Hetti Mudiyanselage Sanduni Upeksha
MRes student
MRes: Assessing Water Health Using Riverfly Bioindicators Integrated with Molecular and Physico-Chemical Analysis Across Land-use Patterns: A Case Study in Loch Rannoch Catchment
This research investigates freshwater ecosystem health in the Loch Rannoch catchment and surrounding lochs using environmental DNA (eDNA), citizen science riverfly data, and physicochemical water quality assessment. Conducted in collaboration with the Loch Rannoch Conservation Association, the study integrates molecular analysis, environmental monitoring, and spatial mapping to examine biodiversity patterns across different land use types and freshwater habitats, supporting sustainable freshwater management and aquatic ecosystem conservation.
Supervisor: Dr Matthew Curran
Academic background:
I am currently pursuing a full-time Master of Research (MRes) in Freshwater Science, where my research interests focus on aquatic ecosystems, environmental sustainability, and water resource management. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Agricultural Resource Management and Technology from the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, specializing in Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Technology. My undergraduate research investigated groundwater quality assessment in relation to different land use patterns using GIS within a selected region, providing valuable insights into the relationship between human activities, agricultural practices, and environmental health.
Coming from both agricultural and environmental science backgrounds, I have developed strong interdisciplinary knowledge supported by extensive practical experience in fieldwork, environmental monitoring, laboratory analysis, and sustainable resource management. My academic and research experiences have strengthened my interest in addressing contemporary environmental challenges through scientific research and innovative solutions. I am particularly interested in environmental DNA, freshwater ecosystems, sustainable agriculture, water quality management, and environmental conservation, with the aim of contributing to evidence-based environmental research and sustainable development initiatives.
Through collaborative research and practical engagement, I continue to enhance my analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills while building a strong foundation for future academic and research contributions in environmental and freshwater sciences globally.
Research interests:
- Freshwater science and aquatic ecosystem research
- Groundwater science and water resource management
- Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis
- Water quality assessment and monitoring
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial mapping
- Land use and environmental change analysis
- Agriculture and irrigation systems
- Environmental health and sustainability
- Environmental conservation and ecosystem management
- Interdisciplinary environmental research and resource management
Undergraduate Research Project
Groundwater Quality Assessment Under Different Land Use Patterns in Pannala Divisional Secretariat, Sri Lanka
This undergraduate research assessed groundwater quality across different land use patterns in the Pannala Divisional Secretariat, Sri Lanka. The study involved physicochemical analysis of groundwater parameters including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrate, phosphate, magnesium, calcium, and chloride. The research examined how agricultural and human activities influence groundwater quality, contributing to understanding sustainable water resource management and environmental health.