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Mrs Meenu Vitarana

Thesis

Lichens as biomonitors of heavy-metal air pollution in Collie, South-western Australia

Description

My PhD research investigated the application of a biological technique to easily and effectively measure effects of heavy metal pollution in forest ecosystems. I chose a lichen biomonitoring approach to identify effects of heavy-metal pollution associated with coal-power generation in jarrah forests in Collie, South-western Australia. Several different techniques in lichen biomonitoring were employed to investigate the dispersion of heavy-metals and to identify heavily impacted areas in the Collie region. This study will provide useful baseline information to better estimate the risks associated with further industrial development in Collie.

Supervisor

• Professor William Stock – Principal Supervisor
• Associate Professor Andrea Hinwood – Associate Supervisor

Awards and Recognition

• Student Research Award 2011 - Ecological Society of Australia
• Edith Cowan University Post-graduate Research Scholarship, International (ECUPRSI)

Research

Research Interests

Lichen biomonitoring, environmental science, animal behavioural science, plant tissue culture

Recent Publications (within the last five years)

Book Chapters

• BICOST- III (3rd Biennial Conference on Science and Technology) - Concept Papers & Conference Programme (2004). National Science and Technology Commission of Sri Lanka. Compiled by Vitarana M.C. and Nanayakkara P.R.

Journal Articles

• Ramanayake, S.M.B.S.; Maddegoda, K.M.M.N.; Vitarana, M. C. and Chathurani, G.D.G. (2008). Root Induction in Three Species of Bamboo with Different Rooting Abilities. Scientia Horticulturae, 118 (3), 270-273.

Conference Publications

• Vitarana, M.C., Stock, W.D. and Hinwood, A. (2012). Lichen biomonitoring along a potential pollution gradient in South West Western Australia [Abstract]. Sixth International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology, June 25-29, 2012, Houston, Texas, USA. 53 pp.
• Ramanayake, S.M.B.S.; Vitarana, M. C. and Maddegoda, K.M.M.N. (2006). In vitro Rooting of Axillary Shoots of 3 Bamboos, Dendrocalamus giganteus, Dendrocalamus hoookari and Bambusa atra for Clonal Propagation. International Conference on Humid Tropical Eco Systems - Changes, Challenges and Opportunities. Kandy Sri Lanka. 64 pp.

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Contact

Mrs. Meenu C. Vitarana
PhD Candidate in Environmental Management
Centre for Ecosystem Management
School of Natural Sciences
m.vitarana@ecu.edu.au