Wet scrubbing pre-condensation purification of wood vinegar from pyrolysis coconut shell: Physicochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity and biological properties

This study explores a new approach to purify wood vinegar by using wet scrubbing to absorb smoke prior to condensation, aiming to reduce toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and improve the quality of liquid smoke. Traditional methods of post-condensation involve costly techniques and additional equipment. Pyrolysis of coconut shells was conducted at 500 °C for 2 h with a water scrubber. Chemical characterization was performed using FTIR and GC/MS, revealing the presence of carbonyl groups, carboxylic acids, and phenol derivatives. Major components identified included carboxylics, phenolics, furans, and carbonyls, with GC/MS confirming the prevalence of light PAHs across all samples. Despite the water scrubber’s limited efficacy in absorbing PAHs, the produced wood vinegar exhibited heightened antibacterial potential and antioxidant activity compared to commercial wood vinegar (0.37% and 0.75% for S. aureus and E. coli, respectively). These results highlight the potential of water scrubbers in enhancing the purification process, thereby improving wood vinegar quality.