Insecticidal Property of Acacia Seeds and Bark Against

Termites
Insecticidal Property of Acacia (Samanea saman) Seeds and Bark Against Termites (Coptotermes vastator). A study on
the insecticidal property of Acacia seeds and bark against termites was conducted to find out if these could be used against
termites. The experiment was conducted at the laboratory of the Bureau of Soils in Lipa City and in Lumbang National
High School from September to October 2005. The effort was initiated to enrich the laboratory activities in Chemistry and
Biology for high school students.

It especially attempted to answer the following questions:

1. How can insecticides be prepared from Acacia seeds and bark?

2. How effective is the Acacia insecticide in combating or killing termites (Coptotermes vastator);
3. Are there significant differences in the effectiveness of the ethanolic Acacia extract and commercial insecticide
(Solignum) in combating termites?
4. What are the implications of the use of Acacia seeds as insecticide on the environment and human health?

Ethanolic extracts were prepared from the seeds and bark of Acacia collected from areas surrounding Laurel farm in
Lumbang, Lipa City. These extracts were used as samples in the qualitative analysis and preliminary screening for
insecticidal property against termites. The screening of the ethanolic extracts from Acacia seeds and bark revealed the
presence of saponin, tannins, alkaloids, reducing agents – glycosides, carbohydrates, which have the capacity to kill
termites. The one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used in comparing the means of the effect of the ethanolic
extracts against termites. Results were positive, showing the experimental sample to be comparable to Solignum.

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used in comparing the means of the effect of the ethanolic extracts against termites. Results were positive, showing the
experimental sample to be comparable to Solignum.

Materials and Methods

Results and Discussion

Further clarification of the procedures and results should be directed to the researchers and adviser.

Researchers
P-Jay D. Latorre
Adviser
Ms. Beatriz R Rubico
Lumbang National High School
Source: DOST

Science Projects Category

Biochemistry
Botany
Chemistry
Engineering
Biology
Physics
Popular Projects Title
• Cassava starch as an effective component for Ideal Biodegradable Plastic
• Potential Use of Oyster Shells in Ceramic Production
• Insecticidal Property of Acacia Seeds and Bark Against Termites
• Fish Scales Wastes for the Recovery of Astaxanthin

• Post harvest Shelflife of Table Bananas with Chitosan Coating

Cassava starch as an effective component for Ideal

Biodegradable Plastic
Inventions have evolved and continue to evolve such that after several years of study, research and experimentation
reach great developments. With continuing efforts to investigate the constituents of Philippine plants, we have pursued
investigation of starch of the cassava plant (Manihot esculenta). Cassava tubers were gathered, ground and squeezed to
extract starch. Starch obtained was weighed and divided into three equal parts; 80 grams in T1, T2 and T3.

Treatments also consisted of 60 ml plastic resin glue and resin with 50 grams of flour catalyst for T1, 100 grams for T2
and 150 grams in T3. The components in every treatment were mixed, stirred and then poured in silk screen with oil and
then sun-dried. Test for capacity to carry weight indicated T3 as the best. For its ability to hold water, all products
passed but for biodegradability, T1 gave the best results. The tensile and bending properties had been tested using the
Universal Testing Machine and Analysis showed that T3 had the greatest tensile strength while T2 had the greatest
bending property. Using ANOVA single Factor, results showed that there was significant difference among the three
treatments in bending and tensile strength. However, for biodegradability test there was no significant difference. The
final phase of the study determined the effectiveness of cassava starch as component of biodegradable plastic. Results
confirmed that cassava starch is ideal as tests proved its worth.

Materials and Methods

Results and Discussion

Further clarification of the procedures and results should be directed to the researchers and adviser.

Researchers
Daryl S Romero
Mary Ann L. Tinaja
Clarissa L. Cachero
Adviser
Gregor Burdeos
Bayugan National Comprehensive High Shool
Bayugan, Agusan Del Norte
Source: DOST.

Popular Projects Title

• Cassava starch as an effective component for Ideal Biodegradable Plastic
• Potential Use of Oyster Shells in Ceramic Production
• Insecticidal Property of Acacia Seeds and Bark Against Termites
• Fish Scales Wastes for the Recovery of Astaxanthin

• Post harvest Shelflife of Table Bananas with Chitosan Coating

Proving Degradability ?
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Potential Use of Oyster Shells in Ceramic Production

This study focused on the possibility of replacing silica in ceramic production with oyster shells. Powdered oyster shells
were used instead of silica in the production of ceramics. The texture, color and durability of the ceramics were
compared to those made with silica. Six kilograms of Vigan clay and 2.5 kg of ball clay were mixed and soaked in
water overnight. The following day, the mixture was kneaded again and filtered. The mixture was placed over Plaster of
Paris for the water to be absorbed.

The solidified mixture was then rolled and compressed to let the air escape from the spaces inside the solidified mixture.
After this, the mixture was molded, air dried for four days and fired in a furnace. Three trials were made at different
temperatures – 900 degrees Celcius, 950 degrees Celcius and 1000 degrees Celcius. The finished products were
compared in terms of texture and color to those made using silica. Ten evaluators from the staff of the University of
Northern Philippines – Ceramics Research, Training and Development Center rated set-ups in a scale of 1-10 with 1
being the lowest rating and 10 the highest. It was found that the texture of the experimental set-up is better than the
control set-up. It was also found that the color of the experimental set-up is comparable to the control set-up. Tests on
durability of the ceramics, which were done at SLU College of Engineering Laboratory, revealed that the experimental
set-up is more durable than the control set-up. This proves that oyster shell can be utilized in the production of ceramics.
It also affirms that ceramics made using oyster shells are better than those produced using silica in terms of texture and
durability.
 Materials and Methods
Results and Discussion

Further clarification of the procedures and results should be directed to the researchers and adviser.

Researchers
Frances Monina M. Obrero
Adviser
Eloisa B. Aquino
Ilocos Sur National High School
Source: DOST

Science Projects Category

Biochemistry
Botany
Chemistry
Engineering
Biology
Physics
Popular Projects Title
• Cassava starch as an effective component for Ideal Biodegradable Plastic
• Potential Use of Oyster Shells in Ceramic Production
• Insecticidal Property of Acacia Seeds and Bark Against Termites
• Fish Scales Wastes for the Recovery of Astaxanthin

• Post harvest Shelflife of Table Bananas with Chitosan Coating

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Fish Scales Wastes for the Recovery of Astaxanthin

Fish Scales Wastes from Selected Teleosts-Innovative Sorption Materials for the Recovery of Astaxanthin. This study
shows the potential use of fish scales of telleosts chanos and Tilapia nilotica as natural sorption materials in the recovery
of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin, a feed additive, is a major carotenoid responsible for the pink-red pigmentation of fish and
shrimps.

Aquatic animals cannot synthesize this thus it must be supplemented in their diet. Aside from being a colorant,
astaxanthin has both biological and nutritional importance as well as antioxidant property. Astaxanthin therefore needs
to be recovered from wastewaters that have been colored with astaxanthin as it may pose serious environmental threats.

Fish scales of teleosts: Chanos chanos and Tilapia nilotica were utilized for recovering astaxanthin. The innovation in
adsorption is the utilization of solid wastes as natural sorption material and their availability at minimal cost. Synthetic
astaxanthin dissolved in water was made to flow in "Fish Scale Adsorption Apparatus" (FSAA) containing unshredded
or shredded scales. Comparison of treatments based on the discoloration of filtrate to be released from the FSAA and
the length of time the flow lasted revealed that shredded tilapia scales were most effective in retaining the pigments.
Scanning electron micrographs of the surface of tilapia scales revealed porous tooth-like structures called sclerits. These
pores along with particles scattered on the interspacing between sclerits’ particles were inferred to bind the pigment.
Based on the effective filtration features of the tilapia fish scales, it is suggested that the scales be used in wastewater
treatment of different factories. Moreover, fish scales as sorption materials for heavy metals should be explored.

Materials and Methods

Results and Discussion

Further clarification of the procedures and results should be directed to the researchers and adviser.

Researchers
Mark Timothy V. Rodriguez
Adviser
Mrs. Juana P. Sindac
Claro M. Recto High School
Source: DOST

Science Projects Category

Biochemistry
Botany
Chemistry
Engineering
Biology
Physics
Popular Projects Title
 • Cassava starch as an effective component for Ideal Biodegradable Plastic
• Potential Use of Oyster Shells in Ceramic Production
• Insecticidal Property of Acacia Seeds and Bark Against Termites
• Fish Scales Wastes for the Recovery of Astaxanthin

• Post harvest Shelflife of Table Bananas with Chitosan Coating

Science Investigatory Project

Powder Coating for Steel Cabinets

To give a big difference through

technology, Jacsons Enterprises
presents Powder Coating that
would give durabale effects for
steel cabinets.

Engr. Francis Celis, owner of

Jacsons Enterprises, said that
powder coating is a method where
in steel cabinets or vaults are
finished with an electrostatic
powder coating. This powder is
applied to all sides including the
bottom panel. Powder coating is
proven to be more durable than
enamel and it is scratch-resistant,
providing a lifetime quality
appearance through the years.

Additive that Makes Plastic Materials Biodegradable

According to biodiesel pioneer Chemrez Technologies Inc., DOST-ITDI (Department of Science and Technology-
Industrial Technology Development Institute) just verified a unique additive that makes plastic materials
biodegradable.

DOST-ITDI issued Environmental Technology Verification-013 for BioMate, manufactured by First In Colours Inc.
(FIC), a ChemrezTech sister company.

Eco-friendly Natural Dyes

A technology that will produce natural and eco-friendly dyes was invented by the Philippine Textile Research Institute
(PTRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST). Synthetic dyes are now recognized in the market, while
natural dyes are forgotten. But as people becomes environment-conscious the demand for natural dyes increases.
Natural dyes can be acquired from bark, wood, roots, berries, lichens, insects, shellfish and flowers. The growing
demand resulted to the development of different study and advanced programs that would support the production of
environment-friendly textile products.

Production of Biofuel from Used Oil

To consider ways to save gasoline, diesel and Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) consumption, Department of Science
and Technology (DOST) is assisting Inventor Emiliano F. Quitol (EFQ) his research regarding the production of
biofuel.

The research, Conversion of Used Cooking Oil into Biofuel Product, is granted with an amount of Seven Hundred
Thousand One Hundred Seventy Six Pesos (PhP700, 176.00) financial assistance by DOST through the Technology
Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI).

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Popular Projects Title
• Used Cooking Oil as an Additive Component of Candle
• Cassava starch as an effective component for Ideal Biodegradable Plastic
• Dried Papaya Leaves as Organic Mulch for Tomato Plants
• Cogon Grass Cardboard Food Packaging
• Used Cooking Oil as Subtitute to Diesel
• Alternative Methods of Producing Iodized Salt
• Mechanical Chalkdust Dispenser
• Wastepaper and Coir with Okra Mucilage
• Potential Use of Oyster Shells in Ceramic Production

• Seaweed Chips Nutritional Snack Food

Science Projects Category
Biochemistry
Botany
Chemistry
Engineering
Biology
Physics
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• High School Book Reports
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