部門別の研究内容　Research by Divisions

Water Quality Control Technologies and Materials Development

(1) Efficient Removal of Viruses and Harmful Substances from Water Using Nanostructured Liquid-Crystalline Polymer Membranes Access to safe water free of viruses and harmful substances is one of the most important issues worldwide. We are developing nanostructured liquid-crystalline membranes to efficiently remove viruses and other harmful substances from water. These self-organized porous polymer membranes with channels of uniform pore size at the sub-nano or nanometer level have shown to be useful for removal of viruses from water. Photo: A water treatment membrane that purifies water by utilizing the property that liquid crystal molecules have an ordered structure

(2) Toward an Appropriate Waterborne Virus Risk Management We aim to establish the microbiological safety in the area of water supply, water environment, wastewater treatment, etc. In order to maintain virological safety in water supply, we developed virus concentration methods and enabled to monitor the virus reduction in real water treatment plants. We are also trying to propose new virus indicators for recreational water and to develop an appropriate risk management system in potable water reuse. Image: Evaluation of envelope virus enrichment method / Detection of new coronavirus (click to enlarge)

(3) Management of Organic Matter in the Water Environment considering Water Usage A wide variety of organic matters are discharged from daily life and industry and exist in water environment with natural organic matters. When water is used, certain components are of concern over their toxicity, transformed to disinfection by-products, used as substrates for bacterial regrowth and factors of failures in water treatment. We track organic matters at the molecular species level using high-resolution mass spectrometry for the solutions. Photo: High-resolution mass spectrometry to track organic matters at the molecular species level

Water System Management

(1) Advancement of Urban Flood Risk Management As the frequency of torrential rainfall increases, development of smart urban flood control is required. Therefore, we have been developing next-generation urban flood prediction systems that utilize advanced technologies such as high-resolution radar rainfall observation and real-time sensing of water levels in drainage pipes using manhole IoT. We have conducted research on maximized utilization of inundation countermeasure facilities based on highly accurate flood prediction information, evacuation behavior guidance and inundation prevention plans for damage reduction. Image: A new urban inundation model that comprehensively analyzes water levels in river and drainage systems in the Tsurumi River lowland

(2) Elucidation of Wet Weather Pollution in Urban Coastal Areas Wet weather pollution loads include non-point source pollution load derived from road traffic and combined sewer overflows. It is required to evaluate not only pollution by micro-pollutants such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, but also fecal pollution in the receiving water. Therefore, by elucidating the pollution mechanism using a model and evaluating health risks in the waterfront areas, we have conducted research aimed at predicting pollution derived from combined sewer overflows during wet weather and examining effective countermeasures. Photo: Water sampling in the Tokyo Harbor coastal area　after rainfall event

(3) Evaluation of Urban Runoff Control Measures such as Green Infrastructures In urban stormwater management, it is important to install infiltration and storage facilities to control urban runoff along with river improvement and drainage works as basin measures. Runoff control facility making use of the green space, so-called Green Infrastructure (GI), has multiple functions such as creating an attractive living space, strengthening inundation measures by slow-down runoff flow, replenishing groundwater, and removing urban runoff pollutants. Therefore, we have conducted research on quantitative evaluation of GI functions using urban water cycle model. Photo: Examples of green infrastructure with runoff control function

International Water Environment

(1) Improvement of Urban Water Governance and Water Inequality in Asian Developing Countries In rapidly growing Asian cities, water shortages are a serious problem influencing public health, social life, and urban economy. Due to the lack of water governance in these cities, unequal distribution of piped water has become a common practice. This research aims to delineate the current problems of water inequality using the Water Inequality Index, and proposes means to establish urban water governance. Graph: Water supply frequency and Duration in Kathmandu, Nepal (click to enlarge)

(2) Water Engineering and Utility Management: Future Leaders Training Program In many Asian cities, the water demands have surpassed the supply capacity due to population growth and economic development. To alleviate water shortages, it is necessary to establish laws and regulations on water supply, and develop human resources. In this program, graduate students from Asian countries learn hands-on approaches to solve current problems in water supply engineering and management. Photo: Seminar at water utility in Viang Chan, Lao PDR

(3) Establishing Appropriate Technology in Environmental Management, Water Safety Plans and Sanitation Safety Planning Access to safe drinking water supply and basic sanitation has been internationally recognized as human right. In order to facilitate implementation of water supply and sanitation facilities in countries, it is essential to consider their local circumstances, i.e., technical, cultural, social and economic aspects. The research has been conducted on implementation of “Appropriate Technology”, and successful introduction of “Water Safety Plans” and “Sanitation Safety Planning” for water quality management. Photo: Water quality survey in a suburban community, Cambodia