Sri Lanka Standards Research Articles

Development of a pre-cooked supplementary food using Palmyrah tuber

Incorporation of legumes and tuber flours could improve the protein quality and energy content of traditional supplementary foods prepared mainly from cereals such as maize and sorghum in the developing countries. This study focused on developing a nutritious supplementary food using staple cereals, legumes and palmyrah tuber. “PalmyrahNutrimix” was formulated from the flour of cowpea, chickpea, sesame, green gram, soya bean and palmyrah tuber. Palmyrah tuber flour was obtained through tuber boiling, sun drying and milling process. Sugar and palmyrah tuber flour were optimized via 25 treatments. Sensory evaluation results revealed that three formulae consisting of sugar (19.4%) with different ratio of boiled and dried palmyrah tuber flour (15.9%, 18.2% and 20.3%) scored the highest mean rank sum (71.6), which complies with the Sri Lankan standards for energy (468.37 kcal/100g), protein (15.66%), fat (10.08%), fiber (4.75%) and carbohydrate (61.15%). The total phenolic content (61.0±2.0 mg gallic acid equivalent/100g) confirmed the positive functional properties of the product. Water activity of the product (0.46) assured the keeping quality of the supplementary food mix. Glycemic Index (GI) values of the product with sugar and without sugar were 64.00 ± 1.90 and 50.50 ± 1.26, respectively. Low GI value (50.50) showed that without sugar, product could be given to people with diabetes. The market survey conducted with 30 families indicated that they preferred “PalmyrahNutrimix”, which scored for sensory attributes better than market available products. Shelf life of the product was at acceptable level in both HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) and MPS (Metalized Polystyrene) packaging materials for a period of six months. This study concludes that “PalmyrahNutrimix” meets Sri Lankan standards as a supplementary food with sufficient consumer acceptability and keeping quality.

Quality of Municipal Solid Waste Compost Produced in Sri Lanka

Rapid urbanization has made solid waste management a serious problem for local authorities in Sri Lanka. The compost production with Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and good quality assurance of compost produced by such is crucial in utilizing these problematic wastes as an agriculturally important product. This study was focused on evaluating the overall quality of Municipal Solid Waste Compost (MSWC) in Sri Lanka. Primary and secondary data of compost physicochemical and biological characters covering 45 composting sites representing 88% of functioning Pilisaru composting sites of SL were used for the study. A large set of secondary data on MSWC quality parameters were collected from well reputed government laboratories with the approval of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA). Inadequate data were analyzed. Box plots were developed using data on color, moisture, odor, sand content, particle size, PH, conductivity, organic carbon, C:N ratio, total nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Lead, Mercury, Nickel, Zinc, Fecal coliform and Salmonella in MSWC samples. Central tendency, data distribution and deviations of each parameter were identified after eliminating outliers. The conformity percentage to Sri Lankan Standards (SLS) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) were calculated. The heavy metal contents were compared with Portugal, France and Italy standards for MSWC in addition to SLS and BIS. Normal probability plots of the residual were designed in order to identify the data distribution pattern. Spatial variability of data in each individual parameter was analyzed in district basis. Mean and median value of moisture content, sand content, MgO, Hg content and fecal coli form was not conformant with SLS and BIS. Although the mean value of particle size conformant with BIS it has exceeded the levels in SLS. Cd, Cu, Zn and Ni contents showed 100% conformity with SLS, BIS, France, Italy and Portugal standards. Cr and Pb contents showed more than 90% conformity to all the standards. Colour, odour, pH, organic carbon, total N, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn and salmonella resulted in more than 75% conformity to SLS. Sand content is the most deviated parameter from SLS. Significant special variability was reported for particular districts with regard to sand content, pH, total N, P2O5 and K2O. Thus, MSWC quality in SL could be improved via giving the emphasis on the parameters which are not conformant with the standards.Keywords: Municipal Solid Waste Compost (MSWC), Sri Lankan Standard (SLS), Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS)

Leachate Characterization and Assessment of Surface Water Quality near Karadiyana Solid Waste Dump Site

Leachate generation is one of the major issues associated with open dumping of solid waste. In Sri Lanka, the most common practice of municipal solid waste handling is open dumping and the leachate generated from these sites create serious environmental and social problems. Therefore leachate should be treated before been discharged to the environment. When developing a sustainable leachate treatment strategy, leachate characterization is important in order to identify critical contaminants.Karadiyana solid waste dump site which is located in the Western Province is the second largest dumpsite in Sri Lanka. It receives 550 MT of solid waste daily from 7 local authorities in Colombo district. As this dumpsite is located in a highly urbanized and environmentally sensitive area which is adjacent to the Bolgoda river in Piliyandala it is essential to take measures to prevent adverse impacts of leachate. Therefore this monitoring study was carried out to identify the characteristics of leachate.Leachate samples and surface water were collected from 7 locations around the site for 10 months. Analysis was done on temperature, pH, conductivity, TDS, NO3-, BOD, COD, and heavy metals i.e. Cr, Zn, Cd, Pb and Ni.According to the results temperature, pH and concentrations of NO3-, Cr, Zn, Cd, Pb and Ni of all sampling locations were within the permeable levels of Sri Lankan standards. Heavy metal concentrations are very low which may be because this dump site only is not accepting industrial waste. However the conductivity, TDS, BOD and COD levels of all the locations have exceeded the tolerance limits significantly due to the municipal solid waste which consist of large portion of organic waste. Furthermore all the parameters are higher in leachate samples than surface water samples. This study reveals that an applicable leachate treatment system should be introduced in order to reduce BOD and COD levels.Keywords: Karadiyana dump site, Leachate, Solid waste

The Performance of the Low Cost Masonry Cement Blocks as a Partial Substitution of Coconut Shell Ash

Aim of the research was to investigate the effect of Coconut Shell Ash (CSA) with cement as a partial substitution in the production of alternative cement blocks to subsist conventional ones. Utilization of this natural agro waste material helps to prevent the environmental pollution, reduces the construction cost as well as contributes to sustainable construction. Therefore, 90 blocks of 450 mm × 150 mm × 225 mm masonry cement blocks of mixing value 1:6 were cast, cured and tested after 7, 21 and 28 days. CSA was substituted at 0 to 50 wt.% at 5% intervals. The materials were mixed well with the addition of sufficient water. The maximum compressive strength and flexural strength of 300 kg/cm2 and 12.52 kg/cm2 were recorded at 5% supersession at the 28th day, respectively, which is found congruous and recommended for building construction having procured a 28th day compressive strength of more than 280 kg/cm2 as required by the Sri Lankan Standards. The compressive and flexural strengths of the cement / CSA blocks generally decrease as the percentage of CSA content increases. However the dry density, water absorption, compressive strength and flexural strength results conclude that the 10% CSA addition is the optimal value for the production of environmental friendly low cost alternative cement blocks.

Assessment of the Efficacy of Home Remedial Methods to Improve Drinking Water Quality in Two Major Aquifer Systems in Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka.

Chunnakam and Vadamaradchi are two major aquifer systems in Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka. This study was performed to compare water quality in the domestic wells in these aquifers and to assess the efficacy of household water treatments for treating contaminated water. Replicate well water samples were collected from each aquifer and pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, temperature, total solids (TS), total hardness (TH), chemical oxygen demand (COD), oil and grease (OG), nitrate N (N), and total phosphate (TP) were measured. The sampled water from the domestic wells was filtered through commercial mineral filter and Moringa oleifera leaf powder and boiled at 100°C for 10 minutes and the TH, OG, N, and TP were measured. Both OG and N in Chunnakam were significantly higher and the DO were significantly lower than those of Vadamaradchi. TH, N, and OG of some wells exceeded the drinking water quality standards established by Sri Lanka Standards Institution. Moringa oleifera leaf powder filtration reduced N significantly and filtering through commercial mineral filter reduced OG, TH, and N significantly. Boiling at 100°C could remove TH significantly but may cause significant increase in N which might result in health impacts.

Cytogenotoxicity screening of source water, wastewater and treated water of drinking water treatment plants using two in vivo test systems: Allium cepa root based and Nile tilapia erythrocyte based tests

Biological effect directed in vivo tests with model organisms are useful in assessing potential health risks associated with chemical contaminations in surface waters. This study examined the applicability of two in vivo test systems viz. plant, Allium cepa root based tests and fish, Oreochromis niloticus erythrocyte based tests for screening cytogenotoxic potential of raw source water, water treatment waste (effluents) and treated water of drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) using two DWTPs associated with a major river in Sri Lanka. Measured physico-chemical parameters of the raw water, effluents and treated water samples complied with the respective Sri Lankan standards. In the in vivo tests, raw water induced statistically significant root growth retardation, mitodepression and chromosomal abnormalities in the root meristem of the plant and micronuclei/nuclear buds evolution and genetic damage (as reflected by comet scores) in the erythrocytes of the fish compared to the aged tap water controls signifying greater genotoxicity of the source water especially in the dry period. The effluents provoked relatively high cytogenotoxic effects on both test systems but the toxicity in most cases was considerably reduced to the raw water level with the effluent dilution (1:8). In vivo tests indicated reduction of cytogenotoxic potential in the tested drinking water samples. The results support the potential applications of practically feasible in vivo biological test systems such as A. cepa root based tests and the fish erythrocyte based tests as complementary tools for screening cytogenotoxicity potential of the source water and water treatment waste reaching downstream of aquatic ecosystems and for evaluating cytogenotoxicity eliminating efficacy of the DWTPs in different seasons in view of human and ecological safety.

Iodine content in the marketed products of iodized salt: a descriptive study in southern Sri Lanka

Background: Monitoring of the iodization programmes is crucial not only to ensure that the salt contains sufficient amount of iodine but not excessive amounts that lead to adverse health consequences. Countries usually recommend minimum standards for the iodine content of salt at the production level, but less frequently establish standards at the consumer level. Sri Lankan standards recommended salt should have 15.0-30.0 ppm of fortified iodine at the retail level. Objective: To assess the iodide content in crystal and table (powder) salt preparations for the human consumption in Southern Sri Lanka. Methods: Commercially available packets of both crystal and table salt were purchased from randomly selected permanent (57 retail shops and 24 supermarkets) and temporary (8, weekly fairs) shops and analyzed for the iodine content. Information on the storage conditions, the shelf life of the samples was also recorded. Results: There was a total of 89 packets of salt which comprising of crystal (n=30) and powder (n=59) packets belonged to 42 different brands (15 and 27 brands for crystal powder salts respectively). Over 74% of packets had one year and the remainder (26%) had 18 to 24 months of shelf life. The median iodide level of the total sample was 20.40 ppm (range 0.0 to 73.81 ppm) whereas the median iodide level of crystal salt was 18.89 ppm (range 3.70 to 73.81 ppm) and table salt was 21.63 ppm (range 0.0 to 41.24). It was revealed that 21(23.6%) packets of salt (11 crystal and 10 table salts respectively) had iodide levels below 15.0 ppm and 11(12.4%) packets of salt (4 crystal and 7 table) had iodine level above the recommended range of 30.0 ppm. Altogether 22 (52.4%) brands did not have iodine levels within the recommendations and in fact, one powder salt packet did not contain a detectable amount of iodide. Conclusions: Establishing a precise sustainable monitoring system of salt iodization at the production level is important in maintaining iodine nutrition at the optimum level.

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2 ABSTRACT: Mangosteen peel contents anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Anti tumors, Anti histamines. Extract is widely used as health food and pharmaceutical raw materials. In Sri Lanka peel is removed without making any use. Objective of the research is value addition to Mangosteen peel through preparation a beverage. Deferent five volumes of sugar syrup with constant amount of juice were applied. Juice was mixed with the syrup while heating up to80 0C. Carboxy methyl cellulose and sodium Meta bisulphate was applied to all trials and pasteurizing was done keeping the mixture in 800C per 15 minutes. Estimation of glucose, fat, fiber, moisture content and determination of ash was performed. Two sensory evaluations were done using thirty untrained panelists. Five point hedonic scales were used to access sensory attributes. Sensory evaluation data were analyzed with Friedman non- parametric statistical method in terms of mouth feel, texture/body and overall acceptability. As the juice extracted from the peel had 0.9 % good protein percentage, peel is rich with nutrients. The Fat content of peel juice is 0.12% and lesser than to market available juice while the fiber content is higher than to that of market available juice. Ash content was in good level. Treatment one with higher sugar level is the most preferred sample by the analysts. But when the sugar content increases it gives somewhat undesirable mouth peel. With respect to the color, odder and aroma treatment 03 is the most preferred by analysts. According to the results treatment three gets the overall acceptability of analysts and shown acceptable microbial level according to the standards of Sri Lankan standards (SLS). Therefore based on the results conclusion can be made, the mangosteen peel juice extraction is health beneficial and economical viable value added process should be implementing.

Hygienic Quality of Yoghurt and Curd of Medium and Small-Scale Processors: A Study in Relation to Several Provinces of Sri Lanka

The present study was aimed at analyzing the hygienic quality of yoghurt and curd submitted to Veterinary Research Institute as per the prevailing Sri Lankan Standards Institution (SLSI) standards for microbiological tolerance limits and also at comparing the hygienic quality of products of medium versus small-scale producers. Microbial quality assessment of a total of 156 yoghurt and 91 curd samples was determined using the total coliform count and total yeast and mould count. Results of the present study revealed that only 51.9% (81/156) and 48.3% (44/91) of the samples of yoghurt and curd, respectively, were up to the SLSI standards. Comparison as per the SLSI standards, in medium (66.2%) versus small-scale (32.8%) yoghurt as well as in medium (60.4%) versus small-scale (34.8%) curd displayed a significant difference (p

Impact of Natural Processes and Human Activities on Groundwater Quality in the Negombo-Muthurajawela Region in Sri Lanka

Groundwater is an essential and finite resource in the world. Numerous knowledge gaps remain in the understanding of groundwater resources in Sri Lanka, mainly due to the lack of accurate data. The purpose of this study is to assess the water quality in groundwater and its spatial distribution in Negombo-Muthurajawela area in Sri Lanka. The data collection was conducted at the beginning and at the end of south west monsoon (May and September, respectively) in 2013. A pilot survey was carried out using 116 dug wells. A total of thirty-one dug wells were selected for physiochemical analysis. In situ field testing of electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, and pH were carried out and laboratory tests were performed for HCO3−, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl−, SO42−, Mg2−, PO43−, NO3−, and total hardness (TH). Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to assess water quality and interpolation technique in ArcGIS was performed to analyze and prepare spatial distribution maps of water. Sri Lankan standards for drinking water were used to determine the threshold levels of physiochemical parameters. The results of the PCA reveal that thirty-one observation wells can be classified under three main components: the first based on the impact on EC, HCO3−, Na−, K+, Cl−, Mg2−, and TH; the second component considering the pH, HCO3, Ca2+, SO42−, PO43−, and TH; and the third component based on NO3−. These three components evidence the role of salt water intrusion, the influence of Muthurajawela wetlands, and the anthropogenic discharges on groundwater quality in the Negombo-Muthurajawela area.

Physico-chemical Sensory and Microbiological Evaluation of Set and Fruit Yoghurt in Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of yoghurt supplied to the consumers from retail outlets in Sabaragamuwa province Sri Lanka. Set yoghurt samples (50), which represent yoghurt samples from five manufacturers and fruit yoghurt samples (30), which represent yoghurt samples from three manufacturers were collected. All collected samples were analyzed for chemical composition (fat, protein, total solid, solid non fat, ash, pH, and titrable acidity), physical (syneresis and firmness), microbial (total bacterial count, Coliform count and yeast and mold count), and organoleptic (color, appearance, taste, odor, texture and overall acceptability) properties. Chemical, microbiological and physical properties of most of the tested yoghurt samples were within the Sri Lankan Standards. However, total plate count, yeast and mold count of some fruit yoghurt samples were not within the Sri Lankan standards. Highest and lowest microbial and physical properties respectively were recorded by the products of manufacturer D and C respectively. However, those two products were the mostly preferred products in terms of sensory evaluation. Yoghurt of good quality in terms of microbial, physical and chemical properties should be encouraged for consumption. Original Research Article Silva and Rathnayaka; JSRR, Article no. JSRR.2014.003 285

DESIGNING A WATER QUALITY INDEX FOR KESBEWA LAKE

Water Quality Index (WQI) is a raung reflecting the composite influence on overall quality of anumber of individual quality parameters in a selected water body. The objective of this researchproject is to establish a comprehensive Water Quality Index (WQI) for the Kesbewa Lake byusing physical, chemical and microbiological water quality parameters, to identify the pollutionlevels. These results could be USI.;~( to maintain the quality of water, and conserve flora andfauna, and also to advise the individuals, organizations and funding bodies associated with thelake.The Water Quality Index is defined as, WQI =I WiQi where, WQI = Water Quality Index, anumber between 0 - 100, Qi == Quality ofthe ith parameter, Wi = The weighting factor of the ilbparameter, a number between 1 an 1'), such that, I Wi = 1 for n number of parameters, Wi = Xi IY, Xi = Points given by reference material data for ilb parameter, Y = The total points for nnumber of parameters.The raw analytical results for each parameter, having different units of measurements, aretransformed into unit less Qwalues by using the respective function of quality value of eachparameter in the Q-value graphs. These Q- value graphs are plotted with respect to the eachmeasured parameter value and their relative Q-values assigned by a points system.Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, points system for the Q-values for aparameter is assigned and Central Environment Authority (CEA) standards were used, where theWHO guidelines are not available. The highest Q-value 100 is assigned for the best value of aparticular parameter that falls within the above guideline values. Separate ratings for Qualityvalues were given for drinking and bathing, irrigation water, and for fish and aquatic life. Thesethree Quality values were averaged to one value, which gives the Q-value for the measuredvalue of that particular parameter ill the Q-value graph. By using the functions of these graphs,the Q-value (Qi) for any measured value of ith parameter can be obtained.The weighting factor, (Wi) was determined by considering a large number of reference materialdata obtained from different water quality indices, in which the relative contribution of aparameter for the overall water quality has been weighted in different manner, according to thedifferent point of views of scientists. The Q-value (Qi) is then multiplied by the weighting factor(Wi) and resulted values of all n number of parameters are summed to yield the total value of theWQI.Twenty samples were collected from ten different locations of the lake over a period of eightmonths. According to the analyzed results, the prepared WQI for the Kesbewa lake gets ageneral ratings of 49.74, which falls, in the region of Bad in the water quality index. Incomparing the average values of measured parameters with WHO and Sri Lankan Standards, itcan be concluded that the water of Kesbewa Lake is relatively polluted and water quality shouldbe improved for aquatic life, irrigation and drinking and bathing purposes

Groundwater Exploration Study in the Medigama- Ahangama, Sri Lanka

The present research study was conducted in the Medigama fruit farm area to identify the groundwater recharg ing areas and how the levels of the groundwater correlate different other environmental parameters. The study area is located within the 80° 22´ longitudes and 5° 90´ latitudes in the Southern coastal area of Sri Lanka. The area receives about 1900mm of mean annual rainfall while owing to mean annual temperature of about 25°C. The dug wells available in the farm and surrounding area were used to explore the groundwater. Within this context, favourable areas for groundwater resources were determined by observing the dug wells and measuring geomor phologic characteristics like the elevation, morphological valleys and aquifers. The analysis of these parameters indicated the South-east region where the dug wells are located, as the most favourable area for groundwater recharge. An unconfined aquifer was distributed in the study area which is consisted with sandy clay and laterite. Therefore it is permeable and the recovery rate too is high in the dug wells. As the atmospheric precipi tation has a great impact on the groundwater level, it was monitored for a period of 22 months and the results were plotted in hydrographs. The results revealed that the groundwater level is not descended below 3.5m for 3 months continuing drought in the dug well 3 area and during the atmospheric precipitation period water level is stabilized in 1.00m below ground level.Pumping test was conducted in dug wells to identify the aquifer characteristics and ideal pumping rates. It was discovered that if the pumping test continues nearly 3.7 hours at a rate of 49.7 litres/ minute and ground water level 2.54m from ground level and withdrawn water quantity is 11033.9 litres. Moreover, groundwater quality in the wells outside the farm area and the water samples collected during the pumping test were analysed and found out that the physical and chemical parameters are under WHO and Sri Lankan standards.

Temporal Variation of Microbiological and Chemical Quality of Noncarbonated Bottled Drinking Water Sold in Sri Lanka

Use of bottled water in Sri Lanka has increased over the last decade, while new brands of bottled water are often introduced to the market. However, the manufacturers' adherence to bottled water regulations is questionable, raising concerns regarding the quality of bottled water. The objective of the current study was to investigate the microbiological and chemical quality of bottled water in Sri Lanka. Thirty bottled water brands were sampled and their chemical and microbiological parameters were analyzed. Microbiological analysis was carried out within 1 to 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 9, and 9 to 12 mo after the date of manufacture. The results indicated that 63% of brands tested exceeded the levels permitted by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) for presumptive total coliforms (TC) (<10 cfu per 100 mL) whereas 97% brands exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) permitted level. Thirty percent of brands exceeded the limit for presumptive fecal coliforms (FC) (0 cfu per 100 mL in accordance with WHO permitted levels, SLSI and the Sri Lanka Health Ministry requirement). Eighty percent of brands showed higher heterotrophic plate counts (HPC) which exceeded the WHO guidelines for bottled drinking water. Throughout their shelf life, the counts of TC, FC, and HPC bacteria decreased. Bacteria identified were Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp. pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Pasteurella haemolytica, the most frequently being P. aeruginosa. The dominant fungi identified were Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. Inorganic chemical parameters were within permitted levels for all brands except for initial content of ammonia. The results of this study show the need for the bottling industry to be monitored closely by relevant authorities, in order to provide safe bottled drinking water to consumers in Sri Lanka.

Estimation of Nitrate and Phosphate Leaching from Lysimeter Simulation of Rice Straw Landfill Bioreactor and Evaluation of Fertilizer Quality of Resulting Compost

Rice is the staple food in Sri Lanka where more than 40% of the farmers are engaged in paddy cultivation producing approximately 4.1 million metric tons of paddies. Cultivation of paddy results in almost the same quantity of rice straw annually out of which a very high proportion is wasted. Hence, there is an enormous potential of utilizing paddy straw for the production of quality compost using landfill bioreactors. In this context, the main objectives of the study were to design a lysimeter simulation of a landfill bioreactor to produce compost from anaerobic digestion using rice straw, animal and green manure and evaluate the quality of the resulting compost. A secondary objective was to minimize possible groundwater pollution with nitrate nitrogen, phosphate and reduce the BOD and COD levels resulting from direct dumping of straw. The lysimeter consisted of a liner made of claypolythene- clay, gas collection system, leachate recirculation system, and main reactor. Altogether 431 kg of straw, 26 kg of cow dung and 32kg of Gliricidia were added to the main reactor. The lysimeter performances were evaluated by estimating pH, nitrate nitrogen, phosphate contents, BOD and COD of both leachate and the permeate. After 200 days of operation, nitrate nitrogen and phosphate of the leak were 1.23 mg/L and 0.03 mg/L, respectively. BOD increased during the first 14 days and it gradually decreased after 200 days. Quality of the compost is tallying with the Sri Lanka standards (SLS) guidelines. The study shows that there is a high potential of producing compost from landfill bioreactor using rice straw. It also revealed that the ground water pollution resulting from nitrate nitrogen and phosphate can significantly be mitigated. Further, it was observed that the levels of BOD and COD can also be reduced. <br /><br /><strong>Key words: </strong>Bioreactor; BOD; COD; Compost; Lysimeter; Mitigation. <br /><br />DOI: 10.4038/tar.v22i2.2831<br /><br /><em>Tropical Agricultural Research</em> Vol. 22 (2): 220-228 (2011)

Preparation of ready-to-serve (RTS) beverage from palmyrah (&lt;i&gt;Borassus flabellifer&lt;/i&gt; L.) fruit pulp

A study was conducted to develop a ready-to-serve (RTS) beverage using palmyrah fruit pulp at different concentrations of 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16% with sugar, citric acid, distilled water and potassium metabisulphite, considering the recommendations of Sri Lanka standards for RTS fruit beverages. The results of physico-chemical analysis revealed that titrable acidity, ascorbic acid and total sugar increased while the pH decreased and total soluble solids remained same as 15°Brix with the increase in the pulp concentration from 8 to 16%. The findings of microbial studies showed no total plate counts in the formulated beverages. Samples subjected to sensory evaluation showed that there were significant differences between treatments with respects to colour, aroma, taste, consistency and overall acceptability. From the results of quality assessments, the formulated beverage with 12% of pulp concentration was found to be superior in quality and could be stored at 30±2°C for a minimum period of six months without any significant changes in quality. Keywords: Palmyrah; Physico-chemical analysis; Ready-to-serve beverage; Sensory evaluation. DOI: 10.4038/jas.v5i2.2787The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2010, vol. 5, no 2 pp.80-88

Value Added Products from Dikiri Coconuts: Preparation, Compositional and Sensory Qualities

A study was conducted to evaluate Sri Lanka’s dikiri coconut for toffees, Dikiri spread and ice cream. The prepared products were tested for their physico-chemical and sensory properties. Initial trials were done in Sri Lanka to identify the best Dikiri kernel/sugar ratio for toffees, showing that a 1:1 ratio gave acceptable quality. Prepared Dikiri spread was compared with margarine-based bread spread. Results revealed that the product was more acceptable in terms of taste and overall acceptability compared with the margarine-spread. The Dikiri spread comprised 7.95% minerals, 11.35% crude fat, 2.68% crude protein, 4.95% crude fiber and 73.07% carbohydrate on dry weight basis. Dikiri-added ice cream was acceptable and comparable with regular dairy ice cream. Composition of the Dikiri-added ice cream conforms to Sri Lanka Standards.

Fate of the Product Mix of a Firm with a Mandate to Adopt a Food Quality Metasystem: The Case of Adoption of the SLS in the Fruit Processing Sector in Sri Lanka

This study assesses the impact of a number of characteristics pertaining to fruit processing firms in the Western Province in Sri Lanka to adopt the Sri Lankan Standards (SLS). It hypothesized that in the presence of a "mandatory" government regulation to adopt the SLS on the firm, the decision of the management to "invest" on it without removing any of their major products in the product mix or to exercise a "product exit" (i.e. removing a major product) will depend on factors such as the type of ownership, recent modifications made to the facility by introducing modern processing technologies, other enhanced food safety controls in place, whether the firm is involved with international markets, availability of skilled labour, and annual returns of the firm (adjusted to the number of employees and major products). The primary data collected through a series of in-depth personnel interviews with quality assurance managers and site visits to 36 firms during May to July 2005 were analyzed using Logit Regression technique. The results suggest that firms that modify their facilities, hire skilled labour, promote exports, and possess other advanced food safety controls have a tendency to adopt the SLS without a partial exit. The outcome of the analysis elaborates that policy makers must take into account the business environment of the firm implicitly and explicitly in their attempts to adopt the mandate for the implementation of enhanced food safety controls like the SLS on agri-food processing enterprises. DOI: 10.4038/sjae.v7i0.1822 <em>Sri Lankan Journal of Agricultural Economics</em>, Vol. 7, 2005 pp.33-50

Water quality of Maha Oya stream in Peradeniya

The water quality of the Maha Oya stream that runs across the University of Peradeniya, was determined using water samples collected from four different locations along the stream. Water samples were assessed for selected bacteriological parameters, temperature, pH and turbidity, during the wet and dry seasons, at weekly intervals over a period of 5 weeks in each season. A sociological survey was conducted concurrently to study the impact of two communities (line house and agricultural) living along the stream bank, on water quality. The bacteriological analysis revealed that stream water is not suitable for drinking or bathing at any of the locations, according to Sri Lankan standards and WHO guidelines. Temperature, pH and turbidity of stream water fluctuated among the locations investigated according to geographical and environmental factors and run off into the stream. The sociological survey revealed direct discharge of faecal matter into the stream at certain locations. Both, agricultural and line house communities were aware of pollution of water in the stream. The study revealed the unsanitary quality of water in the Maha Oya and the need to implement suitable methods of solid waste and waste water disposal. Key words: total coliform, faecal coliform, sociological survey doi: 10.4038/cjsbs.v36i2.488 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 36 (2): 134-137, 2007

A web-based user guide for Sri Lanka standards 573: standard method of measurement of building works

An international refereed research publication of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects. Built-Environment Sri Lanka is published under the copyright license of Creative Commons: Attribution-NoDerivs CC BY-ND. This means it allows for redistribution, commercial and non-commercial, as long as it is passed along unchanged and in whole, with credit to you.Visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ for further details.