SJSanali Jayalath

Environmental researcher · sustainability writer · scientific communicator

Environmental research · sustainability writing · scientific communication

I help organisations and research teams turn complex environmental science into credible reports, clear decisions, and stories that matter.

Explore selected work ↓Discuss a project ↗
MScEnvironmental
Management
2+Research
publications
7+Years across research
& environmental work
Sanali Jayalath conducting laboratory research
Graduate research

PHA biopolymers from fruit-industry waste

SCIENCE FOR PRACTICAL ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS

Research shaped through work with

01UNDP–GEF↗02University of Moratuwa↗03Goethe-Institut↗04ACS Omega↗

How the work evolved

From environmental systems to sustainable materials.

View all case studies ↗
Sanali conducting ecological fieldwork
ENVIRONMENTAL FOUNDATION

Understanding living systems firsthand

Wetlands · biodiversity · water quality · restoration

Sanali preparing laboratory materials during PHA research
MICROBIAL BIOPOLYMERS

Fruit-industry waste into biodegradable PHA

Fermentation · waste valorisation · circular materials

Fresh seaweed selected during biomaterial research
NATURAL BIOMATERIALS

Seaweed into new material possibilities

Biofilms · bioleather · learning through making

01 — About

Curiosity is where my work begins.

I explore how nature works—and turn that understanding into evidence, materials, and practical environmental solutions.

I’m Sanali Jayalath, an environmental researcher, sustainability writer, and published researcher based in Sri Lanka. My work connects environmental research with the people, organisations, and decisions it can serve.

From wetland restoration, biodiversity, and water monitoring to waste valorisation, microbial biopolymers, and natural biomaterials, I bring research depth to every assignment—then translate it into writing that is precise, useful, and human.

Follow my research journey →

An environmental origin story

The materials work began with ecosystems.

My interest in sustainable materials began with environmental systems themselves. Working across wetland restoration, biodiversity monitoring, water quality, environmental assessment, and waste-related challenges showed me how closely material choices are connected to ecosystem health.

That experience led me from studying environmental problems in the field to investigating solutions in the laboratory—first through microbial PHA production from fruit-industry waste, and later through seaweed-derived biomaterials. Today, I bring those perspectives together to explore sustainable, functional materials grounded in environmental evidence and circular thinking.

  1. 01Environmental systemsWetlands · biodiversity · water quality
  2. 02Waste & resource problemsPollution · recovery · circularity
  3. 03Microbial biopolymersFruit waste · fermentation · PHA
  4. 04Natural biomaterialsSeaweed films · bioleather trials
  5. 05Sustainable functional materialsResearch direction · practical impact
A forest stream representing Sanali's connection between scientific research and the natural worldCuriosity · observation · purpose

Research philosophy

Research, for me, begins with curiosity about how nature already works.

I find it genuinely interesting to spend time in the laboratory—watching small changes, asking why a material behaves as it does, and discovering what feels like the never-ending wonders of nature.

My path moves across biology, chemistry, environmental engineering, microbiology, and materials science. That movement feels natural to me: environmental challenges do not stay inside one discipline, and some of the most useful ideas appear at the spaces between them.

Fieldwork keeps that curiosity grounded. Whether I am documenting biodiversity, working around wetlands, visiting an infrastructure site, or testing a new biomaterial, I am guided by the same question: how can human activity work more intelligently with the natural world?

What this means in practiceObserve carefully. Question assumptions. Learn from failed samples. Communicate evidence clearly.

02 — Publications

Research made
open and useful.

Peer-reviewed scholarship on biodegradable materials, waste-derived feedstocks, microbial production, and pathways towards a circular bioeconomy.

FIRST-AUTHOR PUBLICATION

Volume 10 · Issue 30
Pages 32564–32586 · 2025

DOI 10.1021/acsomega.5c00684 ↗OPEN ACCESS

Peer-reviewed review article · American Chemical Society

PHA, the Greenest Plastic So Far: Advancing Microbial Synthesis, Recovery, and Sustainable Applications for Circularity

Sanali Upeksha Jayalath & Senior Professor Ajith Priyal de Alwis

A comprehensive review of microbial PHA biosynthesis, recovery, material applications, and the integration of biodegradable biopolymers into circular-economy systems.

DOI 10.1021/acsomega.5c00684PMID 40787410PMCID PMC12332672
ACS journal page ↗PubMed record ↗PMC full text ↗Open PDF ↓
RESEARCH PIPELINE

Under review & in preparation

  • Under reviewThe Potential of Improved Biomass Cookstoves to Reduce Carbon Emissions in Tea Estates
  • In preparationAn Overview of Biochar Practices in Sri Lanka: Feedstock Availability, Research Progress, Opportunities, and Challenges

03 — Expertise & services

Ways I can help

Focused support for consultancies, climate and sustainability teams, research groups, NGOs, and science-led businesses.

01
Butterflies in a natural habitat representing climate, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability

Sustainability & ESG Writing

Evidence-led sustainability reports, disclosures, research briefs, and environmental narratives for organisations that need substance as well as clarity.

  • ESG research
  • Climate & nature
  • Report writing
02
Analytical laboratory materials representing evidence-based environmental technical writing

Environmental Technical Writing

Clear, defensible technical content on circular economy, waste, water, biodiversity, pollution, and sustainable materials.

  • Technical reports
  • White papers
  • Policy briefs
03
Microbial culture plate representing scientific research and evidence synthesis

Scientific Research Support

Ethical research support—from structured literature searches and evidence synthesis to scientific editing, references, and journal-ready formatting.

  • Literature reviews
  • Manuscript editing
  • Fact-checking

VIEWABLE WRITING PORTFOLIO

Selected evidence, writing, and editing samples.

Browse eight pages covering sustainability writing, biodiversity reporting, public science communication, literature synthesis, and scientific editing.

Sanali JayalathSustainability Writing Portfolio
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04 — Selected work

Research into real-world value

Selected projects showing how I investigate, synthesise, and communicate complex environmental challenges.

CASE STUDY / 01
Sanali presenting the PHA production pathway from waste biomass through fermentation and extraction
Sanali preparing pineapple and watermelon waste as feedstock for PHA biopolymer research
Research presentation

Fruit-industry waste → PHA biopolymer

Circular materials · biotechnology

Turning fruit-industry waste into biodegradable PHA biopolymers

Research exploring microbial PHA production using fruit waste as a feedstock—connecting fermentation, downstream recovery, material characterisation, and circular-economy thinking.

Approach
Bacterial fermentation, waste pretreatment, recovery, FTIR, UV–Vis & SEM
Outcome
Industry-linked recommendations and peer-reviewed research outputs
Focus
Lower-impact materials, waste valorisation & scalable circular systems
Read the related publication ↗
Sanali Jayalath in the laboratory beside prepared fruit-waste research samples
RESEARCH PRACTICEFrom waste feedstock to microbial biopolymer
Sanali preparing laboratory materials during PHA research
01Careful preparation
Sanali observing a fermentation vessel during microbial PHA research
02Fermentation observation
Microbial culture plate used during PHA laboratory research
03Microbial screening
Prepared pineapple, papaya, mango, and watermelon feedstock samples
04Fruit-waste feedstocks
Prepared culture plates documenting laboratory analysis
05Documented analysis
02 / ECOSYSTEMS

Urban wetland restoration & biodiversity monitoring

Project coordination, ecological baselines, stakeholder communication, and environmental documentation for UNDP–GEF-supported restoration work.

Explore the ecology practice →
03 / CIRCULAR INDUSTRY

Recovered carbon black characterisation

Coordinated laboratory testing, sample chain-of-custody, technical documentation, and interpretation for waste-plastic and tyre-pyrolysis outputs.

Ecology & wetland practice

Restoring wetlands—and helping people understand why they matter.

My ecology work connects field evidence with restoration, management, and public understanding. Across urban wetlands, plantations, rivers, and infrastructure projects, I have contributed to biodiversity surveys, ecological baselines, environmental monitoring, wetland restoration, stakeholder coordination, and accessible environmental education.

Sanali conducting ecological field observation
Field observation · biodiversity · applied restoration
01

Wetland restoration

Project coordination and monitoring for the restoration and sustainable management of Diyasaru and Madinnagoda urban wetlands.

02

Biodiversity evidence

Flora and fauna surveys, ecological checklists, IUCN conservation-status review, habitat mapping, and FSC-aligned HCV documentation.

03

Environmental assessment

Ecological baselines, water and environmental monitoring, and contributions to EIA and IEE work for infrastructure and donor-funded projects.

04

Citizen science & education

Child-friendly learning concepts, scientific scripts, website content, interpretation features, and public-awareness communication.

Sanali Jayalath's original dragonfly wetland installation sketch shown alongside the completed display at Diyasaru Wetland Park, the Colombo Wetlands website, and biodiversity awareness boards
RESTORATION · INTERPRETATION · PUBLIC LEARNINGEcology carried from field evidence into shared understanding

Wetland interpretation · citizen science · environmental education

From wetland restoration to a place for public learning.

At Diyasaru Wetland Park, my work formed part of a wider urban-wetland restoration effort combining ecological monitoring, habitat awareness, community engagement, and environmental education.

One contribution especially close to me began as my hand-drawn concept for a dragonfly life-cycle learning feature. The sketch was developed into a physical installation that remains at the park—a small but lasting bridge between ecological science and visitor curiosity. I also helped shape citizen-science and awareness content, contributed to the Colombo Wetlands website, and developed the concepts, educational framing, and scripts for two animated videos. Animation was produced by an external team.

Project foundation
Urban-wetland restoration · ecological monitoring · biodiversity awareness · stakeholder engagement
My creative contribution
Original dragonfly-life-cycle sketch · scientific content · website contribution · educational framing · scriptwriting
Public outcome
A lasting interpretation feature, citizen-science resources, and child-friendly environmental learning
View the citizen-science launch ↗
FILM 01Environmental Functions of Wetlands

A child-friendly introduction to the ecological services and public value of wetland ecosystems.

Open on YouTube ↗
FILM 02Invasive Species: Plants & Animals

An awareness resource on invasive species, native ecosystems, and informed community action.

Open on YouTube ↗
Sanali Jayalath presenting environmental project work to an audience
Presenting environmental project work

Project communication · stakeholder engagement

Taking environmental work beyond the report

My project experience has also involved presenting findings, explaining environmental priorities, and helping diverse audiences understand how evidence connects to practical action.

  • Environmental project presentations and public communication
  • Stakeholder coordination across community, institutional, and technical groups
  • Clear translation of field observations, project progress, and recommendations

05 — Methods & professional development

Analytical practice,
carefully represented.

My experience spans hands-on laboratory research, environmental analysis, coordination of specialist testing, and continuing education across climate, artificial intelligence, and green chemistry.

Editorial still life of analytical sample vials and precision laboratory glassware
Editorial visual · analytical sample preparation and instrumental practice
01 / HANDS-ON

Laboratory & environmental methods

Methods applied directly through research and field practice.

  • FTIR spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectrophotometry & SEM characterisation
  • Bacterial fermentation, culture work, CFU enumeration & growth kinetics
  • DNS assay, cellular dry weight, gravimetric analysis & microscopy
  • Water-quality sampling, pH, conductivity, salinity, turbidity, TSS, TDS & TS
02 / COORDINATED & INTERPRETED

Advanced analytical characterisation

Specialist testing coordinated with accredited laboratories and research institutions, alongside technical-report review.

  • Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) & BET surface-area analysis
  • X-ray diffraction (XRD) & particle-size distribution (PSD)
  • Carbon–hydrogen elemental and sulphur analysis
  • Heavy-metal analysis & analytical chain-of-custody documentation
03 / FORMAL TRAINING

Instrumental analysis development

Advanced workshop training through SLAAS and the University of Kelaniya.

  • ICP–MS principles and sample-preparation workflows
  • Gas chromatography (GC)
  • High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
  • Analytical procedures and troubleshooting concepts
EARNED CERTIFICATES & CERTIFICATE COURSES

Learning that supports the work

Editorial still life representing formal professional certificates and continuing studyCERTIFICATES
Formal certificates and continuing professional study
University of HelsinkiElements of Artificial IntelligenceAI foundations, reasoning, applications & limitations ↗United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) · UN CC:LearnNet Zero 101: What, Why and HowClimate science, impacts, mitigation & net-zero action ↗
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) · National Cleaner Production Centre Sri Lanka (NCPC Sri Lanka)Chemicals Management, Green Chemistry & Chemical LeasingSafer chemicals and resource-efficient industrial practice
University of MoratuwaResearch Methodology & Scientific WritingEvidence synthesis, research design & scholarly communication

06 — Education & certifications

Scientific foundations,
continuously extended.

Formal study across biological sciences and environmental management, strengthened by focused professional training in analytical science, climate action, artificial intelligence, green chemistry, and research communication.

MASTER'S DEGREE
University of Moratuwa logo

MSc in Environmental Management

University of Moratuwa · Sri Lanka

Advanced interdisciplinary study connecting environmental science, management, policy, monitoring, and applied research. Graduated first in the cohort with a GPA of 3.45/4.00; the dissertation received the highest evaluation in the Environmental Management specialisation.

Research focus

Production of PHA biopolymer from fruit-industry waste using microbial fermentation, waste valorisation, recovery, and FTIR-based characterisation.

Selected study areas

Environmental science · environmental chemistry · drinking-water quality assessment · wastewater monitoring and treatment principles · aquatic environmental monitoring · analytical methods · microbiology and biotechnology · waste management · natural-resources management

BACHELOR'S DEGREE
University of Sri Jayewardenepura logo

BSc in Biological Sciences

University of Sri Jayewardenepura · Sri Lanka

A broad biological-sciences foundation with Zoology and Chemistry as major scientific subjects, complemented by Management Science and practical laboratory study conducted in English.

Scientific foundation

Biology, organismal science, chemistry, ecological systems, laboratory practice, and evidence-based scientific reasoning.

Selected study areas

Zoology · chemistry · microbiology · ecology · genetics · analytical chemistry · organic and polymer chemistry · environmental toxicology

EARNED CERTIFICATES & CERTIFICATE COURSES

Certificates obtained through formal professional study.

Each credential below represents a certificate or certificate-course completion I earned through the named institution or training provider.

CERTIFICATE · 01

ICP–MS, GC and HPLC: Sample Preparation, Analysis and Troubleshooting

ProviderSri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) / University of Kelaniya

Professional training covering the principles, sample-preparation workflows, analytical procedures, and troubleshooting concepts associated with ICP–MS, gas chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography.

CERTIFICATE · 02

Elements of AI

ProviderUniversity of Helsinki

Foundational training in artificial intelligence, including machine-learning concepts, AI problem-solving, real-world applications, limitations, and responsible use.

View programme ↗
CERTIFICATE · 03

Net Zero 101: What, Why and How

ProviderUnited Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) / UN CC:Learn

Training in net-zero development, greenhouse-gas emissions, climate mitigation, decarbonisation pathways, and the roles of governments, organisations, and individuals in achieving net-zero targets.

View programme ↗
CERTIFICATE · 04

IELTS Academic — Overall Band 7.0

ProviderIDP Education

Demonstrated strong professional English proficiency across listening, reading, writing, and speaking through the IELTS Academic examination.

CERTIFICATE · 05

Chemicals Management, Green Chemistry and Chemical Leasing

ProviderUnited Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) / National Cleaner Production Centre Sri Lanka (NCPC Sri Lanka)

Training in environmentally responsible chemicals management, green-chemistry principles, chemical safety, resource efficiency, and chemical-leasing approaches for reducing environmental and health impacts.

CERTIFICATE · 06

Research Methodology and Scientific Writing

ProviderUniversity of Moratuwa

Training in research design, literature-review methods, academic structure, scientific communication, citation practices, and the preparation of research reports and manuscripts.

07 — Research journey

A practice built
across field, lab,
and page.

Sanali Jayalath reflecting during laboratory research
Observe · investigate · communicateQuestions carried from the natural world into evidence.

Each chapter has strengthened the same ability: to understand environmental complexity and communicate what should happen next.

2018—2020
Sanali undertaking ecological fieldwork
01

Environmental Research Officer

Coordinated UNDP–GEF wetland-restoration and donor-funded ecology projects; contributed to biodiversity surveys, ecological baselines, water-quality monitoring, environmental assessments, FSC-aligned HCV work, stakeholder engagement, and public education.

2021—2023
Sanali preparing laboratory materials during graduate research
02

Graduate Research

Designed and conducted microbial PHA research using fruit-industry waste, spanning feedstock preparation, fermentation, recovery, microbial analysis, FTIR, UV–Vis and SEM characterisation, data interpretation, industry recommendations, and publication development.

2023—2024
Editorial illustration of an environmental writer working with research notes and a laptop
03

Technical Writer

Researched and wrote evidence-based articles for global readers on circular economy, chemical safety, biomimicry, eco-innovation, and environmental science—fact-checking sources and translating technical ideas for wider audiences.

2024—2025
Environmental infrastructure site visit
04

Technical & Environmental Business Analysis

Coordinated recovered-carbon-black characterisation across laboratories and research institutions, including sample planning, chain of custody, quotations, analytical-report review, technical proposals, compliance support, and waste-valorisation analysis.

2025—Now
Fresh seaweed selected for biomaterial exploration
05

Independent Research & Environmental Writing

Developing sustainability documentation, scientific writing, evidence synthesis, and circular-material investigations—including seaweed-derived films and bioleather prototypes—while pursuing research collaborations and advanced study.

08 — Field & laboratory practice

Evidence gathered
where it happens.

My work moves between laboratory research, ecological observation, environmental assessment, and practical community action. These images document that range—not as decoration, but as part of the evidence behind my writing and recommendations.

Sanali conducting detailed laboratory bench work
Laboratory practiceFocused experimental observation and documentation
Sanali conducting ecological fieldwork beside a mature tree
Ecological fieldworkSite observation, vegetation, and environmental context
Environmental assessment site visit at an infrastructure project
Infrastructure assessmentField coordination and environmental compliance
Butterfly recorded during biodiversity field observation
Biodiversity observationSpecies and habitat documentation
Environmental field team working together in safety equipment
Interdisciplinary field teamsCollaborative environmental monitoring
Laboratory fermenter designed and assembled by Sanali for microbial PHA research
Research ingenuityA purpose-built fermenter for microbial PHA production

08 — Nature enthusiast

Curiosity that begins
outside the laboratory.

My interest in nature is not separate from my professional work—it is where much of that work begins. Observing wildlife, photographing small details, exploring marine environments, and taking part in conservation and community action continually renew the questions I bring back to research.

“The more closely I observe nature, the more possibilities I see for working with it rather than against it.”
Butterflies gathered in a natural habitat
Wonder in the smallest details
A close and gentle interaction with an elephant
Respect for living systems
Sanali photographing wildlife outdoors
Observation through a lens
Sanali exploring a marine environment underwater
Marine exploration
Sanali observing an elephant in a forested landscape
Wildlife observation
Sanali participating in turtle conservation work
Hands-on conservation
Sanali collecting waste during a community environmental cleanup
Care expressed through action
Sanali conducting hands-on research at the laboratory bench
Curiosity carried into the laboratory

10 — Contact

Have a complex idea?
Let’s make it clear.

Sanali Jayalath conducting laboratory work
Thoughtful work begins with curiosity, care, and a clear conversation.

I’m available for selected sustainability, environmental writing, and scientific research-support projects—as well as research collaborations and PhD opportunities.

PubMed ↗