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Categories Publications

Chemical composition and biological efficacy of Acorus calamus (L.) rhizome essential oil on Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), and Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) as stored-grain protectants

S.S. Wijerathna, A.G.W.U. Perera, S.D.M. Chinthaka

Published in Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology

Highlights of the research

  • Acorus calamus essential oil was toxic to S. oryzae, R. dominica, O. surinamensis.
  • α-Asarone enriched oil produced significant repellency on test insects in an hour.
  • Botanical was a potent feeding deterrent against S. oryzae, and R. dominica in 72 h.
  • The essential oil induced phagostimulant activity against O. surinamensis adults.
  • A. calamus oil caused severe ultrastructural impacts on insects’ cuticular surfaces.
Categories Events

Molecular Genetics and Recombinant DNA Technology Workshop for A/L students

From exploring the fundamentals of molecular genetics to understanding the applications of recombinant DNA technology, participants were exposed to a wide array of topics, fostering a deeper appreciation for the wonders of modern biotechnology.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this workshop. Special thanks to Dr. Sachini Fernando Meth Madurangi, Dilekha Hegoda, Anushka Mendis, Sachini Upeka, Suwani Mithsuki, Ranthilini C Banduwardena and Amila Vimarshana Jayaweera, whose tireless efforts made this educational endeavor possible.

Photo credits – Nipuna Deelaka Wimalagunarathna

 

Categories Publications

Biotechnological performance of a cyanobacteria based microbial fuel cell

Kakunawela Pathirana Amaya Imanthi, Fathima Sumaiya Idroos and Marakkala Manage Pathmalal

published in Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol.

Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) is an environmentally friendly and sustainable technology where microbial degradation on organic substrates generates electricity, with potential application to wastewater treatment. This study mainly focused on investigating the effects of wastewater source on efficient electricity generation using a bio-cathode. Carbon cloth (2 × 4 cm2) were used as anode and cathode electrodes with 0.33Ω external resistor. Anode medium was leachate (setup 01) and rice wash water (setup 02) and cathode medium was Chroococcus sp. culture. Control setup was maintained by adding distilled water in cathode. Landfill leachate and rice wash water were used as the wastewater sources, all other conditions were the same in both setups. Highest electricity generation and wastewater treatment were recorded in setup 02 with rice wash water. The maximum voltage was 1,111 mV with current 3,366.67 mA and 467.55 mW m-2 power density. The wastewater treatment efficiencies reported as reductions in COD, Nitrate, Nitrite and Orthophosphate were 61.94%, 61.01%, 55.14%, and 26.01% in setup 02. These study outcomes disclose that dual chamber MFC with rice wash water as the wastewater source has potential for simultaneous power generation and wastewater treatment.

Categories Events, news

Workshop on Ornamental Fish Culture

The Aquatic Students’ Association, in collaboration with the Department of Zoology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, recently hosted a captivating Two-Day Ornamental Fish Culture Workshop. Participants were treated to an immersive learning experience, guided by seasoned experts and researchers in the field of aquatic biology. Through interactive sessions and practical demonstrations, attendees gained valuable insights into the intricacies of maintaining and breeding various species of ornamental fish, fostering a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance required to sustain these aquatic ecosystems.

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