My name is Douwe Duin and I grew up in Dinteloord. I am a fourth year Biobased Chemistry student at Avans University of Applied Sciences, and I am currently doing an internship in England, at the Green Center of Excellence.
Before the summer holidays, I worked on research into biobased pesticides (pesticides) in collaboration with Agricultural Innovation and the Rusthoeve Knowledge Center in Colijnsplaat. I focused on the Pyrethrum. This is a naturally produced pesticide and can be obtained through extraction. My goal of the project was to determine the different pyrethrin concentrations in the parts: root, stem, flower and leaves. Subsequently, different extraction methods were tested and compared with each other. For the selection, not only the efficient but also the most environmentally friendly method was taken into account.
“My project became even more interesting because of the collaboration with Rusthoeve, as Rusthoeve gave the opportunity to establish contacts with farmers and researchers”.
This unique experience gave a broader view for my research and a good look at current pesticide use. This certainly contributed to my research and made the project a beautiful whole.
It is always important to carry out research into the future and this project is certainly part of this. With my current internship I am working on a project for synthesizing and researching biobased solvents. Again, I am fully focused on green chemistry and this will always be my passion.
– September 2019