Academic Publications
My Publications
2024
Ranasinghe, RAHB; Perera, PLRA; Premaratne, WAPJ; Liyanage, JA; Perera, WPRT
Assessment of Soil Quality and Metal Contaminants in Paddy Soils and Water in a CKDu-Affected area in Sri Lanka Journal Article
In: Rural Sustainability Research, vol. 52, iss. 347, pp. 136-144, 2024, ISSN: 2256-0939.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Bioaccumulation, chronic kidney disease, CKDu, Contamination, paddy soil
@article{Ranasinghe2024,
title = {Assessment of Soil Quality and Metal Contaminants in Paddy Soils and Water in a CKDu-Affected area in Sri Lanka},
author = {RAHB Ranasinghe and PLRA Perera and WAPJ Premaratne and JA Liyanage and WPRT Perera},
url = {https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/plua-2024-0020
https://rajithperera.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Assessment-of-Soil-Quality-and-Metal-Contaminants-in-Paddy-Soils-and-Water-in-a-CKDuAffected-area-in-Sri-Lanka.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387578084_Assessment_of_Soil_Quality_and_Metal_Contaminants_in_Paddy_Soils_and_Water_in_a_CKDu-Affected_area_in_Sri_Lanka},
doi = {10.2478/plua-2024-0020},
issn = {2256-0939},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-12-31},
urldate = {2024-12-31},
journal = { Rural Sustainability Research},
volume = {52},
issue = {347},
pages = {136-144},
abstract = {The proliferation of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka may be attributed to exposure to trace elements of both natural and human origin in the environment, which has been extensively explored and widely debated within the scientific community. This research aims to investigate the fluctuation of soil quality in paddy fields concerning depth and to evaluate the corresponding groundwater parameters in a region identified as a high-risk area for CKDu in the North Central region via determining different parameters including trace metals in both paddy soils and groundwater. The slightly alkaline paddy soils in the study area displayed elevated electrical conductivity values in the uppermost soil layer compared to the subsoil layer. Although hazardous metals, including lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd), were detected in the paddy soil, they did not surpass the critical toxic concentrations. A statistically remarkable robust positive correlation was discovered between the concentration of Pb in the soil and its depth. Additionally, the levels of toxic metals, such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium, in the study area’s groundwater were substantially lower than the safety standards set by the World Health Organization. However, some groundwater samples were found to contain anionic species, including fluoride, in concentrations that exceeded the established permissible limits. The gradual accretion of trace elements within the paddy soil presents a potential hazard for the translocation of such elements into the rice plants, thus constituting a possible threat to human health.},
keywords = {Bioaccumulation, chronic kidney disease, CKDu, Contamination, paddy soil},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The proliferation of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka may be attributed to exposure to trace elements of both natural and human origin in the environment, which has been extensively explored and widely debated within the scientific community. This research aims to investigate the fluctuation of soil quality in paddy fields concerning depth and to evaluate the corresponding groundwater parameters in a region identified as a high-risk area for CKDu in the North Central region via determining different parameters including trace metals in both paddy soils and groundwater. The slightly alkaline paddy soils in the study area displayed elevated electrical conductivity values in the uppermost soil layer compared to the subsoil layer. Although hazardous metals, including lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd), were detected in the paddy soil, they did not surpass the critical toxic concentrations. A statistically remarkable robust positive correlation was discovered between the concentration of Pb in the soil and its depth. Additionally, the levels of toxic metals, such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium, in the study area’s groundwater were substantially lower than the safety standards set by the World Health Organization. However, some groundwater samples were found to contain anionic species, including fluoride, in concentrations that exceeded the established permissible limits. The gradual accretion of trace elements within the paddy soil presents a potential hazard for the translocation of such elements into the rice plants, thus constituting a possible threat to human health.
Perera, PLRA; Perera, WPRT; Sakunthala, KADD; Premaratne, WAPJ; Liyanage, JA
In: Journal of Multidisciplinary and Translational Research (JMTR), vol. 9, iss. 1, 2024, ISSN: 3051-5262.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arsenic, Bioaccumulation, chronic kidney disease, ckd, CKDu, Contamination, E. suratensis;, Etroplus suratensis, Heavy metals, Inland Fish
@article{Perera2024d,
title = {Heavy metal bioaccumulation in Etroplus suratensis residing in inland rivers and Amblygaster sirm in marine habitats in Sri Lanka: A comparative study},
author = {PLRA Perera and WPRT Perera and KADD Sakunthala and WAPJ Premaratne and JA Liyanage},
url = {https://rajithperera.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/jmtr_24_102-2.pdf},
doi = {10.4038/jmtr.v9i1.18},
issn = { 3051-5262},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-06-30},
urldate = {2024-06-30},
journal = {Journal of Multidisciplinary and Translational Research (JMTR)},
volume = {9},
issue = {1},
abstract = {Inland and marine fish are primary protein sources of the Sri Lankan diet. Prolonged consumption of contaminated fish can cause critical health implications such as chronic kidney disease (CKDu). This study investigates the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in edible fish from inland rivers and coastal regions using Etroplus suratensis residing in inland rivers and Amblygaster sirm in marine habitats in Sri Lanka for the analysis. Inland fish samples were collected from Nikawewa and Mahakandarawa tanks in Kurunagala and Anuradhapura districts, respectively, while marine fish samples were collected from the coastal region near Trincomalee harbour. The analysis of heavy metal/ metalloid (i.e., Pb, Cr, As, Cd, and Ni) contents in fish samples revealed that muscle tissues of inland fish samples had significantly higher levels of Pb and Cr, exceeding the Maximum Permissible Limits (MPL). In contrast, marine fish exhibited negligible amounts of heavy metals across all tissues. Health risk assessments indicated that the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Total Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Carcinogenic Risk (CR) values for Pb and Cr in inland fish were significantly higher than those in marine fish, suggesting potential health risks. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's pairwise comparisons confirmed significant (p < 0.05) geographical and tissue-specific variations in heavy metal concentrations. Inland regions showed higher contamination levels than coastal regions. Gut tissues generally had the highest concentrations of heavy metals, followed by muscle, gill, and liver tissues. These findings underscore that the inland fish samples from the studied regions may pose adverse health effects, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and regulation to mitigate heavy metal contamination and safeguard human health.},
keywords = {Arsenic, Bioaccumulation, chronic kidney disease, ckd, CKDu, Contamination, E. suratensis;, Etroplus suratensis, Heavy metals, Inland Fish},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Inland and marine fish are primary protein sources of the Sri Lankan diet. Prolonged consumption of contaminated fish can cause critical health implications such as chronic kidney disease (CKDu). This study investigates the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in edible fish from inland rivers and coastal regions using Etroplus suratensis residing in inland rivers and Amblygaster sirm in marine habitats in Sri Lanka for the analysis. Inland fish samples were collected from Nikawewa and Mahakandarawa tanks in Kurunagala and Anuradhapura districts, respectively, while marine fish samples were collected from the coastal region near Trincomalee harbour. The analysis of heavy metal/ metalloid (i.e., Pb, Cr, As, Cd, and Ni) contents in fish samples revealed that muscle tissues of inland fish samples had significantly higher levels of Pb and Cr, exceeding the Maximum Permissible Limits (MPL). In contrast, marine fish exhibited negligible amounts of heavy metals across all tissues. Health risk assessments indicated that the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Total Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Carcinogenic Risk (CR) values for Pb and Cr in inland fish were significantly higher than those in marine fish, suggesting potential health risks. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's pairwise comparisons confirmed significant (p < 0.05) geographical and tissue-specific variations in heavy metal concentrations. Inland regions showed higher contamination levels than coastal regions. Gut tissues generally had the highest concentrations of heavy metals, followed by muscle, gill, and liver tissues. These findings underscore that the inland fish samples from the studied regions may pose adverse health effects, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and regulation to mitigate heavy metal contamination and safeguard human health.
2022
Perera, PLRA; Perera, WPRT; Liyanage, JA; Premaratne, WAPJ
A comparison of food contamination by heavy metals/metalloids in CKDu prevalent areas and a reference area; A study in Sri Lanka Proceedings Article
In: International Postgraduate Research Conference, pp. 99, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2022.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arsenic, Cadmium, chronic kidney disease, CKDu, Food Safety, Heavy metals, Lead, Nephropathy
@inproceedings{perera2022comparison,
title = {A comparison of food contamination by heavy metals/metalloids in CKDu prevalent areas and a reference area; A study in Sri Lanka},
author = {PLRA Perera and WPRT Perera and JA Liyanage and WAPJ Premaratne},
url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367091378_A_comparison_of_food_contamination_by_heavy_metalsmetalloids_in_CKDu_prevalent_areas_and_a_reference_area_A_study_in_Sri_Lanka},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-12-01},
urldate = {2022-12-01},
booktitle = {International Postgraduate Research Conference},
volume = {2022},
pages = {99},
publisher = {Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka},
abstract = {During the past two decades, so many studies have been involved in exploring the relationship between the prevalence of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) and exposure to toxic metals. These studies revealed signs of chronic low levels of toxic metal exposure in Sri Lanka. To assess the risk of negative health effects and propose appropriate public health interventions, novel research studies will be very beneficial. This assessment was performed to study the toxic metal contamination status in domestic rice, leafy vegetables, legumes, and citrus fruits in the CKDu prevalence area in north central province in Sri Lanka and to compare those levels with a reference area in the Eastern province in Sri Lanka where CKDu is not prevalent. CKDu hot spots areas Maradankulama-Mahakanadarawa in the Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka was selected for sampling and Buddhangala Grama Niladhari area in Ampara district was selected as a reference site. Food samples, including (Oryza sativa; n=25, Centella asiatica; n=25, Citrus crenatiflora; n=18, Vigna radiata; n=10) were collected from the stratified sampling method in both areas and the collected food samples were digested by microwave digestion according to the standard procedures and the concentrations of metal ions in food samples, including Cadmium, Nickel, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Lead, Zinc, Arsenic, and Calcium, were measured using Inductive Coupled Plasma technique (ICP). As a results of the study, mean As and Pb concentrations of Oryza sativa (As-0.15 mg/kg, Pb-3.10 mg/kg) and Citrus crenatiflora (As-0.15 mg/kg, Pb-0.47 mg/kg), Pb (0.65 mg/kg) and Cd (0.05 mg/kg) content in Centella asiatica, and mean concentrations of As (0.14 mg/kg), Pb (9.25 mg/kg) and Cu (57.8 mg/kg) in Vigna radiata have exceeded the permissible limits given by the FAO and WHO, 2011: As-0.1 mg/kg, Pb-0.1 mg/kg, Cd-0.05 mg/kg, Cr-2.3 mg/kg, Cu-40 mg/kg. However, none of the food samples collected from the reference areas has exceeded the permissible limits of analyzed heavy metals/metalloids. THQ (Target Hazard Quotient) values of Cr have exceeded the threshold values for all food species. Furthermore, Pb is also regarded as a toxic element and THQ values of Pb in Oryza sativa and Vigna radiate are noticeably high. Meanwhile, THQ values of the food samples in the reference areas have not exceeded the threshold values. According to the outcome of the study, there is a noticeable difference reported in toxic metals contamination status between the CKDu-prone areas and the reference area. Therefore, the consumption of analyzed rice, leafy vegetables, and legumes was estimated to be risky, and their regular consumption may boost the likelihood of CKDu prevalence in those areas. Further studies are required to monitor and assess heavy metals and metalloids in soil, and fertilizers to find the pathways of contamination of food by toxic metals.},
keywords = {Arsenic, Cadmium, chronic kidney disease, CKDu, Food Safety, Heavy metals, Lead, Nephropathy},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
During the past two decades, so many studies have been involved in exploring the relationship between the prevalence of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) and exposure to toxic metals. These studies revealed signs of chronic low levels of toxic metal exposure in Sri Lanka. To assess the risk of negative health effects and propose appropriate public health interventions, novel research studies will be very beneficial. This assessment was performed to study the toxic metal contamination status in domestic rice, leafy vegetables, legumes, and citrus fruits in the CKDu prevalence area in north central province in Sri Lanka and to compare those levels with a reference area in the Eastern province in Sri Lanka where CKDu is not prevalent. CKDu hot spots areas Maradankulama-Mahakanadarawa in the Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka was selected for sampling and Buddhangala Grama Niladhari area in Ampara district was selected as a reference site. Food samples, including (Oryza sativa; n=25, Centella asiatica; n=25, Citrus crenatiflora; n=18, Vigna radiata; n=10) were collected from the stratified sampling method in both areas and the collected food samples were digested by microwave digestion according to the standard procedures and the concentrations of metal ions in food samples, including Cadmium, Nickel, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Lead, Zinc, Arsenic, and Calcium, were measured using Inductive Coupled Plasma technique (ICP). As a results of the study, mean As and Pb concentrations of Oryza sativa (As-0.15 mg/kg, Pb-3.10 mg/kg) and Citrus crenatiflora (As-0.15 mg/kg, Pb-0.47 mg/kg), Pb (0.65 mg/kg) and Cd (0.05 mg/kg) content in Centella asiatica, and mean concentrations of As (0.14 mg/kg), Pb (9.25 mg/kg) and Cu (57.8 mg/kg) in Vigna radiata have exceeded the permissible limits given by the FAO and WHO, 2011: As-0.1 mg/kg, Pb-0.1 mg/kg, Cd-0.05 mg/kg, Cr-2.3 mg/kg, Cu-40 mg/kg. However, none of the food samples collected from the reference areas has exceeded the permissible limits of analyzed heavy metals/metalloids. THQ (Target Hazard Quotient) values of Cr have exceeded the threshold values for all food species. Furthermore, Pb is also regarded as a toxic element and THQ values of Pb in Oryza sativa and Vigna radiate are noticeably high. Meanwhile, THQ values of the food samples in the reference areas have not exceeded the threshold values. According to the outcome of the study, there is a noticeable difference reported in toxic metals contamination status between the CKDu-prone areas and the reference area. Therefore, the consumption of analyzed rice, leafy vegetables, and legumes was estimated to be risky, and their regular consumption may boost the likelihood of CKDu prevalence in those areas. Further studies are required to monitor and assess heavy metals and metalloids in soil, and fertilizers to find the pathways of contamination of food by toxic metals.