Valorization of Cassava Stem and Peel Waste into Pyrolysis-Derived Liquid Smoke as a Rapid Bio-Termiticide

Syamsudariadi; Salengke; Nurlina Kasim; Eymal Bahsar Demmalino

doi:10.48084/etasr.18653

Authors

Syamsudariadi Department of Environmental Science, The Graduate School, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
Salengke Department of Agricultural Technology, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
Nurlina Kasim Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
Eymal Bahsar Demmalino Department of Environmental Science, The Graduate School, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

Volume: 16 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 36139-36145 | June 2026 | https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.18653

Received: 11 March 2026 | Revised: 3 April 2026 | Accepted: 17 April 2026 | Online: 14 May 2026

Corresponding author: Eymal Bahsar Demmalino

Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta), generates agricultural waste, such as stems and peels, which can be used as biomass. This study examines the effectiveness of liquid smoke produced from cassava stem and peel waste as a natural anti-termite agent. The liquid smoke was produced via pyrolysis at 350-450 °C for 120 min, followed by chemical characterization using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The results revealed that the liquid smoke contained various bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic derivatives and organic acids, which are known for their antimicrobial and insecticidal properties. Cassava stem liquid smoke contained 18.92% phenolic content, while cassava peel liquid smoke contained 12.89%. Efficacy tests against termites were conducted using brush and spray application methods. Both techniques resulted in 100% termite mortality with an average death time of less than 1 min after exposure. This rapid response indicates that cassava-derived liquid smoke has strong potential as an environmentally friendly bio-pesticide for termite control.

Keywords:

cassava waste, liquid smoke, pyrolysis, phenolic compounds, termite control

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