http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/237 2026-06-24T15:24:59Z http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/2118 Anthropogenic Disturbances to Enhalus acoroides Meadows along the Mannar Causeway, Sri Lanka Keerthanaram, T.; Priyanchanaa, S. Seagrass ecosystems provide essential ecological services, including habitat provision, coastal stabilization, and fisheries support; however, they are increasingly threatened by localized anthropogenic pressures. This study evaluates the condition of Enhalus acoroides meadows along the western coastal margin of the Mannar Causeway, Sri Lanka, with emphasis on mechanical disturbance, pollution stress, and community awareness. A quantitative assessment of seagrass leaf condition (n=500) revealed that freshly cut leaves constituted , significantly exceeding naturally senescent leaves 17.6% Although no comparative control site was available during this preliminary survey, the unusually high occurrence of fresh leaf cuts observed near heavily used anchoring locations suggests a possible association with intense boat activity and propeller disturbance. Field observations further identified severe disturbance levels, with frequent propeller scarring and anchoring-induced sediment disruption. Oil pollution was also evident, with visible films observed on seagrass leaf surfaces during the field survey, suggesting direct disposal of engine waste and contributing to localized water quality degradation. A preliminary socio-ecological survey of 30 fishermen selected, through convenience sampling, indicated that while all respondents (100%) were aware of seagrass presence and its importance for fisheries, only 30% understood the impacts of mechanical damage, and 23.3% recognized pollution-related effects. Notably, 60% of respondents admitted to disposing of oil waste directly into coastal waters. Despite this, 80% expressed willingness to adopt conservation practices if appropriate guidance were provided. The findings demonstrate that E. acoroides meadows in the Mannar region are under significant anthropogenic stress, driven by both physical disturbance and behavioral factors. As a future recommendation to improve the study of seagrass leaf condition, additional ecological indicators such as shoot density, percentage cover, biomass, and leaf area index would further strengthen ecosystem health evaluations. This study highlights the urgent need for integrated management strategies combining regulatory measures, pollution control, and targeted awareness programs to ensure the long-term sustainability of seagrass ecosystems and associated fisheries. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/2066 Towards Sustainable Organic Waste Management at the Institutional Canteens in Vavuniya, Sri Lanka Ekanayaka, D.M.L.E.; Kayanan, S. Organic waste generated in institutional settings poses a major environmental challenge due to improper management practices that lead to odour nuisance, pest infestation, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study focuses on assessing organic waste management practices in five institutional canteens in Vavuniya, Sri Lanka, aiming to propose sustainable strategies for organic waste valorization. The research was conducted from June to September 2024. The methodology integrated waste audits, on-site field observations, and semi-structured interviews with canteen operators and relevant stakeholders to evaluate existing practices and challenges. The collected data were analyzed using quantitative analysis of waste generation, collection, recycling and disposal rates, supported by qualitative thematic analysis of interview responses to identify behavioral, operational, and policy-related challenges. A detailed waste flow analysis was conducted to trace the movement of organic waste from generation to final disposal and to identify points of inefficiency and resource loss. Results revealed that approximately 450 kg of solid waste is generated daily from all canteens, of which 92.34% was organic, varies from 40 kg to 100 kg per day throughout the canteens, including cooked food leftovers, vegetable and fruit peels, and other biodegradable residues. The absence of source separation at generation points results in inefficient handling and limited opportunities for recycling and resource recovery. All generated waste is collected by the local authority and is directly disposed of at an open dumpsite, creating severe environmental problems such as foul odours, attraction of flies and stray animals, and leachate contaminates the soil and groundwater. Moreover, anaerobic decomposition of this waste emits methane, a potent GHG contributing to climate change. The study identifies the lack of organic waste valorization initiatives and absence of institutional policies as major causes. It recommends introducing composting and biogas units, along with the source segregation programmes, and conducting stakeholder awareness campaigns to convert biodegradable waste into valuable resources and renewable energy. These measures will support Sri Lanka’s National Waste Management Policy (2021), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11 and, 13 contributing to more sustainable and climate-resilient waste management. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/2065 Role of Material Recovery Facility in Minimizing the Final Disposal: Evidence from Anuradhapura Municipal Council Rathnayake, R.M.M.A.; Kayanan, S. Improper solid waste management (SWM) remains a pressing environmental challenge in developing countries, leading to open dumping, and associated air, water, and soil pollution. In Sri Lanka, the increasing waste generation due to rapid urbanization has highlighted the need for sustainable solutions that minimize final disposal and promote resource recovery. The research adopted a mixed-method approach involving field observations, structured interviews with municipal officials and waste handlers, and secondary data from the Anuradhapura Municipal Council (AMC) SWM division were used to study the current status of SWM practices. Material Flow Analysis (MFA) was used to assess waste generation, composition, recovery rates, and residual disposal pathways to understand the role of MRF in minimizing the waste disposal. Results indicated that the AMC generates approximately 32.8 tons of waste per day, of which around 62.25% is collected, approximately 42% comprises non-compostable waste directed to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) for sorting and recovery, and the compostable waste temporally stored in the MRF facility to send for composting. At the MRF facility, non-compostable waste is manually segregated into recyclable and non-recyclable fractions. Recyclable plastics, paper, and cardboard, averaging approximately 140 tons in 2024, are pressed and baled at MRF to optimize space utilization, and ensure convenient handling prior to dispatch to private recyclers. Non-recyclable but combustible waste fractions were baled and transported to cement manufacturing facilities for co-processing, contributing to energy recovery and waste to energy initiatives. Overall, AMC has achieved significant progress in managing MSW through composting, recycling, and energy recovery, thereby reducing dependency on disposal and achieving an impressive 99% of waste diversion rate in terms of collection while, 61.5% as per the generation. The findings emphasize that a well managed MRF, coupled with effective source segregation and public private collaboration can substantially enhance waste minimization while this approach represents a replicable model for sustainable waste management for the local authorities of Sri Lanka. The MRF facility contributes to achieving Sri Lankan Waste Management Policy targets with respect to waste diversion and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly SDG 11; Sustainable Cities and Communities. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/2064 Integrated Waste Management Control in a Clinical Waste Treatment Facility in Sri Lanka: A Model for Sustainable Operations Wishvajith, M.H.D.L.; Kayanan, S. The increasing demand for environmentally compliant clinical waste treatment in Sri Lanka highlights the need for integrated approaches that minimize pollution across liquid, gaseous, and solid waste streams. This study was conducted at a licensed clinical waste treatment facility located in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, addressing its operational performance and alignment with national regulatory requirements. Field investigations were carried out from May to August 2025 and included process flow analysis, waste tracking, and detailed on-site observations. These methods enabled the evaluation of waste handling practices, treatment system efficiency, and environmental monitoring procedures. The analyzed data and field insights directly informed the assessment, revealing several key operational characteristics observed during site visits, such as organized waste storage, appropriate housekeeping standards, controlled internal transport, structured documentation, clear effluent discharge pathways, and multi-stage emission control processes. Liquid waste generated from equipment cleaning and ash-bathing operations is systematically collected, treated, and reused within the facility, reducing freshwater demand and preventing discharge-related contamination. Gaseous emissions from incineration are managed through a multi-stage air pollution control system comprising Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction, a cyclone separator, a dry reactor, and baghouse filters, enabling consistent compliance with Central Environmental Authority emission standards. Solid residues, mainly bottom ash, are subject to resource recovery and utilized in manufacturing SLS-certified eco-blocks, supporting national circular economy initiatives. The facility also maintains continuous environmental monitoring, occupational safety training, and comprehensive operational documentation, demonstrating adherence to the National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980 and related regulatory frameworks. The findings suggest that integrating pollution prevention technologies with systematic waste reuse and structured environmental management enhances operational sustainability, strengthens public health protection, and contributes to Sri Lanka’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Overall, the facility’s management framework presents a replicable model for sustainable clinical waste treatment operations in Sri Lanka. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z