Extraction of citronella essential oil using low-cost materials

Abstract

Dengue, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, is a public health challenge in the Federal District, exacerbated by the Cerrado’s climatic conditions and uncontrolled urban growth. To combat the proliferation of the vector, the Intersectoral Executive Group for the Management of the Dengue Prevention and Control Plan organized a training session in May 2024 at CED No. 08 in Gama, discussing pedagogical strategies for disease control. As a result, a school project was developed to extract citronella essential oil and produce natural repellents, encouraging scientific investigation among students. The study assessed the feasibility of extracting the oil using accessible, low-cost materials and tested its effectiveness against the mosquito. The extraction was performed through steam distillation, using a pressure cooker and a copper condenser. The extracted essential oil was used to create diffusers and repellents, which significantly reduced the presence of mosquitoes in the school environment. The project integrated various disciplines and promoted sustainability, Cerrado conservation, and social responsibility, highlighting citronella’s potential as an ecological alternative for dengue prevention. Additionally, it reinforced the importance of educational projects in shaping students’ scientific knowledge and finding accessible solutions to public health issues.