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Academic Staff member

Prof. K. Masakorala

Professor

B.Sc.(Ruhuna,SL)
M.Sc.(Plymouth,UK)
Ph.D.(USTB,Beijing,China)
Specialization - Environmental Toxicology, Bioremediation and Phytoremediation

Email - mas@bot.ruh.ac.lk

LinnkedIn ResearchGate Google Scholar

  • BOT 1121- Scientific approach and Biometrics
  • BOT 1112- Plant diversity, Unity and Evolution
  • BOT 2221 - Environmental Science
  • BOT 3242- Advanced Environmental Science
  • BOT 4142- Advanced Environmental Science
  • BOT 4202- Ecotoxicology
  • Ecotoxicity assessment with special emphasis on phytotoxicity
  • Bioremediation and phytoremediation
  • Abstracts:
  • Masakorala, K., Dissanayeka, N.P. (2010). Food and Medicinal Uses of Mangroves in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of National conference on Mangroves, Pp22.
  • Masakorala, K., Yao. J., Guo, H., Wang, F., Chen, H., Chan, Y.( 2012). Chracterization of biogeochemical behavior of environmental pollutants by using geomicrobial responses as an indicator.
  • W.J.A.M. Tricksika, T.G.dayananda, K Masakorala. �Identification of Aternantheraphiloxeroides (Aligator weed) from its native congener lternantherasessilis (Mukunuwenna)�
  • Dissanayake, N.P., Lakmini, T.G.I., Masakorala, K. (2013). Growth performance of Wedelia trilobata in Matara District and its competition and allelopathic effect on Axonopus compressus .
  • W.G.S. Sriyanthi, K.A.s. Hansika, G.S.D. Premachandra, K.S.K. Shanthimal, T,G. Dayananda, and K. Masakorala.(2014) �Hydrophonics based mini flower pot for indoor gardening�.
  • Masakorala, K., Yao. J (2014) . Applicability of the microcalorimetry technique as a tool in the phytotoxicity assessment of petroleum contaminated soil.
  • Wickramanayeke, I.U., Masakorala, K. (2016). Applicability of Allium cepa test system in toxicity characterization of used lubricant oil contaminated soil.
  • Sriyanthi, W.G.S., Masakorala. K. (2016). Effects of long term contamination of used lubricating oil on soil physicochemical properties.
  • Wickramanayeka, I.U., Masakorala, K.(2016). A comparative phytotoxicicty assessment for used lubricant oil contaminated soil.
  • Sriyanthi, W.G.S., Masakorala. K. (2016). Assessment of genotoxicity of used lubricant oil contaminated soil using Allium cepa test system.
  • Sriyanthi, W.G.S., Masakorala. K. (2017). Effects of used lubricant oil contaminated soil on soil microbial activity and population size
  • Chathuranga, T. C., Masakorala, K. and Abeysinghe, S. (2017). Screening of Trichoderma isolates as biocontrol agents against banana wilt pathogen and evaluating organic biomass wastes for mass production of conidia.Proceedings of 4rd Ruhuna International conference, University of Ruhuna , Matara, Sri Lankla. Pp9.
  • Walakulu Gamage, S. S., Masakorala, K., Brown, M. T. and Widana Gamage, S. M. K. (2017). Effect of used lubricating oil contaminated soil on seed germination and early growth performance of wild -type legume, Crotalaria retusa L., Proceedings of 22nd International Forestry and Environment Symposium, University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka, pp 39.
  • Walakulu Gamage, S. S., Masakorala, K., Brown, M. T. and Widana Gamage, S. M. K. (2018). Rhizosphere microbial activity of Crotalaria retusa L. grown in soil contaminated with used lubricating oil. Proceedings of the 2nd International Research Conference of Uwa Wellassa University, Sri Lanka, pp. 241.
  • Walakulu Gamage, S. S., Masakorala, K., Brown, M. T. and Widana Gamage, S. M. K. (2018). Tolerance of Rose Balsam (Impatiens balsamina L.), to grow on soil contaminated by used automobile lubricating oil. Proceedings of the 5th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference, University of Ruhuna , Matara. Sri Lanka, pp. 25.
  • Niroshana, P.I.K., Ransinghe, M.P.S., Chamalka, G.K., Devinda, L.A.M.J.A.,Dantanarayana, T.G.G. Masakorala,K, Walisadeera, A.I. (2018). Integrating loT with greenhouse environments for monitoring and analysis. Proceedings of the 5th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference, University of Ruhuna , Matara. Sri Lanka, pp. 67.
  • Walakulu Gamage, S. S., Malwana S. D. S., Masakorala K., and Widana Gamage S. M. K. (2018). Isolation and characterization of used lubricating oil degrading-bacteria from long-term used lubricating oil contaminated soil. Proceedings of Wayamba University International Conference. pp. 104.
  • Rathnayake, N. S., Walakulu Gamage, S. S. and Masakorala K. (2018). Effects of long term application of palm oil decanter cake type solid waste on soil properties of palm oil field. Proceedings of Wayamba University International Conference. pp, 88 .
  • Rajakaruna R.K.M.J.M. and Masakorala, K. (2018). Physiological responses of some plant species found in Matara city area, Sri Lanka: Implications for biomonitoring and plant selection for urban greening. Proceedings of Wayamba University International Conference. Pp 114.
  • Walakulu Gamage, S. S., Masakorala, K., Brown, M. T. and Widana Gamage, S. M. K. (2018). Applicability of Allium cepa test to assess the degree of phytoremediation of soil contaminated with used lubricating oil by using Crotalaria retusa L. Proceedings of Kotelawala Defence University International Research Conference.pp31.
  • Walakulu Gamage, S. S., Masakorala, K., Brown, M. T. and Widana Gamage, S. M. K. (2019). Isolation and identification of oil degrading fungi from the rhizosphere soil of Crotalaria retusa grown in soil contaminated with used lubricating oil. Proceedings of International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment. Faculty of Agricullture, University of Ruhuna. Sri Lanka. pp.76.
  • Masakorala, K, Rathnayeka, R.M.N.S. (2019). Effects of decanter cake type oil palm solid waste application on growth performance of Vigna radiata
  • Wijesooriya, M.M, Walakulu Gamage, S.S, Jayalal, R.G.U, Masakorala, K and Widana Gamage, S.M.K. (2019). �Development of Bioremediation Technique for Used Lubricating Oil Contaminated Soil By Using a Novel Bacterial Strain, Brachybacterium conglomeratum RUH1 � A Pilot Study�: Proceedings of the 7th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. 14th-15th November 2019. Belihuloya, Sri Lanka, pp.153.
  • Wijesooriya, M.M., Masakorala, K., Widana Gamage, S.M.K., Jayalal, R.G.U., and Walakulu Gamage, S.S. (2020). �Bioremediation potential of Aspergillus fumigatus to restore some sites contaminated by used lubricating oil�: Proceedings of the 7th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference. 22nd January 2020. Matara, Sri Lanka, pp. 29.
  • Full papers: Research publications in journals included in the Science Citation Index
  • Masakorala, K., Turner, A., Brown, M.T. (2008). Influence of synthetic surfactants on the uptake of Cd, Pd and Pb by the marine macroalga, Ulva lactuca. Environmental Pollution 156, 897-904.
  • Masakorala, K., Turner, A., Brown, M.T. (2011). Toxicity of synthetic surfactants to the marine macroalga, Ulva lactuca. Water, Air and Soil Pollution, 218,283-291.
  • Guo, H., Yao, J., Chen, H., Wang, J., Masakorala, K., Jin, Y., Richnow, H.H., Blake, R.E. (2012). Substrate interactions during biodegradation of benzene/alkyl benzene mixtures by Rhodococcus sp.ustb-1. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation 75, 124-130.
  • Masakorala, K., Yao, J., Gua, H., Chandankere, R., Cai, M., Liu, H., Choi, M.M.F. (2013). Phytotoxicity of long-term total petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil�a comparative and combined approach. Water Air and Soil Pollution 224 (5),1553-1565.
  • Chandankere, R., Yao, J., Choi, M.M.F., Masakorala, K., Yu, C. (2013) An efficient biosurfactant-producing and crude-oil emulsifying bacterium Bacillus methylotrophicus USTBa isolated from petroleum reservoir. Biochemical Engineering Journal 74, 46-53.
  • Masakorala, K., Yao, J., Cai, M., Chandankere, R., Yuan, H., Chen, H. (2013). Isolation and characterization of a novel phenanthrene (PHE) degrading strain Psuedomonas sp. USTB-RU from petroleum contaminated soil. Journal of Hazadous Material 263 ,493� 500.
  • Masakorala, K., Yao, J., Chandankere, R., Yuan, H., Liu, H., Yu, C., Cai M. (2013). Effects of Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soil on Germination, Metabolism and Early Growth of Green Gram, Vigna radiata L. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 91(2),224-230.
  • Masakorala, K., Yao, J., Chandankere, R., Liu, H., Liu, W., Cai, M., Choi, M.M.F. (2014). A combined approach of physico-chemical and biological methods for the characterization of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil. Journal of Environmental Science and Pollution research 21, 54�463.
  • Yuan, H., Yao, J., Masakorala, K., Wang, F., Cai, M., Yu, C. (2014). Isolation and characterization of a newly isolated pyrene-degrading Acinetobacter strain USTB-X. Journal of Environmental Science and Pollution research, 21, 2724�2732.
  • Liu,H., Yao,J., Yuan,Z., Chen, H., Wang, F., Masakorala,K., Choi, M.M.F. (2016). Degradation of hydrocarbons by indigenous microbial communities from two adjacent oil production wells in one block. Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects.38(23)3423-3424.
  • Liu,W.J.,Duan, X.D., Wu. L.P.,Masakorala, K. (2018) Biosurfactant Production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa SNP0614 and its Effect on Biodegradation of Petroleum. Applied Biochemistry and Microbiology,54 (2) 155-162.
  • Walakulu Gamage, S.S., Masakorala, K., Brown, M.T., Widana Gamage, S. M. K. (2020) Tolerance of Impatiens balsamina L., and Crotalaria retusa L. to grow on soil contaminated by used lubricating oil: A comparative study. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 188, doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.109911
  • Awards:
  • 2017: Presidential Award for Research - was awarded for the recognition of publishing in index journals by Sri Lankan research scientists in 2015.
  • 2016: Presidential Award for Research - was awarded for the recognition of publishing in index journals by Sri Lankan research scientists in 2014.
  • 2015: Hiran Tilekeratne Special Award was awarded by University Grant commission, Sri Lanka on 11th December 2015 for the outstanding postgraduate research carried out in the field of Natural Science.
  • 2015 :Presidential Award for Research -was awarded for the recognition of publishing in index journals by Sri Lankan research scientists in year 2013.
  • 2015: �The Most Outstanding Young Scientist 2014� was awarded at 7th Vice Chancellor Awards ceremony held on 4th March 2015, at University of Ruhuna, Matara.
  • 2014: The best thesis award was awarded by the University of Science and Technology.
  • 2012:National research council, merit award for research was awarded for the recognition of publishing scientific research in index journals in year 2012.
  • 2011: National research council, merit award for research was awarded for the recognition of publishing scientific research in index journals in year 2011.
  • 2011: Scholarship from Chinese Government Scholarship Council, for PhD studies from 2011-2014.
  • 2005: Scholarship from European Union for MSc studies from 2005-2007.
  • Research Grants:
  • 2015-2016: Science Faculty Grant No: RU/SF/RP/2015 -01:95000 LKR
  • 2016-2017: Ministry of Mahaweli development and Environment : 345500 LKR ( Coinvestigator)
  • 2016-2019: National Research Council, Sri Lanka Grant No: 16-144: 2.1 Million LKR
  • 2017-2018: Science Faculty Grant No: RU/SF/RP/2017 -05: 55000 LKR
  • 2018-2019: Science Faculty Grant No: 05 RU/SF/RP/2018 :50000 LKR
  • 2019-2022: Development Oriented Research Grant ( DOR /AHEAD): 40 Million LKR ( Coinvestigator and Deputy coordinator)
  • 2019-2022: AHED, ELTA/ELSE Faculty Development : 100 Million LKR ( Contributed as Member of the proposal writing team and working as a activity coordinator)
  • Deputy Coordinator/AHEAD/RA3/DOR/RUH/SCI/CYANO (2019-2022)
  • Activity coordinator AHEAD, ELTA/ELSE Faculty DP (2019-2022)
  • Chairperson of the technical evaluation committee AHEAD, ELTA/ELSE Faculty DP (2019)
  • English language coordinator, Faculty of Science (2019- Up to date)
  • Executive committee member of Ruhuna University Teachers Association � RUSTA ( 2014- 2016 and from 2018 Up to date)
  • A member of Board of Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna.
  • A member of Research Committee, Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna.
  • A member of a working group appointed by the National Science Foundation to formulate guidelines and training manuals for Environment Risk Assessment (2019)
  • Contributed to curriculum development of Aquatic Resource Technology Degree Program of Uwa Wellassa University (2018)
  • Served as a thesis examiner for the postgraduate research degree (Mphil) submitted to the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (2019)
  • As a resource person, contributed to curriculum development of Aquatic Resource Technology Degree Program of Uwa Wellassa University through developing the content of the Aquatic pollution and Ecotoxicology course (2018).
  • Visiting lecturer in the Department of Natural Resource, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka ( 2015-2018).
  • Student counselor, Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna (2007-2011 and 2014-2017)
  • Mentor, Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna (2007-2010 and 2014-uptpdate)
  • As a reviewer / evaluator / panel member of conference /academic session conducted at the University of Ruhuna (2014-Up to date)
  • As a resource person, contributed for laboratory development of the Advanced level Biological science section of G/ Secret Heart Convent, Galle (2018)
  • Chief Examiner, G.C.E (A/L) Examinations �Biology ( 2015-2018)
  • Served as a resource person in the field of aquatic Botany for Curriculum revision of Aquatic Resource Technology Degree program of Uva Wellassa University (2016)
  • Joint secretary, Ruhuna University Science Teachers� Association, Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna (2016-2018)
  • Member of the organizing committee to stage on drama �Puthra Samagama� for raising scholarship fund of faculty of science, University of Ruhuna (2016)
  • Joint secretary of the 3rd Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference �RISTCON (2016)
  • Coordinator of an exhibition conducted by the Department of Botany for G.C.E (A/L) students in biological science stream parallel to the invention and innovation exhibition (2015)
  • Member of the organizing committee of the 2nd Ruhuna. University International Science and Technology Conference �RISTCON (2015)
  • Member of the organizing committee of Invention and Innovation Exhibition held at the University of Ruhuna (2014)
  • Visiting lecturer in the Department of Limnology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka (2008 � 2010).
  • Secretory of the national conference on held �identification of knowledge gaps for sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems in Sri Lanka (2010)
  • Member of the organizing committee of the faculty day of faculty of science (2009, 2010)