefs are predicted to suffer significantly within 20–30 years due to increasing sea temperatures, even with moderate greenhouse scenarios. By 2040, the most reefs will experience more extensive bleaching events than the 1998. Human-caused aerosol cooling will have negligible impact, with the Great Barrier Reef changing at a slower rate. The UN Decade of Ocean Science and SDGs aim for a healthy, resilient, safe, sustainably harvested, and biodiverse ocean. Reducing emissions by 2030 requires both ocean-based mitigation and significant adaptation measures. Coordinated mitigation strategies, immediate emissions reductions, and cooperation across governing bodies are essential for ensuring sustainable development and preserving marine social–ecological systems like coral reefs. Aside from monitoring and data sharing, investments in education, climate literacy, and social vulnerability mitigation are also critical.

Amid growing concerns about air pollution and its impact on public health, precise measurement and control of vehicle emissions have become increasingly crucial. This research focuses on a comparative analysis between existing diesel emission testing methods and a newly developed portable emission tester. The innovative tester is designed to provide real-time updates on diesel vehicle emissions, moving beyond the traditional annual reporting model. Utilizing a methodology based on the average K-factor value, determined through three snap-acceleration procedures, the research adheres to the guidelines outlined in SAE-J1667. This standard provides a universal framework for automotive diesel emission testing, stipulating that the K-factor value should remain below 4, with minimal variation between tests. The new tester integrates various components, including Arduino Nano and Mega, a wireless transmitter, magnetic pickup and piezo sensors, an optical dust sensor, a buck converter, a battery management system, and a display unit. The efficacy of this system was evaluated by comparing its results with those obtained from established local emission test centers. Our findings reveal that the novel tester not only aligns closely with traditional methods in terms of emission values but also offers more comprehensive vehicle diagnostics and suggestions for emissions improvement. A feedback model analysis was conducted to gage the market reception of this innovative solution. The response from 75% of the 253 participants surveyed was positive, indicating strong market potential. The new device consistently showed emission values around 0.79, compared to 0.675 reported by traditional methods, underscoring its accuracy and reliability. These results highlight the new tester's effectiveness and its utility for remote monitoring of diesel vehicle emissions. The comparative analysis demonstrates that this novel solution is not only comparable to existing methods but also adds significant value in terms of accessibility, detailed analysis, and proactive vehicle maintenance.

Mud concrete block is an innovative blend of soil, cement, and water that offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and thermally comfortable construction solution. Although mud concrete has a better compressive capacity, its tensile capacity is less, and the use of soil as the base material results in significant shrinkage. Recognizing the potential of fibers to reinforce the material, this study evaluates how natural and synthetic fibers from textile waste can improve the mechanical and physical properties of the mud concrete block. Utilizing textile waste for fiber extraction aligns with sustainable practices, managing industrial waste and reducing environmental impact. From an extensive literature review, cotton and polyester were chosen as the natural and synthetic fibers, respectively. The research involved developing a concrete mix by combining soil, cement, water, and textile fiber. Throughout the test, the amount of cement (10%) and water (30%) were kept constant, and the amount of soil and textile fiber were varied. Test specimens, including 150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm cubes, 100 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm cubes, and cylinders with 100 mm in diameter and 200 mm in height, were made to assess compressive strength, shrinkage properties, and tensile strength, respectively. Experimental results revealed that the addition of 7.5% polyester fiber achieved the highest compressive strength, while 5% polyester fiber obtained the highest tensile strength. The inclusion of cotton fiber led to a remarkable 57.14% reduction in shrinkage, while polyester fiber achieved an even more substantial reduction of 71.43%. In summary, findings indicate that incorporating polyester fiber produces the most favorable outcomes for enhancing the mechanical and physical properties of the mud concrete block.

Sri Lanka's sugarcane industry plays a crucial role in the country's economy. However, comprehensive decision-making, including breeding, is hindered by a lack of growth data, primarily due to the extensive cultivation that limits resources available for collecting data through traditional ground-level methods. To overcome these limitations, we adopted a novel approach using UAV images for the assessment of plant growth over large cultivation areas which enables efficient monitoring and analysis by developing a Crop Surface Model (CSM) generated via the Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The experiment was conducted at Lanka Sugar Company (Pvt.) Ltd. in Pelwatte, Sri Lanka. Twelve experimental plots were established following the basic ridge and furrow land preparation, cultivating the SL 96 128 Sugarcane variety. A UAV with a multispectral sensor was used to capture images the sixth month after planting. On the same date, sugarcane plant height was measured in 144 sugarcane plants manually. Image processing was carried out using QGIS software For Generate DEM, and Agisoft Software was used for orthomosaic map generation. CSM, derived from DEM, was established to assess plant heights across 144 data sets. Their accuracy was verified by comparing them to plant heights measured manually. Results demonstrated a significant correlation between CSM height and manually collected height data, as evidenced by Pearson correlation coefficients in the 6th month (r = 0.873) after planting. The study employed three machine learning techniques, namely Simple Linear Regression, Support Vector Regression, and Random Forest Regression. Results indicated that Random Forest Regression exhibited the highest accuracy, boasting an R2 value of 81.22% and an RMSE of 3.354. Results revealed that multispectral UAV images can be used to predict sugarcane heights with good accuracy and further analysis will be carried out to test the accuracy of yield predictions.

The increase in skin rigidity is of key interest in many cosmetic applications. In this study, we intend to develop a chitin-based dermal application with a formulation to increase skin rigidity. In film formulation, the sample is sprayed on a heated surface and the pan is dried at 60 °C until all dispersions are evaporated and the film is formed. The films with 1% concentrations of chitin nanofiber, glycerol, and PVA show promising transparency, film-forming, and dispensability properties. The films were analyzed for their optical, mechanical, morphological, physical, and chemical properties. The findings reveal that the introduction of PVA and glycerol to chitin nanofiber dispersions significantly increases (p 

Sustainable substitutes for foams can be made from fungal mycelium as an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic materials. In this study, biodegradable biocomposite foams were developed using corn husk waste and three different fungal strains: Lentinus sp., Trametes sp., and Ganoderma sp., Only a few fungal species have previously been used to fabricate biocomposites, and many other strains have not been explored yet. These experimental strains of fungi could have the potential to rival traditional synthetic materials that are non-biodegradable. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of biocomposite foam production with corn husk and a locally isolated fungal species in Sri Lanka. This study investigated the physical and mechanical properties of biocomposite samples, including the density, tensile strength, flexural strength, Young’s modulus, water absorption, thermal stability, biodegradability, and flame retardancy. All the biocomposites exhibited a soft and foamy appearance, whereas the Lentinus sp., based composite had a milky appearance with the lowest density (97.68 kg/m3). Ganoderma sp., based composite recorded the lowest shrinkage and the highest density, 5.86% and 187.88 kg/m3, respectively. The highest tensile strength (0.24 MPa) and Young's modulus (3.12 N/mm2) were recorded for the Trametes sp. based composite. The most significant effects were observed in the Trametes sp., based composite with the highest flexural strength, and flexural modulus, at 0.41 MPa and 3.04 MPa, respectively. None of the three biocomposites exceeded the burning rate of 37 mm/min during the flame retardancy test. Notably, all three biocomposites exhibited better flame retardancy properties than expanded polystyrene (EPS). Biodegradability tests using a soil burial method exhibited high biodegradability within 30 days of exposure to compost, and they are competitive with non-biodegradable synthetic foam materials. Therefore, these new biocomposites have the potential to replace conventional synthetic foam materials.

Bioethanol production has recently intensified due to its environment-friendliness, usability, greener output, and its applicability as an alternative solution for fossil fuel depletion. Because of uncontrollable carbon emissions, many researchers have recently focused on reprocessing waste to biofuel, adopting technologies in the circular economy. Waste biomass generated in larger quantities in agriculture and horticulture sector is freely dumped in open lands or poorly valorized without using these biomaterials in their maximum resource use efficiency. Thus, bioethanol production from agricultural and horticultural waste poses numerous advantages in the long run. This preliminary study focused on producing bioethanol using three plant species, Ricinus communis, Impatiens balsamina, and Lantana camara, which are fast-growing aggressive plants found on roadsides, abounded lands, and freely available as waste biomass. The biomass from selected plants was converted to bioethanol using the cheapest, locally applicable, zero waste, and most conventional fermentation method, yeast fermentation. According to obtained results, the bioethanol concentration of R. communis, Impatiens balsamina, and L. camara, respectively, was 7%, 10%, and 12%, showing that Lantana camara plant achieved the highest when compared to others. These findings demonstrate the potential of these plant species for bioethanol production, contributing to renewable energy generation and highlighting the viability of utilizing agricultural and horticultural waste for sustainable fuel production.

Waste management is a crucial global challenge due to the negative impacts waste can have on the environment and human health. This research study focused on isolating and evaluating Azotobacter spp., a nitrogen-fixing bacterium, and its impact on chili plants grown in compost made with biodegradable waste. Azotobacter spp. were isolated using Ashby's nitrogen-free media and characterized through morphological and biochemical tests, confirming their identity as gram-negative bacteria. The effects of different treatments on plant growth parameters, including plant height, number of leaves, girth of stem, number of branches, and number of flowers, were examined over 70 days. The results revealed that Azotobacter spp. significantly affected plant growth, with treatment T1 (5% microbial consortia mixed compost) demonstrating the highest plant height and number of leaves. When combined with topsoil, the microbial consortia mixed compost enhanced plant growth parameters, potentially due to the increased fungal population facilitated by Azotobacter spp. However, higher concentrations of microbial consortia (as in T3) appeared to disrupt nutrient availability and hinder plant growth. Moreover, the study showed a positive correlation between the potting mixture’s Azotobacter spp.—population and nitrogen content. The highest nitrogen content was recorded in T3, suggesting a higher population of Azotobacter spp. and led to increased biological nitrogen fixation. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the positive impact of Azotobacter spp. on chili plant growth. It highlights the potential benefits of microbial consortia mixed compost when used in combination with topsoil. The findings also underline the significance of maintaining a balanced microbial population for optimal plant growth. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of composting for sustainable biodegradable waste management in Sri Lanka, with opportunities for enhancing compost quality by adding specific ingredients, such as phosphate, urea, and muriate of potash.

Wood modification is a crucial practice for enhancing the durability of wood in various applications. Different types of wood preservatives are employed worldwide for wood treatment purposes. In the Sri Lankan context, inorganic wood preservatives are extensively used. However, a major issue is that these wood preservatives contain heavy metals and toxic contaminants, negatively impacting the ecosystem. The use of organic wood preservatives is considered a sustainable solution to minimize adverse effects. This study focuses on investigating the effect of wood preservative uptake for organic wood preservatives by dipping diffusion treatment by comparing two types of naval organic wood preservatives and two types of inorganic wood preservatives. For this study, five wood species were selected, namely pine (Pinus caribaea), alstonia (Alstonia macrophylla), mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), mango (Mangifera indica), and rubber (Hevea brasiliensis). Wood samples were treated using two types of industrial wood preservatives, namely ACQ (alkaline copper quaternary) and boron preservatives, and patented organic wood preservatives, namely FSWOM (Final Solution With Mud) and FSWM (Final Solution Without Mud). The dipping diffusion method was employed for all treatments, and samples were treated separately under the same conditions. The wood samples were dipped for 48 h in the preservative solutions and then collected and analyzed. As the results, high-density wood types showed minimum preservative uptake, while low-density wood types exhibited maximum preservative uptake for both organic and inorganic wood preservatives. The results indicate that there is no significant difference between the uptake of both organic and inorganic wood preservatives by the selected wood types (P 

Rice straw is identified as one of the most abundant and sustainable natural sources to extract cellulose since the annual rice straw yields 3.4 million metric tons on average in Sri Lanka. Rice straw raw material obtained from the native Sri Lankan rice cultivar BW 372 was used as the primary cellulosic matter in this study. A combination of chemical and mechanical protocols, including the main steps of accelerated caustic immersion, acid hydrolysis, alkaline treatment, bleaching, and ultrasonication was implemented to extract nanocellulose from rice straw. The removal of hemicellulose, pectin, lignin, and extractive materials is demonstrated through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and color profile analysis at each processing step. The TGA curves attributed to thermal properties indicated a significant enhancement and around an 11% increase in degradation temperature in chemically treated rice straw samples compared to raw materials. The crystallinity index of the purified samples was increased by 27% due to the bleaching process in contrast to the raw material. Ultra-sonic homogenization was optimized to prepare cellulose nanofiber dispersion in an aqueous medium. The most stable pH value of the dispersion (0.5 v/v%) was recorded as pH-7 with -27 mV Zeta-potential. Cellulose nanofiber films developed using a casting method in varying concentrations were characterized based on thickness indicators, color parameters, scanning electron microscopic images, XRD, and TGA. The average thickness of the films was recorded in (8–20) μm range. The grams per square meter (GSM) values of films were significantly (p 

World is facing a challenge of scarcity of pure drinking water. The additional amount of fluoride contamination in drinking water causes a significant health threat due to its effects on teeth and bones. Adsorption is an effective method that can be used to remove fluoride ions from water. Activated carbon is the most common adsorbent due to favorable properties such as high specific surface area, high porosity, high selectivity, durability, and reusability. Due to those properties, activated carbon is widely used to capture fluoride ions from water. The main disadvantage of commercial-grade activated carbon derived from coal and coconut shell is the cost. Activated carbon prepared from low-cost materials like rice husk, corn cob, and palmyra nutshell is discussed for the effective removal of fluoride from water in the literature. It has been reported that the chemically activated biomass exhibits better porosity and surface area with high adsorption capacity. The porous structure of chemically synthesized activated carbon from biomass facilitates the adsorption of fluoride from water. Further, the literature provides evidence for activation of low-cost biomass for adsorbing and eliminating fluoride from water. The usage of biomass-derived activated carbon retains sustainability, low environmental impacts, and cost-effectiveness. This comprehensive review paper explores the chemically derived activated carbon from the biomass for the removal of fluoride from water.