Meththika Vithanage

• B.Sc (Natural Resources),M.Sc (Environmental Sciences), Ph.D (Groundwater Modeling)
• Managing Director at Ecosphere Resilience Research Center

In Coastal and Marine Pollution: Source to Sink, Mitigation and Management, a team of distinguished researchers delivers a comprehensive overview of the factors and stakeholders impacting — and impacted by — coastal and marine pollution. The book offers broad and up-to-date coverage of the topic, serving as a valuable reference for professionals an...

This study explored the barrel technique for biochar production, comparing it with laboratory-prepared biochar by evaluating the effect on sugarcane-growing soil quality. Different sugarcane biomass (bagasse, trash, and mini mill waste) derived biochar was prepared using a muffle furnace at three different temperatures (300, 450, and 600 °C) and wi...

Over the past 10–15 years, biochar has garnered significant global attention in agriculture and environmental science. While most research has focused on the benefits of biochar application in soil enhancement, water quality improvement, and climate change mitigation, the potential risks associated with its use have often been overlooked. This over...

Studies regarding geochemical partitioning and leaching behavior of Hofmeister ions, which is considered as a risk/causative factor for chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu), are scarce. Therefore, Hofmeister ions’ leaching behavior of partially weathered rocks from CKDu endemic (Girandurukotte) and non-endemic (Sewanagala) areas, Sri L...

The growth of the economy and technological advancement has led to an increased demand for energy and the transportation of raw materials for the production of fuels, chemicals, and petroleum products. However, this increased activity has also resulted in an elevated risk of oil‐related disasters, which can have devastating consequences for the env...

Ciprofloxacin is one of the most prescribed antibiotics in the world and has been widely researched since it has been regularly found in wastewater that could induce antimicrobial resistance. Although many ciprofloxacin removal studies have been conducted, there is a study gap on combining bamboo biochar with chitosan modification for ciprofloxacin...

Water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) is a pivotal context for fostering workable urban development by integrating water management with urban planning. The prominent blue-green concept advocates the utilization of blue-green infrastructure to effectively manage stormwater and enhance water quality, thus mitigating urban runoff and promoting sustaina...

The review highlights advanced removal strategies and their impacts on soil algae and nematodes, addressing plasticizer pollution comprehensively.

Polyethylene (PE) microplastics and caffeine (CFN) are ubiquitous in water and wastewater systems; however, PE microplastic’s ability to adsorb CFN in organic matter-rich waters and their interaction mechanisms are poorly understood. This study assessed the performance of aged PE microplastics for CFN adsorption in humic acid (HA)-mixed water compa...

The release of microplastics into the ecosystem with wastewater treatment facilities is a growing problem across the world. Wastewater treatment Plants (WWTPs) discharge microplastics in terrestrial and aquatic systems, mostly from the fabric, laundry, and cosmetics sectors. Despite substantial studies on microplastics (MPs) in the natural environm...

Microplastics are promising vectors for organic contaminants and toxic metals in aquatic environments, greatly influencing their migration; however, limited knowledge exists on their interactions with pristine/aged microplastics in different sorption media. In this study, adsorption of toxic metals (Pb and Cr) and organic contaminants (caffeine; CF...

Oil spills pose significant threats to marine and freshwater environments, impacting ecosystems and drinking water sources. The present review incorporated an up‐to‐date statistical analysis of the oil spills globally including the types and sources of oil spills and the main habitats affected by the past incidents. It presented immediate and long‐...

This study examined plastics and toxic metals in municipal solid waste compost from various regions in Sri Lanka. Plastics were extracted using density separation, digested using wet peroxidation, and identified using Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy in Attenuated Total Reflection mode. Compost and plastics were acid-digested to quantify to...

Microplastics in urban stormwater is one of the main sources of microplastics in aquatic systems, however, has rarely been reviewed systematically. Microplastic abundance ranges for microplastics in stormwater and sediment was 0.02–15499 items/L and 106–109089 items/kg, respectively. The highest average (7740.45 ± 10901.54 items/L) was obtained for...

Nanoparticles are commonly used for different purposes, including as photocatalysts, biosensors, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer agents. Recently, the synthesis of nanoparticles via biological techniques has become popular due to cost efficiency, sustainability, and the least secondary pollutants generation. Plants, algae, and microorgani...

The study’s objective was to determine the air quality in an asbestos-related industry and its impact on current workers’ respiratory health. Seventy-seven air and 65 dust samples were collected at 5-day intervals in an asbestos roofing sheets production factory in Sri Lanka having two production facilities. Sampling was performed in ten sites: Def...

Microplastics are persistent pollutants discovered and extensively researched in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems but have yet to receive attention in an atmospheric context. Although recent reports stated the presence of microplastics in the air, their global existence and distribution are not critically discussed to date. This revie...

Nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in oceans have been extensively studied, and advancements in associated disciplines have rapidly progressed, enabling the exploration of novel and previously challenging questions. A keyword analysis was conducted using the Scopus database to examine chronological trends and hotspots, offering comprehensive in...

Environmental hazard from open dumping is a severe problem occurring around the world. The composition of waste from most of developing countries accounts for more than 50% of organic matter. Prolonged incomplete handling of solid waste or lack of management at disposal sites has caused significant environmental and social challenges across the wor...

Copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles have considerable attention their unique properties and potential for advanced sustainable applications in electronics, energy storage, catalysis, environmental remediation, biomedical applications, and sensing. This review focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and sustainable applications of CuO nanoparticles...

Microplastics (MPs) pollution is a global concern. Freshwater aquatic systems are at risk from the accumulation of MPs through food webs. Tilapia is one of the major freshwater fish in Sri Lanka. This study aims to determine microplastic contamination in Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) collected from the Deduru Oya reservoir in Sri Lanka to derive...

ASSESSMENT ON MICROPLASTICS CONTAMINATION IN TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus) COLLECTED FROM THE DEDURU OYA RESERVOIR, SRI LANKA

Plastic and mixed plastic waste (PW) has received increased worldwide attention owing to its huge rate of production, high persistency in the environment, and unsustainable waste management practices. Therefore, sustainable PW management and upcycling approaches are imperative to achieve the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development...

The use of personal care products (PCPs) extends a person's longevity. Nonetheless, because of its uncontrolled burden on the environment, it is regarded as an emerging contaminant. The goal of this research is to determine the influence of cinnamon wood biochar (CWBC) on plant uptake of caffeine (CFN) and triclosan (TRI) from the soil. Ipomeoa aqu...

Carbon dots (CDs) have garnered the interest and demand of researchers over the years, and they are also favoured as a novel and better alternative to conventional antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents. While the antimicrobial properties of CDs differ with the precursors used, a synergistic effect is expected to arise from the use of antimicro...

Coastal erosion has become a major threat to coastal areas all around the world while salinity intrusion has also become a problem due to erosion mitigation measures in coastal area. Coastal erosion (and accretion) in Marawila coastal area was investigated by analyzing satellite images using spatial analysis techniques. The effect of salinity intru...

Microplastic (MP) pollution is an important environmental problem owing to its widespread use, long residence time, and overall persistence. MPs threaten the health of humans, animals, and plants. However, studies on the effects of MPs on terrestrial plants are less common compared to those conducted in aquatic systems. This review discusses the so...

Carbon dots (CDs) have garnered the interest and demand of researchers over the years, and they are also favoured as a novel and better alternative to conventional antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents. While the antimicrobial properties of CDs differ with the precursors used, a synergistic effect is expected to arise from the use of antimicro...

The increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a massive threat to world health, necessitating the urgent development of alternative antimicrobial growth control techniques. Due to their specific physical and chemical properties, nanomaterials, particularly carbon-based nanomaterials, have emerged as attractive candidates for antimicrobial ap...

The practice of open dumping for municipal waste disposal in developing countries contributes significantly to gaseous emissions, including methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and ammonia (NH3). Mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by incorporating a circular economy is vital for environmental and air quality improveme...

Bone biochar (BC) has a high capacity for the immobilization of potentially toxic elements (PTEs); however, its effect on dendroremediation efficiency remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of various concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 wt%) of BC, ball-milled BC (MBC), and Fe–Mn oxide-modified BC (FMBC) on soil properti...

The prevalence of toxic cyanobacteria and various cyanotoxins, such as microcystins (MCs) in drinking water sources, have gained considerable attention worldwide due to their potential health risk. Approximately 80% of the Sri Lankan rural population and 34% of the urban population rely on well water for their daily needs. Therefore, people could b...

Landfill leachate is a complex mix of organics, inorganics and heavy metals produced from conventional and engineering landfilling practices. The adverse effects of landfill leachate on human and environmental health have forced the relevant authorities to stipulate stringent disposal requirements, producing the need for ground-breaking technologic...

In the present study, an innovative biochar-based metal(loid) oxide nano-matrix doped hybrid nanocomposite (nMOC) from kitchen waste-derived biochar (KWB) and ZnO/SiO2 was used for aqueous phase tetracycline removal. It involved a three-stage process, entailing thermal conversion of biomass to KWB, synthesis of ZnO/SiO2 nano-matrix, and nMOC fabric...

In the present study, an innovative biochar-based metal(loid) oxide nano-matrix doped hybrid nanocomposite (nMOC) from kitchen waste-derived biochar (KWB) and ZnO/SiO2 was used for aqueous phase tetracycline removal. It involved a three-stage process, entailing thermal conversion of biomass to KWB, synthesis of ZnO/ SiO2 nano-matrix, and nMOC fa...

The objectives of this study were to determine selected Hofmeister anions and cations that are important for kidney health, in raw rice samples from selected Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) endemic and non-endemic areas in Sri Lanka and their intake. The anions and cations were analyzed by Ion Chromatography and Microwave Plasma A...

Plastic wastes deposited in landfills eventually break down and degrade into microplastics by physical, chemical, and biological forces. Though microplastics in leachate pose significant threats to the environment, the leachate generated from landfills has not received much attention as a possible source of environmental microplastics. A descriptiv...

The presence of high levels of Hg (mercury) in the soil has been considered one of the major global environmental problems. Hg contamination mainly occurs through a number of anthropogenic activities, and mining plays a vital role in them. Hg presents in the soil medium as either bounded with minerals or as an adsorbent in soil solution, and their...

Marine pollution presents a pressing environmental issue in the oceanic realm. To examine the identification, detection, and mitigation technologies employed for marine pollution, a chronological review and analysis were conducted using a systematic search of 90,893 peer-reviewed Scopus-indexed journal articles on the SCOPUS database. From 1990 to...

Greenhouse aquaponics (GA) can serve as a sustainable food production method, potentially improving food and nutrition security in resource-constrained and hostile climatic zones such as Nepal's Himalayan region. Energy concerns, however, are one of the major barriers to GA adoption in this region. There is a lack of comprehensive energy demand ana...

The synthesis of organoclays by intercalation of surfactants and their application for environmental remediation has attracted a great deal of attention recently. Organoclays have demonstrated promising sorption capacities for a variety of organic compounds, particularly hydrophobic chemicals, as well as for inorganic metals and anions. There are s...

Clay and clay minerals, either as adsorbents or immobilizing agents, exhibit a promising role in the elimination of contaminants from soil, water, and air. Therefore, this chapter aims to provide comprehensive knowledge of the capabilities of clay and clay-based composites for environmental remediation. Various physical and chemical modifications h...

Pesticides and weedicides are important agrochemicals for achieving global food supply. However, the rapid release of the active ingredient from commercial formulations, and the huge losses due to volatilization, photodegradation, and leaching, may render agrochemical usage economically unsustainable. Moreover, heavy usage of agricultural chemicals...

Conventional chemical fertilizers immediately release the majority of their nutrient content after applying it to the soil. Therefore, a significant amount of the released nutrients cannot be utilized by the crops. Excess amounts of nutrients can undergo hydrolysis and microbial action, posing a possible threat to the environment by facilitating an...

The main aim of the Blue-Green City concept is the reduction of the adverse impacts of stormwater by recreating the natural water cycle with the aid of green infrastructure in...

The Mimosa pigra, a noxious invasive plant, was used to produce biochar (MPBC), which was then modified with citric acid to synthesize engineered biochar (CABC) with improved adsorption properties. The effects of solution pH (3.0–9.0), Cr(VI) initial concentration (2–25 mg L⁻¹), contact time (up to 24 h), and temperature (25, 35, and 45 °C) on the...

The objectives were to assess the role of soil organic matter on retaining plastic additives, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Bisphenol A (BPA) and Benzophenone (BP), to postulate the retention mechanisms and mobility in soil. Batch experiments were conducted for red yellow podzolic soil (OM) and soil subjected to high temperature oxidation at 6...

The objectives of the study was to assess the impact of different waste feedstocks: crop straw (wheat), kitchen waste, leaf litter (sal), invasive plant (Lantana), fruit peel (orange), and dried fruit waste (walnut), on the physico-chemical properties of biochar (produced at 500 °C) and their influence on As(III) adsorption at varying As(III) conce...

For three years, a large amount of manufactured pollutants such as plastics, antibiotic and disinfectant has been released into the environment due to COVID-19. The accumulation of these pollutants in the environment has exacerbated the damage to the soil system. However, since the epidemic outbreak, the focus of researchers and public attention ha...

In recent decades, microplastic contamination in the terrestrial environment has become an emerging environmental issue. Microplastic accumulation in terrestrial environments occurs through composting, mulching, irrigation water, biosolids application, and atmospheric fallout; microplastics are likely to interact with soil nutrients, influencing th...

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is deemed a priority contaminant owing to its carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, and mutagenicity towards flora and fauna. A novel Chitosan-modified Mimosa pigra biochar (CMPBC) was fabricated and efficiency of Cr(VI) oxyanion removal in aqueous systems was compared with the pristine biochar. The gross composition of pyro...

A large number of areas around the world have been affected by soil acidity (normally pH<5.5) due to natural and anthropogenic-driven effects. Soil acidification is one of the major environmental challenges threatening the sustainability of agricultural production and food security all over the world. Also, the occurrence of acid sulfate soils with...

Hydro-geochemistry of drinking water was characterized in chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) endemic areas in Girandurukotte (GK) and Dehiattakandiya (DH) and non-endemic areas in GK, DH, and Sewanagala (SW) in Sri Lanka to comprehend any potential risk factors for CKDu. Groundwater (n = 142) and surface water (n = 08) were sampled d...

The world's human population is increasing exponentially, increasing the demand for high-quality food sources. As a result, there is a major global concern over hunger and malnutrition in developing countries with limited food resources. To address this issue, researchers worldwide must focus on developing improved crop varieties with greater produ...

Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste is solid wastes generated from the construction, demolition, and renovation activities that constitute almost 30-40 % of globally generated solid wastes. Improper disposal and management of these materials can cause negative impacts on the environment, economy, and human health. Most research on C&D waste is...

Real-time measurement of black carbon (BC) aerosol contaminated air has potential for human health and climate change. A comprehensive investigation of BC concentration and its source apportionment distribution in the atmosphere of three traffic sites in East India was conducted using the portable Aethalometer (AE-33). The results showed that conce...

Most traditional oil spill clean-up techniques are still laboratory based and are expensive and fairly ineffective. This study investigated the capacity of biochars derived from bio-energy industries in oil spill remediation with a pilot-testing. Three different biochars from bio-energy industries, Embilipitya (EBC), Mahiyanganaya (MBC), and Cinnam...

The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme climate events are among the most expected and recognized consequences of climate change. Prediction of water quality parameters becomes more challenging with these extremes since water quality is strongly related to hydro-meteorological conditions and is particularly sensitive to climate change. Th...

We investigated the feasibility of two novel engineered biochar composites by pyrolyzing cabbage leaves at 350 °C after pre-treating them with anthocyanin, followed by a post-treatment with kaolinite for the removal of two potentially toxic elements (copper and lead) and a pharmaceutical compound, metoprolol. Results showed that the Kaolinite-bioch...