Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Additive

Petroleum as Termite Killer

in

CHAPTER I.

I.

Statement of the Problem

Can yeast be used as an additive in petroleum as termite killer?

II.

Hypothesis
Yes, yeast or Saccharomyces cerevisiae could be used as an Additive in Petroleum
as termite killer.

CHAPTER II.
III.

Review of Related Literature

Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
The yeast species Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been used in baking and
fermenting alcoholic beverages for thousands of year. It is also extremely important
as a model organism in modern cell biology research, and is one of the most
thoroughly researched eukaryotic microorganisms. Researchers have used it to gather
information about the biology of the eukaryotic cell and ultimately human biology.
Termites
Termites are a group of eusocial insects usually classified at the taxonomic rank of
order Isoptera. Along with ants and some bees and wasps, which are all placed in the
separate order Hymenoptera, termites divide labor among gender lines, produce
overlapping generations, and take care of their young, collectively. Termites mostly
feed on dead plant material, generally in the form of wood, leaf litter, soil, or animal
dung.
Petroleum
Petroleum or crude oil, is a naturally occurring, toxic, flammable liquid consisting
of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights, and other
organic compounds, which are found in geologic formations beneath Earths surface.
Petroleum is recovered mostly through oil drilling. It is refined and separated most
easily by boiling point, into a large number of consumer products, from gasoline and
kerosene to asphalt and chemical reagents used to make plastics and pharmaceuticals.

CHAPTER III
IV.

Methodology

The materials were collected from different places. The yeast (particularly
bakers yeast) was bought at a store. The termites were carefully taken out of their
houses with the use of a plastic spoon or a skewer, slowly keeping the termites in
one jar. To obtain the yeast solution, the bakers yeast was mixed with petroleum
for the following experiments.
Ten trials were done. Fifteen millilitres (mL) of petroleum was placed into
a bowl. This was for the first trial. For the second trial, the same amount of
petroleum was also placed in another bowl, now added with one table teaspoon of
yeast.

CHAPTER IV
V.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

The study showed that the solution, petroleum with yeast additive, was more
effective as termite killer as compared to petroleum without additive. Statistical analysis
using two-factor ANOVA showed that there was significant difference in the number of
termites killed using petroleum with and without yeast additive and different durations of
exposure to the solution (1, 3, and 5 minutes).
There were more termites killed in a short duration of time. For the five trials, a
total of 40 termites were killed after being exposed to petroleum with yeast additive in
one minute only, while the number of termites killed after being exposed to or submerged
in petroleum without additive totalled to 36 only. The same number of termites was killed
after they were exposed to the solution for five minutes, both in a solution with and
without yeast additive.
Duration of Exposure to the Mixture (min)

Trials

Without Yeast

With Yeast

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

Total

10

10

Average

36

47

50

40

47

50

CHAPTER V
VI.

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations

Summary
This study was conducted to determine if yeast could be an effective additive to
petroleum as termite killer. It was successful so it would be a less expensive means of
eliminating termites as compared to commercial termite exterminators.
Conclusion
After the experiment, the researchers concluded the following:
1. Yeast can be a very effective additive in petroleum, aiding the
extermination of termites.
2. The mortality rate increased when yeast was added to petroleum.
Recommendations
For further studies, the researchers recommend that the following should be
considered:
1. More trials should be performed, if possible, having different
concentrations of yeast so as to compare effectiveness.
2. Aside from yeast, other additives should be determined and used to
find out if better anti-termite mixtures can be made.

What is its economic importance?

We could save money from buying expensive commercial termite killers by just using
this discovery. A yeast that could eliminate termites in just minutes. This could help us in
keeping our antique furniture safe, especially wood furniture.

References:
Bato Balani for Science and Technology: How Communication Satellites Work, Investigatory
Project
Researchers:
Jeane-Michelle U. Calica
Jonathan C. Rilloraza
Myrjam Hannah G. Mercado
Page Fluorin P. Tangalin

Ma. Radinka K. Paggao

Teobie M. Perez
Adviser:
Mercy B. Molina
University of Baguio Science High School