The chemical composition of Savannah bamboo (Oxytenanthera abyssinica) vinegar at varying pyrolysis temperatures and its termiticidal activity against wood-feeding termites

Abstract

Synthetic biocides used in wood preservation present significant environmental and human health risks. An environmentally responsible and efficient substitute for traditional pesticides is bamboo vinegar. However, the chemical component of vinegar, which varies depending on the bamboo species, affects how efficient it is as a preservative. This investigation identified the constituent chemicals and termiticidal properties of vinegar derived from Savannah bamboo (Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A.Rich.) Munro) prepared at various temperatures. Savannah bamboo was pyrolyzed at 350°C, 400°C, and 450°C following established procedures to extract vinegar. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to characterize the vinegar's ingredients. The British standard EN 252 was used to assess the vinegar's termiticidal efficacy. The greatest amount of vinegar (0.45 kg) was produced at 450 °C. The vinegar mostly comprised hexadecanoic, pentadecanoic, octadecanoic, and (3,3-dimethyl-1-phenylbut-1-enyl) benzene. The proportions of these primary constituents varied depending on the pyrolyzing temperature. With its highest content of fatty acids, the vinegar generated at 450°C had the strongest termiticidal activity. O. abyssinica vinegar could provide an eco-friendly substitute for artificial biocides. The manufacturing of vinegar from O. abyssinica could open up new markets for industries engaged in the production, processing, and product development of bamboo.