http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/19435 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:25:14 GMT 2026-04-30T17:25:14Z http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/19445 Cover page Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/19445 2024-04-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/19444 Investigation and modelling of coastal water quality of Arugam Bay Beach. Suja, A.C.A.; Haris, M.S.M.; Thuram, A.M.S. Arugam Bay Beach, situated on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, plays a pivotal role in supporting marine ecosystems and serves as a prominent destination for tourists. However, the water quality in this area faces significant challenges due to the high volume of daily visitors, including tourists. Consequently, this study was undertaken to assess the water quality of Arugam Bay Beach, employing Virtual Beach software as a primary investigative tool. A predictive model was developed, incorporating a range of environmental factors and meteorological conditions, including temperature, salinity, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and concentrations of various pollutants. This model assessed the evaluation of current water quality conditions and provided forecasts under diverse scenarios, considering the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic activities. The results highlight key factors affecting water quality, including land-based pollution and natural influences. Notably, in July and September 2022, actual sample test results showed coliform levels of 555 CFU/100 ml and 305 CFU/100 ml, respectively, higher than the predicted levels of 409 CFU/100 ml and 222 CFU/100 ml. These findings underscore the importance of accurate monitoring and the need for improved predictive models to manage water quality effectively during peak tourist seasons. Moreover, among the ten sampling locations, significant variations in coliform levels and turbidity were observed at locations 7 and 8 (L7 and L8). Therefore, this research makes a significant contribution to understanding coastal water quality parameters, thereby informing and advancing protection initiatives for Arugam Bay Beach. Furthermore, the insights derived from this study provide a valuable framework for conducting similar investigations globally. Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/19444 2024-04-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/19443 Removal of Arsenic contaminated water by continuous column adoption using laterite grains as a low-cost adsorbent. Bandara, I.M.N.; Matsuno, A.; Nakamura, K.; Kawamoto, K. Arsenic contamination in water bodies presents a significant health risk, particularly in rural areas in developing countries. To treat arsenic-contaminated water economically in developing countries, it is crucial to propose low-cost water treatment techniques. In this study, the arsenic treatment performance was investigated using continuous column adsorption experiments packed with laterite grains taken from Tha. ch Thát district, Hanoi, Vietnam. Initially, the physical and physicochemical properties of tested samples were measured. The continuous column adsorption experiments were carried out to assess the effects of initial arsenic solution concentration and calcination of tested grains (at 550◦C) on the adsorption performance by using raw and calcined laterite. The results show that Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy confirmed the existence of iron oxides/hydroxides on the tested samples, which may induce the arsenic adsorption affinity to laterite grains. Continuous column adsorption showed improved breakthrough time with lower initial arsenic concentrations. The Bed Depth Service Time model suggested a minimum of 0.77 cm column height for safe drinking water with 503.55 mg arsenic/L laterite adsorption capacity. Although the calcination didn’t enhance surface area (raw laterite: 61.0 m2/g, calcined laterite: 60.2 m2/g), it improved arsenic treatment in continuous column adsorption with enhancement of breakthrough time from 265min to 310 min. In summary, tested laterite grains possess a high ability to treat arsenic contaminated water. Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/19443 2024-04-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/19442 Policy analysis of lower back pain prevention index enhancement in the construction industry. Vitharana, V.H.P. Prolonged exposure to whole body vibration (WBV) is a major health hazard for construction workers, leading to chronic lower back pain (LBP). There are number of items (i.e. age of the worker, working hours, weight of the workers, job satisfaction, smoking, education background, training programme, WBV standard, safety and health budget, working experience, WBV exposure, seat type, soil type, age of the machine, night shift, job rotation, and exercise ) affecting LBP due to WBV exposure in the construction industry among the heavy equipment operators. This study utilizes a system dynamic modelling approach to perform several policies related to human, equipment, and financial resources to reduce LBP due to WBV exposure and enhance LBP prevention index in the long-term. The results pinpoint the importance of human resources, suggesting the company hire more workers to reduce night shifts and working hours, and increase job rotation. Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/19442 2024-04-01T00:00:00Z