Mosquito repellence activity of solvent extracts and activated charcoal obtained from agro waste- coconut shells
Abstract
Burning Coconut shells have been used since ages in rural India to ward away mosquitoes; we study this traditional method in detail in our research, using modern techniques such as dry distillation, solvent extraction, chromatography and infrared spectroscopy to decipher its constitutional contents and efficacy scientifically. In our research, coconut shells in the form of activated charcoal and chemical extracts (solvent extracts of petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol) obtained from the shell itself were used to test against their mosquito repellence and knock off efficacy in a Peet Grady’s chamber as per WHO guidelines to test insecticides.
The petroleum ether extract was found to be most efficacious with 100% mortality rate in 30 mins. The extract mainly contained aromatic compounds, alkanes and ketonic groups deduced using the abovementioned chemical means.