http://repository.ou.ac.lk/handle/94ousl/3308 2026-08-31T02:16:36Z 2026-08-31T02:16:36Z Karthika, K. Pathinayake, V. Niruparan, S. Ranaweera, M. S. K. Athapattu, B. C. L. http://repository.ou.ac.lk/handle/123456789/4166 2026-08-25T03:06:51Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Towards Sustainable Laboratory Practices: Eco-Friendly Treatment of Decentralized Wastewater Karthika, K.; Pathinayake, V.; Niruparan, S.; Ranaweera, M. S. K.; Athapattu, B. C. L. Wastewater from laboratories are less considered due to their low quantity and decentralization even though it gives detrimental impact to the human and environment. Investigate the contaminants in laboratory wastewater and find an efficient and economical treatment for small scale laboratories. Prototype model of horizontal flow constructed wetland system with bio-geo filters designed, constructed and operated with locally available utilized materials as filter media. Isotherm and kinetic studies carried out for Cinnamon and Neem biochar and clay composite. Laboratory wastewater diluted to desirable pH with pipe borne water was allowed to pass through the treatment system. Higher removal efficiencies of 80% BOD5 and 86% COD observed in the treatment system may due to the presence of biofilm in final treatment tank and clay: neem biochar composite 1:1 as filter media. Operating the treatment system of horizontal flow constructed wetland with bio- geo filters gives eco-friendly and efficient solution for small scale, decentralized highly contaminated laboratory wastewater with heavy metals.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Karunanayake, K.M.I.P.B. Andradi, D.M.A.M.S.R. Weerabangsa, M.Z. Athapattu, B.C.L. http://repository.ou.ac.lk/handle/123456789/4165 2026-08-21T09:16:53Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Development of a Retro-Reflective eco-friendly clay rooftile to mitigate the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect Karunanayake, K.M.I.P.B.; Andradi, D.M.A.M.S.R.; Weerabangsa, M.Z.; Athapattu, B.C.L. The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, where the urban areas experience higher and warmer temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas is currently becoming a serious climatic phenomenon common to a lot of large cities around the world. This rise in urban temperatures lead to an increase in energy consumption of buildings and moreover, thermal discomfort to people and affects the quality of human life. There have been reported cases that this high temperature has adversely affected infants, elderly people and people with poor health conditions. Several strategies have been proposed and developed to overcome the UHI effect. This study is focused on developing a rooftile as a mitigation strategy for UHI. Sieve analysis was done and 1.18mm to 0.6mm waste glass particle size was selected as the optimum particle size for designing the reflective layer. Then rooftile was designed by applying the reflective layer, RR glass bead layer and protective sheet and Retro-reflectivity testing was done to check the RR properties of developed Rooftiles. The temperature around Wayamba Royal College, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka has been analyzed in the current study. It is located in a highly crowded area with high relative humidity and temperature. Field temperature data was collected from 15th of April to 19th of April using a pre-prepared electronic setup. The developed rooftile has reduced the surface temperature by 11.81 °C in the peak temperature hour of 11a.m to 12 noon on 19th of April. Therefore, this study explains the concept of UHI and the efficiency of RR rooftiles in mitigating the UHI effect.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z De Silva, K. Manoji http://repository.ou.ac.lk/handle/123456789/4158 2026-08-21T07:24:53Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Eco-driven community education for sustainable plastic use: Colombo case study De Silva, K. Manoji Plastic pollution represents a severe and escalating environmental and social challenge in urban areas such as Colombo, Sri Lanka, where rapid urbanization, population density, and inadequate waste management infrastructure contribute to high volumes of mismanaged plastic waste. This results in marine ecosystem degradation, soil contamination, microplastic infiltration into food chains, and disproportionate health and economic burdens on marginalized communities. This study assesses the effectiveness of community-based educational campaigns in fostering sustainable plastic consumption behaviors among urban households, employing a sociological framework to analyze behavior change through mechanisms like social learning, community cohesion, and cultural integration. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research encompassed pre- and post-intervention surveys of 150 households across two socioeconomically diverse neighborhoods Wellawatte (middle-income) and Mattakkuliya (low-income) supplemented by semi-structured interviews with 20 community leaders and residents. The intervention involved a four-week program featuring interactive workshops, localized social media campaigns in Sinhala and Tamil, and participatory clean-up drives, tailored to incorporate Sri Lankan cultural elements such as Buddhist principles of non-harm (ahimsa) and communal harmony to boost engagement and receptivity. Quantitative outcomes demonstrated a 25% overall reduction in single-use plastic consumption (from an average of 10 bags per week per household to 7.5), a 71% increase in reusable item adoption (from 35% to 60% of households), and an 83% rise in regular recycling participation (from 30% to 55%), alongside a 50% improvement in environmental awareness scores (from a mean of 2.8 to 4.2 on a 5-point Likert scale). Qualitative findings illuminated the pivotal role of peer modeling and collective efficacy in driving change, while underscoring persistent barriers including economic constraints, infrastructural deficiencies, and gender-based disparities in waste management responsibilities. Socioeconomic differences were pronounced, with middle-income areas achieving a 28% reduction compared to 22% in low-income zones, highlighting the moderating influence of resource access. The results affirm the potential of sociologically grounded interventions to advance circular economy principles such as reduce, reuse, and recycle and align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 13 (Climate Action). By providing empirical insights into scalable, community-led strategies, this Colombo case study contributes to global and regional discourses on mitigating plastic pollution, emphasizing the integration of social sciences in environmental policy and practice for long-term behavioral and systemic transformations.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.ou.ac.lk/handle/94ousl/3519 2025-09-24T12:33:41Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

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2025-01-01T00:00:00Z