North Central Province Research Articles

The Belief in Pullayar among Agrarian People in Ampara District, Sri Lanka

Worship of deities takes a specific position among the religious beliefs related to agriculture. The Pullayar deity belief with agriculture specially can be seen in Northern Province and Nuwarakalaviya in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The study investigates the significance of the Pullayar deity belief among the agricultural community in Ampara District. It also focusses on the ways in which the agricultural practices of farmers, socio-cultural identities, and customs are influenced by the deity belief system. The main objective of the research was to examine the contemporary condition of Pullayar deity belief associated with agriculture in the Ampara District. The two Grama Niladari (GN) divisions of Galahitiyagoda and Udayagiriya belonging to Uhana Divisional Secretariat in Ampara district were used as the study areas. Data required for the research was collected using forty (40) farmers selected from the study area under random sampling method. Participatory observation and unstructured interviews were used to gather data. Pullayar worship is closely linked with the agricultural practices of Ampara district. Here farmers perform specific rituals for a successful harvest. Among the farming folk beliefs of Ampara, the Pullayar deity worship is uniquely adapted to protect the land from fertility and natural calamities. According to the farmers in this area, it is customary to worship the Buddha as well as Gambara Devi before doing any task in the paddy fields. As a special offering for pullayar deity, farmers offer coconut and let the pots overflow with milk as a ritual. It is performed by them for the protection of their fields and cattle. Pullayar rituals foster collective social cohesion. Strengthens community bonds through shared spiritual practices. Worship as well reveals a gendered division of religious duties, with men leading agricultural rituals and women maintaining household shrines. Therefore, this society reflects a balanced role of spiritual practices across genders. Though, Pullayar deity worship can be regarded as a particular cultural aspect that is unique to the agrarian economic system in this area and still exists now.

A real-world study of BBIBP-CorV vaccine effectiveness in a Sri Lanka rural province

ObjectiveReal-world studies assessing the effectiveness of the BBIBP-CorV vaccine in low and middle-income countries are limited. We evaluated the BBIBP-CorV vaccine's effectiveness in reducing COVID-19 symptomatic disease, hospitalisation, severe disease, and mortality during the third wave of the pandemic in Sri Lanka. MethodsWe conducted a test-negative case-control study in North Central Province from May 2021 to February 2022. Evidence of vaccination was obtained from the national registry. The PCR-positive patients were cases, while negative individuals were controls. Adjusted vaccine effectiveness (aVE) was computed for fully, partially, and non-vaccinated groups in reducing symptomatic disease, hospitalisation, severe disease, and mortality. ResultsOur study involved 3305 cases and 3418 controls. The overall aVE for preventing PCR-positive infection in fully vaccinated was 30·8 % (95 % CI:17·9–41·6). In fully vaccinated over 60 years, the overall aVE was 72·3 % (95 % CI: 49·7–84·8). Full vaccination with BBIBP-CorV is effective in reducing hospitalisation, severe COVID-19 disease, and death, with aVE rates of 70·3 % (95 % CI: 57·9–79·0), 88·9 % (95 % CI: 81·8–93·2), and 92·3 % (95 % CI: 84·8–96·1) respectively. ConclusionIndividuals who have received two doses of the BBIBP-CorV vaccine are protected against hospitalisation, severe COVID-19 disease, and death. Duration of protection against hospitalisation, severe COVID-19, and fatal COVID-19 sustained at least 121 days, with no sign of waning during that time.

Knowledge and application of first aid and treatment of snakebites among Sri Lankan North Central Province farmers

The application of first aid for snakebites are important in rural Sri Lanka. This study aimed to assess the current level of knowledge and application of snakebite first aid. Results revealed a substantial gap between knowledge and practices. This study highlights the need for education programs to improve snakebite management

Decreasing incidence of hospital diagnosed CKD/CKDu in North Central Province of Sri Lanka: is it related to provision of drinking water reverse osmosis plants?

BackgroundWe assessed the possible impact of provision of reverse osmosis (RO) water on the incidence of hospital diagnosed CKD/CKDu in North Central Province (NCP) of Sri Lanka.MethodsAn ecological study was conducted on data from 2010–2020 on the incidence of hospital diagnosed CKD/CKDu, CKD/CKDu screening and provision of drinking water RO plants in NCP. Analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and chi-square test.ResultsThe annual incidence of hospital diagnosed CKD/CKDu (per 100 000 population) in 2010–2013, 2014–2016 and 2017–2020 periods in Anuradhapura district were 129.07, 331.06 and 185.57 (p = 0.002) while in Polonnaruwa district these were 149.29, 326.12 and 296.73 (p = 0.04) respectively. In NCP provision of RO plants commenced after 2011 and the decline in the incidence of hospital diagnosed CKD/CKDu was seen in 25 of the 29 Divisional Secretary Divisions when more than 20% of the families received access to drinking RO water projects.ConclusionsThe annual incidence of hospital diagnosed CKD/CKDu increased in NCP from 2010 to 2016 and continuously decreased thereafter. Continuous declining of CKD/CKDu incidence was seen after more than 20% of the families received access to drinking water RO plants.

Evaluation of the Quality of the Groundwater used for Domestic Purposes in the Anuradhapura District of the Dry Zone and the Efficacy of Laterite Soil-based Household Water Filters as Adsorbents

High concentrations of hardness, Ca, Mg, NO3-, PO43-, F- and, heavy metals in the groundwater being consumed in Sri Lanka's North Central province are becoming a serious health concern. The current study examined the groundwater quality in the Anuradhapura district as well as the effectiveness of groundwater purification by a laterite soil-based water purification device for Domestic Purposes. Chemical parameters (hardness, Ca, Mg, NO3-, PO43-, F-, Cr, Cd and Pb) were analyzed in randomly collected 35 number of well water samples during the dry season to assess the quality. The range of hardness was (21-1730) mg/l, with an average hardness of 471 mg/l. Anuradhapura had high levels of Ca and Mg, with average concentrations of 122 mg/l, ranges of (5- 429 mg/l) and 40 mg/L (2-160 mg/l), respectively. Phosphate levels ranged from (0.02-0.83 mg/l), with an average of 0.08 mg/l. Whereas nitrate concentrations ranged from (0.05-6.5) mg/l with an average of 0.59 mg/l and, fluoride levels ranged from (1.8-4.0 mg/l), with 2.3 mg/l being the average. Heavy metal concentrations that were below the WHO and Sri Lankan Standard limits had no discernible effect. The laterite soil-based water purification cylinder removed the hardness, Ca, Mg, NO3-, PO43- and, F- by adsorption. It was removed the hardness at an average rate of 89.7%, Ca at 89.32%, Mg at 86.87%, P at 100%, NO3- at 92.6% and F- at 81.6%. The outcomes showed that, well water in Anuradhapura region needs to be treated beforehand so it can be consumed. The laterite soil-based water filter performed well in terms of removing high hardness, Ca, Mg, P, NO3-, and F-.
 Keywords: Groundwater quality, Laterite, Adsorption, Removal efficiency

Effectiveness of a Disaster Management Education Program among Youth: A Case Study in Three Disaster-prone Provinces


 
 
 Environmental Education has emerged to integrate knowledge on the need to conserve and to protect the natural environment and to minimize hazards associated with the polluted environment and natural disasters. The present study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of an environmental education programme conducted among participants of National Youth Corps (NYC) training centres. NYC recruits two batches per annum within the age group of 15–26 years. The survey was carried out in year 2019 for its first batch at three provinces: Southern, North Central and Sabaragamuwa. A workshop was conducted for all the trainees by the Disaster Management Centre followed by a two-day disaster drill programme to apply the theoretical knowledge into practice. Total intake of 5688 NYC recruits were reported in this year. 1062 of them were selected from 8 NYC training centres out of 14 total centres located within the three provinces that are considered as prone to natural disasters. A quota sampling approach was used to obtain a representative sample from these districts. Selected participants were advised to complete two self-administered questionnaires: one before the workshop and the other soon after completion. Knowledge and attitudes were measured, and the scores were compared with the hypothesis that participants reported higher scores after the workshop. Knowledge and attitudes toward disaster preparedness was evaluated before and after conducting the workshop. 71% from Southern province (Tsunami); 60% from Sabaragamuwa (landslide); and 75% of North Central province (flood) reported prior experience of natural disasters. The level of awareness of having either a local disaster management plan or a local person responsible for disaster preparedness was low. Only 14.8% from Southern, 11.0% from North Central, 17.0% from Sabaragamuwa Province knew the presence of a local DMP in which 15.0%, 19.3% and 21.6% respectively, knew the presence of the DM personal. About 75% from Southern province, 64% from North Central province and 84% from Sabaragamuwa province were not aware of the existence of an early warning system. An increase in the positive attitude was observed and the perceived change in behavioral change of the trainees have increased after the study. They were highly motivated in assisting disasters in a real situation and were willing to volunteer in minimizing the environmental hazards associated with environmental degradation. Despite the high motivation, lack of experience indicates the need for inclusion of disaster management training into National Youth Corps curriculum with annual educational activities after the initial training. The assessment framework established by this study could facilitate regular inspection and verify various disaster management tasks, in-order to enhance youth capability in response to disasters.
 Keywords: Environmental education, Disaster management, Youth, Knowledge enhancement, Attitude change
 
 

Assessment of the Vulnerability of Paddy Cultivation to Impacts of Climate Change in Anuradhapura District in North Central Province, Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura District in Sri Lanka heavily relies on paddy cultivation and plays a significant role in the country's paddy production. Given the grave threat posed by climate change to paddy cultivation in this region, it is crucial to assess its vulnerability. This study aims to fill the gap in sub-national vulnerability assessments by determining the degree of vulnerability and mapping it in the district. A combination of secondary and primary data was employed in this study. Secondary data encompassed the analysis of average annual and monthly rainfall and temperature variations in Anuradhapura District from 2010 to 2020, as well as the occurrence of droughts and floods in the same period. Additionally, the study examined the variations in average annual paddy yield in Anuradhapura District from 2010 to 2020. For primary data collection, Climate Change Vulnerability Indices (CCVI) were employed, which included indicators, exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Under the exposure indicator, climate exposure, biophysical exposure, and biological exposure were considered. Sensitivity was assessed through social, financial, and farm sensitivity sub-indicators, while adaptive capacity was evaluated using socio-economic, agricultural, and institutional capacity sub-indicators. The field sampling focused on divisions with significant paddy lands that depend on minor irrigation and rainfed cultivation, such as Thirappane and Kahatagasdigiliya. Nuwaragam Palatha Central which had fewer paddy lands and a population engaged in non-paddy-related activities, was used as a control. Two Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions from each selected Divisional Secretariat (DS) division were randomly chosen for detailed sampling. In each GN division, 50 families were randomly selected to participate in semi- structured questionnaire surveys supplemented with focus group discussions and key informant surveys. The collected data were used to create a vulnerability map for Anuradhapura District through GIS analysis. The study results revealed that the annual rainfall showed a decrease from 2010 to 2020. Other parameters did not show significant variation. In terms of vulnerability, Kahatagasdigiliya DSD exhibited the highest vulnerability followed by Thirappane DSD. The lowest vulnerability was observed in Nuwara Gampalatha Centre DSD.
 
 Keywords: Climate change, Paddy cultivation, Adaptation measures, Vulnerability assessment, Anuradhapura

Chronic kidney disease in Sri Lanka: Health systems challenges of patients on hemodialysis

AbstractChronic kidney disease has now attained epidemic proportions, placing a significant strain on Sri Lanka's healthcare system. The North Central Province of Sri Lanka has been afflicted by this disease for decades, confronting multiple challenges. Hemodialysis is the primary form of renal replacement therapy available to end‐stage renal disease patients in Sri Lanka. Providing hemodialysis sessions free of cost in the government health sector comes with major costs on the healthcare system. As a country with a low‐to‐middle income status undergoing through reeling economic crisis, providing free healthcare in government hospitals and increasing the capacity and quality of treatment facilities for the growing number of patients with chronic kidney disease will remain a major challenge for the coming decade. The high cost for a single dialysis session, lack of resources and workforce to meet demand, occupational barriers of patients, and the economic burdens including out‐of‐pocket expenditures significant barriers in achieving quality treatment sessions and the quality of life of patients. In addition, the absence of a consistent screening program has contributed to the progression of the disease ending up requiring renal replacement therapy. This article suggests potential strategies that can be implemented to mitigate the aforementioned problems and enhance the overall health, quality of life, and survival of patients with chronic kidney disease and those who receive hemodialysis.

Detectable immunological response in Brucella abortus s 19 vaccinated herds of cattle in vilachchiya veterinary range, north central province, Sri Lanka

Brucellosis a zoonotic disease caused by Gram-negative, intracellular, coccobacillus. Brucellosis, an economically important disease in livestock with zoonotic implications has been reported worldwide. It is transmitted via contaminated animals and their products. Clinical signs of animal brucellosis are abortions, reduced fertility, retention of fetal membranes, endometritis, and substantial decline in milk production over an animal’s lifespan. Orchitis, epididymitis and chronic hygroma had been reported in bulls. The current study focused on to studying the detectable immunological responses to Brucella S 19 live attenuated vaccine using serological tests in cattle of dry zone farms. A questionnaire-based survey was carried out in selected farms with and without a previous history of abortion respectively. Animals that were in 1st to 5th lactation in the 18 farms were selected for screening by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and positives were confirmed by Complement Fixation Test (CFT). Three farms each with and without history of abortion were selected for Brucella S19 vaccination from the RBPT and CFT negative farms. Sixty non pregnant heifers over 6 months were selected, and 1ml each of S19 vaccine was given subcutaneously to 30 animals while 30 animals were kept as controls. The serum samples were collected and screened for Brucellosis by RBPT and CFT at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks of post vaccination. The second week after the vaccination, 71.42% of the animals showed over 1:4 CFT levels while 28.57% of them did not show any antibody titres for Brucellosis in the Brucella endemic farms. In Brucella non-endemic farms, 68.75% of animals showed over 1:4 CFT titre at 2 weeks after the vaccination. However, 31.25% of animals did not show any CFT titre. No persistent and detectable antibody responses were found 10 weeks post vaccination in heifers of endemic and non-endemic herds. The titers of CFT indicate IgG or IgM humeral response, cell mediated immune response of live attenuated vaccine has not been monitored in the study. Thus, seropositivity after the 10 weeks post vaccination may indicate an infection of Brucellosis since no antibodies from vaccination were found. Further investigation with highly sensitive tests such as ELISA is recommended to have a better insight into this aspect in the future.

Effect of Economic Crisis on Job Satisfaction: An Empirical Study on Employees in The Banking Sector with Reference to North Central Province, Sri Lanka

Effect of Economic Crisis on Job Satisfaction: An Empirical Study on Employees in The Banking Sector with Reference to North Central Province, Sri Lanka

Effect of Economic Crisis on Job Satisfaction: An Empirical Study on Employees in The Banking Sector with Reference to North Central Province, Sri Lanka

Effect of Economic Crisis on Job Satisfaction: An Empirical Study on Employees in The Banking Sector with Reference to North Central Province, Sri Lanka

Entrepreneurial Characteristics and Business Growth of SMEs: Special Reference to North Central Province

The small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector is considered to be the backbone of the modern economy, especially in developing countries where it plays a significant role in economic growth. Hence, it is crucial to monitor the growth of SMEs in these countries. Entrepreneur characteristics play a significant role in the development of both entrepreneurs and SMEs. This study aims to identify the influence of entrepreneur characteristics on the business growth of SMEs. To measure these characteristics, eight traits were selected, including risk-taking, self-motivation, adaptability, resilience, strong work ethic, networking skills, financial management skills, and strategic thinking. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 120 participants from SMEs in the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts and asked them to complete a self-administrated questionnaire. The study's findings revealed that entrepreneurs' characteristics play a significant role in the growth of SMEs. The finding suggests that risk-taking, self-motivation, and adaptability are inevitable characteristics that must be developed by Sri Lankan Entrepreneurs. According to the study's findings, entrepreneurs possess vital characteristics that significantly impact the success of SMEs. Among these characteristics, networking skills stand out as particularly important. Additionally, the study recommends that entrepreneurs exhibit a willingness to take risks in order to lead their firms to even greater levels of success. These findings not only contribute to the existing literature on entrepreneurship and SMEs but also have implications for policymakers who may wish to consider including these characteristics in their policy decisions.

Comparative Analysis of Paddy Harvesting Systems toward Low-Carbon Mechanization in the Future: A Case Study in Sri Lanka

In this study, three paddy harvesting systems, manual harvesting of paddy (MHP), reaper harvesting of paddy (RHP), and combine harvesting of paddy (CHP), were evaluated considering field capacities, field efficiencies, time and fuel consumption, mechanization indices, greenhouse gas emissions, straw availability, and direct and indirect costs. Field experiments were conducted in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The effective field capacity, field efficiency and fuel consumption of the combine harvester were 0.34 hah−1, 60.8%, and 34.1 Lha−1, respectively, and those of the paddy reaper were 0.185 hah−1, 58.2%, and 3.8 Lha−1, respectively. The total time consumed by MHP, RHP, and CHP were 76.05 hha−1, 39.76 hha−1, and 2.94 hha−1, respectively. The highest energy utilization was recorded by the CHP, at 1851.09 MJha−1, while MHP recorded the lowest at 643.20 MJha−1. The direct cost of the MHP was 1.50 and 1.52 times higher than those of the CHP and RHP, respectively. MHP recorded the lowest greenhouse gas emissions (32.94 kgCO2eqha−1), while CHP recorded the highest (176.29 kgCO2eqha−1). The RHP exhibited an intermediate level in all aspects. Although the CHP has higher field performance and direct costs, it has higher GHG emissions and indirect costs. Therefore, an optimum level of mechanization should be introduced for the long-term sustainability of both the environment and farming.

Chemical characteristics and water stability evaluation of groundwater in the CKDu Zone of Sri Lanka

Groundwater is the main source of drinking water for the rural population in the chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) zone of the North Central Province (NCP) in Sri Lanka. In this study, a total of 334 groundwater samples (311 dug wells, 21 tube wells and 2 springs) during the wet season from two aquifers in the NCP were collected, and investigated their chemical characteristics and evaluate their water quality, including groundwater chemistry, main ion sources, the corrosion and scaling potential of groundwater. The results showed that the two hydrochemical types of groundwater in the NCP were mainly of the Ca-HCO3, Na·Ca-HCO3 types, with the main HCO3−, Na+ and Ca2+ ions in both types of groundwater originating from silicate and evaporite salt dissolution and influenced by alternating cation adsorption, while the presence of NO3− was mainly anthropogenic. Evaluation of water stability using namely Langelier saturation index (LSI), Ryznar stability index (RSI), Puckorius scaling index (PSI) and Larson-Skold index (LS), indicated that most groundwater presents corrosion potential and has corrosion behavior tendency of metals to some degrees. The water quality of Polonnaruwa was better than that of Anuradhapura in the NCP, and when the groundwater was worse than the “good” grade, which must be properly treated before it is used as drinking water.

Influence of Implementation of Quality Management Practices on Operational Performance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions in the Sri Lanka - Study focuses on North Central Province

Influence of Implementation of Quality Management Practices on Operational Performance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions in the Sri Lanka - Study focuses on North Central Province

Spatiotemporal Variation of Groundwater Quality in North Central Province, Sri Lanka

Spatiotemporal Variation of Groundwater Quality in North Central Province, Sri Lanka

Climate change adaptation and adaptive capacities of dairy farmers: Evidence from village tank cascade systems in Sri Lanka

CONTEXTDairy farmers are affected by climate change (CC). To reduce the negative effects of CC, farmers need to take numerous adaptive measures. The ability to adapt is context-specific and there is a dearth of research on the adaptation and adaptive capacity (AC) of dairy farmers in village tank cascade systems (VTCS). OBJECTIVEThe study investigates dairy farmers' perception of CC, their AC, adaptation, and the social and institutional drivers of AC and adaptation in the two selected VTCS in Sri Lanka. The knowledge of this is vital in planning specific interventions to enhance the climate resilience of farmers. METHODSThe level of CC adaptation and AC was measured using the Activity-based Adaptation Index and Adaptive Capacity Index. Using an ordered logistic regression model, the determinants of the CC adaptation were examined. Social dimensions of AC are studied by comparing AC scores across social groups differentiated by income and gender. Data were collected from 200 dairy farmers in two VTCS in the Anuradhapura District, North Central Province of Sri Lanka, where dairy farming is predominantly practiced. Pre-tested structured questionnaires were used for data collection. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONPasture shortage, reduction in milk yield, and growth retardation of animals are reported as perceived CC effects by a majority of dairy farmers. The adaptation strategies mostly implemented by dairy farmers are aimed at reducing the effects of CC on animal physiology. A lesser number of farmers implement adaptation strategies that address pasture shortages. Farmer's perception of CC, socioeconomic characteristics and resource endowment determine the level of adaptation, while the AC moderates the relationship between perception and response to CC. The institutional and social context in which dairy farmers operate differentiates the AC of farmers. Women and poorer farmers tend to have a lower AC. The difference in AC across these social groups is explained by access to resources. The study recommends interventions to address social gaps in AC and highlights the importance of strengthening and expanding extension services and rural credit facilities. SIGNIFICANCEGlobally, fewer studies have been conducted on the impacts of climate-related risks on dairy farming systems and adaptation in comparison with such risks and adaptation in crop farming. This study provides insights into resource-poor dairy farmers' responses to CC and potential solutions in using common resources in VTCS to reduce vulnerability to CC.

Factors affecting willingness to adopt climate insurance among smallholder farmers in Sri Lanka

Drought is an almost annual phenomenon affecting many parts of Sri Lanka, causing huge damage to agriculture and losses to the broader economy in general and farmers in particular. Climate change threatens to exacerbate these risks. Risk transfer mechanisms, such as crop insurance schemes, may help buffer farmers against these hazards and has gained attention as an adaptation response to become an important element in agricultural risk management. Despite the numerous efforts over several decades to popularize crop insurance as a risk transfer tool in the country under heavy subsidies, farmers' voluntary enrollment in crop insurance has been very low. Therefore, understanding the farmers' behaviors and attitudes towards crop insurance and the potential of such programs in emerging climate-induced vulnerabilities is critical to enhancing the welfare of the farming community. This paper assesses the factors that influence willingness to enroll for crop insurance among farmers in irrigated and rainfed farming system in the drought-prone North Central Province of Sri Lanka using a logistic regression model. The study sample consisted of 149 irrigated farmers and 51 rainfed farmers selected randomly. Regression results show that farmer’s age, agriculture as the primary source of income, irrigation as the source of water, and availability of supplementary water source are significantly related to willingness to pay (WTP) for insurance. The overall results indicate the role of household socioeconomic factors and their contextualized risk perceptions shape the adoption decision of crop insurance. The findings of the paper contribute to that end through primary data from a rainfed and irrigated areas in the province. Although the present research was carried out in a limited area, the study area is dominated by the traditional nature of agricultural practices by smallholder farmers in a drought exposed environment, the findings of the study should apply to the rest of the dry zone areas in the country. The results on factors affecting farmers' willingness to purchase crop insurance assist the practitioners and policymakers to draft the guidelines and strategies for more inclusive interventions for agriculture risk management and building farmer resilience.

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, hesitancy, and associated factors among patients attending an outpatient psychiatry clinic at a teaching hospital in North Central Province, Sri Lanka

Background: Vaccination of people against COVID-19 infection has shown success in limiting the complications of the infection. Certain populations such as people with psychiatric illnesses are found to be vulnerable to develop COVID-19 and its complications. Aims: The objectives of this study were to determine the vaccine acceptance or hesitancy and their determinants among patients taking treatment for psychiatric disorders at the psychiatry clinic of a teaching hospital in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Methods: Consenting patients among those who were attending the psychiatry clinic were administered a semi-structured questionnaire to determine the vaccine acceptance or hesitance in obtaining the vaccination, and their determinants. Results: The majority (>89%) of the study population had accepted the COVID vaccine. The majority (>90%) of the patients who rejected the vaccine were less than 25 years and had refused it due to the fear of its side effects and doubts about the safety of the vaccine. Conclusions: All stakeholders should take extra efforts to target the younger population with psychiatric illnesses to educate them regarding the safety and side effects of the COVID vaccines to maximize the vaccination rates and also prevent the occurrence of COVID-19 infection and its complications.

Fluorescence characteristics and source analysis of DOM in groundwater during the wet season in the CKDu zone of North Central Province, Sri Lanka

The dissolved organic matter (DOM) should be purified for safe drinking water due to disinfection by-products (DBPs) produced by disinfectants reaction with DOM. Current research on groundwater in the chronic kidney disease with unknown etiology (CKDu) zone of the North Central Province (NCP) in Sri Lanka has focused mainly on aquatic chemistry, with limited attention paid to the spatial distribution, compositional sources and factors of DOM. Therefore, the structure, composition, source and spatial distribution of the DOM of two kinds of groundwater samples collected from dug well and tube well in the NCP during the wet season were determined, compared and analyzed by analytical tools such as parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). Results show that the average concentrations of TOC in these two groundwater samples are generally higher than 5.0 mg/L, and the concentration of TOC in the groundwater of the shallow weathered aquifer is higher than that of the deep hard rock aquifer, while its distribution of the two aquifers are on contrary. The DOM in the dug well has three types and four components, including humus-like component C1 (33.36%) and C2 (38.60%), protein-like component C3 (13.09%) and heterogeneous organic component C4 (14.95%). In the tube well, two types and two components of the DOM are determined, including humus-like component CⅠ (69.80%) widely existing in natural water and soluble microbial by-product CⅡ (30.20%) produced by microbial community activities. In the dug well, DOM is mainly exogenous input, the higher ion concentration in water affected the fluorescence intensity of humus and protein components. And in the tube well, DOM has obvious endogenous characteristics, and higher pH value may inhibit the production of protein like fluorescent substances to a certain extent.