Antiseptics and disinfectants are used extensively in hospitals and other health care settings for a variety of topical and hard-surface applications. However, their antibacterial effectiveness is not always well declared by the manufacturers and consumers find it difficult to choose the right product according to their needs. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the bactericidal effectiveness of selected disinfectants and antiseptics found in the local market. Three disinfectants and antiseptics (Dettol, Lysol and Chlorox) were assessed using phase 1, BS EN 1040; 1997, Chemical Disinfectants and Antiseptics, Basic bactericidal activity-Test method and requirements. The in vitro activity of these disinfectants and antiseptics against two challenge strains Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were analysed. All these disinfectants and antiseptics were tested at four different concentrations and three different contact times. Results showed that using double concentration than recommended use dilution of Lysol had a significant impact on killing both S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Dettol achieved a 99.999% killing of S. aureus within 5 minutes at the recommended use dilution and 15 minute contact time showed to be the best in achieving an effective killing of P. aeruginosa at the recommended use dilution. The results of Chlorox indicated that a 15 minute contact time was far more effective against S. aureus than 5 minute contact time specified by the manufacturer. Chlorox achieved a 99.999% killing of P. aeruginosa within a contact time of 15 minutes at all concentrations tested. It revealed that the prolonged contact times increased the activity of Chlorox irrespective of the concentration used. At 1 minute contact time none of the products achieved a 5 log reduction against both S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The overall results suggest that Chlorox was the best disinfectant against both S. aureus and P. aeruginosa at the recommended use dilution.Antiseptics and disinfectants are used extensively in hospitals and other health care settings for a variety of topical and hard-surface applications. In particular, they are an essential part of infection control practices and aid in the prevention of nosocomial infections. Mounting concern over the potential for microbial contamination and infection risks in the food and general consumer markets have also led to increased usage of antiseptics and disinfectants by the general public.

Since composts are soil like amendments made from plant and animal remains, they are more important than inorganic fertilizer because they consist of relatively stable decomposed materials resulting from accelerated biological degradation of organic matter. However, little attention has been paid on the use of compost as bio-fertilizers to improve soil structure, fertility and consequently growth and productivity of plants among farmers in Sri Lanka mainly due to lack of awareness on the beneficial effects. Therefore, the present study focuses on obtaining baseline data set on the efficacy in terms of plant growth characteristics by using different soil compost ratios of different types of composts. Four different types of composts and three different soil compost ratios (1:0.5, 1:1 and 1:1.5) were used in this study. Results of the present study clearly indicated that different composts act differently on the growth parameters tested and showed a reasonable variation with different soil compost ratios indicating both positive and negative effects on plant growth and yield. The results showed that the best soil compost ratio that could be used to significantly improve the growth parameters of Zea mays is 1:1 followed by 1:0.5. From among the different MSW composts used in this study, the best performance was shown by Dikovita followed by Mihisaru Segregated. This study further highlighted that higher ratio (1:1.5 soil compost) of certain MSW composts was not desirable and showed a negative effect on plant height.

Dillenia suffruticosa (Griffith) Martelli, that spreads fast in low-lying areas in wet zone of Sri Lanka is currently listed as a nationally important Invasive Alien Species that deserves attention in ecological studies. Thus, impact of this woody invader on physical, chemical properties of soil and below and above ground flora was investigated. Five sampling sites were identified along a distance of 46km from Avissawella to Ratnapura. At each site, two adjacent plots [1m x10m each for D. suffruticosa present (D +) and absent (D -)] were outlined. Physical and chemical soil parameters, microbial biomass and number of bacterial colonies in soil were determined using standard procedures and compared between D + and D -by ANOVA using SPSS. Rate of decomposition of D. suffruticosa leaves was also determined using the litter bag technique at 35% and 50% moisture levels. Above ground plant species richness in sample stands was compared using Jaccard and Sorenson diversity indices. Decomposition of D. suffruticosa leaves was slow, but occurred at a more or less similar rate irrespective of moisture content of soil. Particle size distribution in D + soil showed a much higher percentage of large soil particles. Higher % porosity in D + sites was a clear indication that the soil was aerated. The pH was significantly lower for D + than D -thus developing acidic soils whereas conductivity has been significantly high making soil further stressed. The significant drop in Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) in D + soil was a remarkable finding to be concerned with as it correlated with fertility of soil. Significantly higher values of phosphates reported in D + soil support the idea that plant invaders are capable to increase phosphates in soil.Higher biomass values recorded for D + sites together with higher number of bacterial colonies could be related to the unexpectedly recorded higher Organic Carbon. Both the Jaccard and Sorenson indices indicated that D + and D -sites were dissimilar with respect to above ground plant species richness. Thus, changes in above ground vegetation and soil properties due to the invasion were identified and further studies are needed for determining the degree of soil deterioration due to the invasive behavior of D. suffruticosa.

This paper aims to explore how an Environmental Management System (EMS) based on ISO 14001 would assist to enhance the performance of a Food Manufacturing Company. The research objectives were to assess the current environmental aspects and related impact and define mitigation measures to minimize such aspects while focusing on the applicable legislative requirements for the industry and the existing mitigation measures. Different types of waste generated during the processes were identified based on United Nations Environmental Plan (UNEP) cleaner production methodology and baseline data related to waste generation were analysed using Pareto charts. An Environmental Aspect Impact Register was prepared for each division to identify environmental hazards based on risk assessment criteria given in ISO 31010 Standard and the results compared before and after risk levels using the T-test. Analysis of the environmental aspect impact register results concluded that implementedEnvironmental Management and Sustainable Development ISSN 2164-7682 2017 http://emsd.macrothink.org 241 mitigation measures were effective on particular causes at 95% confidence level and adopting Environmental Management Systems (EMS) in this company had made a positive impact on the identified performance indicators including environmental performance indicators and financial indicators. It further recognized that there was more positive impact on water saving as the quantity of water used in the manufacturing processes had already reduced.

Paints are widely used to colour and protect various surfaces. Paints contain many substances to improve their quality as well as to protect the surface from environmental hazards. One of the most concerned environmental hazards is the contamination of wall surfaces by algae and fungi. According to manufacturers of paints in Sri Lanka, this issue has been looked after by incorporating many biocides to the paints available in the market. However, the testing of existing paints for their biocidal activity using standards is very important and not yet done in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to find out the possibility of implementing a standard test method (ASTM) to detect the biocidal action of paints and to assess the biocidal effect of paints available in the Sri Lankan market. Standard Test Method for Fungi (D5590) and Algae (D5589) were tested with local paints using three fungi and three algae as test organisms. Both test methods and organisms being tested are effective in deciding the biocidal activity of paints. It is very clear from the results that the biocidal chemicals used in commercial paints are effective on most common fungi (mainly spores) and algae present in the air. However, on average, 7.8% fungal growth and 6.7% of Algal growth were observed under laboratory conditions. The Paints which had the lowest biocidal activity allowed 13.8% fungal growth and 20.6% of Algal growth and paints which had the best biocidal activity showed 100% of no growth. Aspergillus had an ability to grow fast by tolerating the biocidal activity of some paints which had different ranges of resistance on other organisms. However, Algae showed slower growth than Fungi on all paints. Growth of Algae or Fungi mainly depends on growing ability of microbes, biocidal activity of paints and favourable environmental conditions.