NON ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS.docx

***5.7 Non-engineering Application*** Bamboo\'s non-engineering applications include medicine, biomass, fuel, wind break checks, soil stabilization, atmospheric carbon removal, wastewater treatment, and nitrate contamination reduction. Science and technology advancements have led to increased proce...

***5.7 Non-engineering Application*** Bamboo\'s non-engineering applications include medicine, biomass, fuel, wind break checks, soil stabilization, atmospheric carbon removal, wastewater treatment, and nitrate contamination reduction. Science and technology advancements have led to increased processing of bamboo plants. ***5.7.1 Bamboo charcoal*** Bamboo culms are used in biomass and biofuel production, including charcoal production. Bamboo charcoal, with its porous microstructure and carbon content, can replace traditional wood charcoal due to its rapid growth characteristics. It is an essential source of energy for cooking and heating in tropical and subtropical regions. However, culms do not form suitable combustible materials due to their rapid burning and dense smoke. Bamboo charcoal offers an alternative for energy storage and has been produced and used in China for centuries. It is also used in fuel applications, activated carbons, gas adsorbents, water and air filters, and purifiers of drinking water. International organizations like INBAR ((International Network for Bamboo and Rattan) and ITTO (International Tropical Timber Organization) promote the production and use of bamboo charcoal and its by-products globally. Bamboo charcoal can treat drinking water sterilized with chlorine and act as a humidifier and dehumidifier. It is also used to manufacture carbon-based composites, nanorods, functional fabrics, silicon carbide, metal reduction, and more**.** ***5.7.2 Industrial Processing of Bamboo*** Traditional industrial processing methods, such as extrusion presses, can produce large quantities of bamboo charcoal, vinegar, and gas. The process involves grinding, adding water and adhesive, compressing into tubes, and drying. Compressed charcoal is hard, stable, and suitable for shipping in cartons. Due to higher costs, these ovens are used for mass production. ***5.7.3 Quality Control*** Bamboo charcoal has no specific international standards, but its properties like raw density, hardness, and electrical resistance make it comparable to other types of wooden charcoal. The Hargrove-Index measures hardness, while industrial analysis considers moisture, ash, volatile components, and fixed carbon. ***5.7.4 Properties and Utilisation of Bamboo Charcoal*** Bamboo charcoal\'s high absorptive quality is used in various fields, including humid spaces, walls, floors, and outerwear. It absorbs harmful substances like formaldehyde, ammonia, and benzene, and binds with harmful substances like nicotine and tar, extending product shelf life and reducing odors. ** Electromagnetic (EM) wave protection**: Bamboo charcoal or activated carbon can help protect electrical appliances by dissipating electromagnetic waves when placed near them. ** Odour and humidity protection**: Bamboo charcoal or activated-carbon pack products effectively remove odors, absorb moisture, and prevent mildew in various settings, including rooms, cars, washrooms, and kitchens. ** Skin care**: Bamboo charcoal, activated carbon, and vinegar are high-quality ingredients for skin care products due to their excellent cleansing ability and their ability to nourish the skin. ** Bath and shower**: Bamboo charcoal or activated carbon can revitalize hot-spring experiences in bath and shower water, while vinegar soap can be beneficial for the body. ** Refrigerator**: Bamboo charcoal or activated carbon can be used in the fridge to absorb smells and to help to maintain the freshness of food by absorbing the ethylene gas produced by vegetables and fruits. ** Water purification and rice cooking:** Bamboo charcoal enhances water purification and rice cooking by increasing mineral content, resulting in softer water and improved taste, and emitting infrared radiation for additional sustenance and flavor. ** Fish tanks and gardening**: Bamboo charcoal or activated carbon enhances fish tank cleanliness and health, while also improving soil enrichment for gardening, promoting better air and humidity conditions for plant growth. ***5.7.5 Bamboo Vinegar*** Bamboo vinegar, a by-product of bamboo-charcoal production, contains over 200 organic substances and is used for various purposes, including anti-bacterial agents, agricultural insecticides, deodorants, bath additives, and beauty products. It contains acids, alcohols, aldehydes, and polyphenols, and is used in medical products, skin infections, and cosmetics. Bamboo ash, containing minerals, serves agriculture by protecting plants and acidifying soil. ***5.7.6 Bamboo as Food and Medicine*** Bamboo shoots are a high-nutrient food and medicine with numerous health benefits, particularly in Asian and African countries like China, India, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ghana. They contain phytosterols, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, amino acids, and low fat, making them a healthy food source. Freshly harvested shoots are rich in vitamins A, B6, E, niacin, and thiamine, making them an acceptable natural health food. Bamboo shoots also contain amino acids like arginine histidine, leucine, and tyrosine, which help regulate hormones and reduce cholesterol and fat levels. ***5.7.6.5 Fiber*** Bamboo shoots are rich in dietary fibers and low fat, which help control blood pressure, prevent cardiovascular diseases, and reduce cholesterol. Consuming bamboo shoots also enhances bowel movements and lipid profiles in young women. Consuming fermented sprouts can increase dietary components like ADF, NDF, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. ***5.7.6.6 Phytosterol*** Phytosterol, found in bamboo sprouts, is crucial for their life-sustaining qualities and has been found to decrease breast, colon, and prostate cancer by affecting apoptosis, cell cycle, and tumor metastasis. It also hinders cholesterol absorption and is used to produce steroidal drugs, reducing demand on Dioscorea and Solanum species. ***5.7.6.7 Phenols*** Phenols are essential bioactive compounds in plants with antioxidant properties. Bamboo leaves contain phenolic compounds with antioxidant qualities. Studies show a slight decrease in phenolic content in boiled and stir-fried sprouts, but an increase in steamed shoots. Heat treatment may decompose phenolic compounds, affecting antioxidant action. Variations in phenolic compounds vary with harvesting time. ***5.7.6.8 Taxiphyllin in Bamboo Shoots*** Bamboo shoots contain taxiphyllin, a type of cyanogen glycoside, which can produce harmful hydrogen cyanide (HCN) when disturbed. This cyanide can cause serious health problems if consumed untreated. To reduce cyanogenic content, traditional Asian methods have been used, but these methods lack scientific foundation. Scientific processing methods have been adopted to decrease cyanogenic content and evaluate the toxicity of processed bamboo foods. Boiling, drying, boiling in salt solutions, and steaming can reduce cyanide content. The addition of banana leaves can also be effective in removing toxic cyanogen during bamboo sprout fermentation. ***5.7.7 Hydraulic Application of Bamboo*** Bamboo culms are used in the hydraulic industry to supply water to Tanzania\'s rural population. They have diameters ranging from 3.5 to 12.5 cm and can withstand up to 6 atmospheres without leakage. Bamboo drip irrigation systems are economically viable and safe for domestic use, making them a promising technology in developing countries. ***5.7.8 Soil Conditioning*** Bamboo propagation is utilized in Asia for soil-nutrient reclamation and rehabilitation of degraded mined lands, as it binds loose soils, prevents erosion, and is versatile. ***5.7.9 Transportation and Navigation*** Bamboo is utilized in various industries, including land transportation, boat manufacturing, and navigation, for various components like yokes, vehicle shafts, rollers, masts, spars, and boat poles.