Water environment

Background to the study

Pollution in rivers caused by domestic wastewater has been remarkable due to an increased population and people's requirement of better standards of living in the prefecture. Also, water pollution caused by pollutants generated by industrial activities has been a problem.

Accumulation of pollutants in lakes and ponds have also been causes for concern. Thus, we endeavor to improve water environment by expanding the domestic wastewater treatment and restricting the emission from industry as well as monitoring the contamination levels of public water bodies. 

Under such circumstances, comprehensive countermeasures are taken in the following study areas to survey the behaviors of such pollutants and their effects on aquatic life and to develop treatment technologies for pollutants.

1. Studies on the environmental effects of toxic chemical substances
2. Studies on wastewater treatment and water purification systems 

Current research topics

Studies on the environmental effects of chemical substances

The effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on reproductive and generative functions of aquatic ecosystem are examined through laboratory scale experiments, and pollution mechanisms due to these chemicals are clarified using the ecological models in order to maintain the sound ecosystem.

Studies on wastewater treatment and water purification systems

A large amount of nitrous oxide (N2O), one of the global warming gases, is discharged from the process of wastewater treatment. Thus, some types of wastewater treatment processes are investigated from the viewpoint of the effects on N2O generation. Also, the influence of diversion of treated water quality on river environment is investigated and the relationship between water quality and aquatic ecosystem is clarified. 

Others

a) Monitoring of water quality

In order to protect the health in this prefecture and improve the living environment of the people, water quality is monitored to determine the rate for environmental standards in major rivers based on Water Prevention Act.

b) Crosschecking in water quality analysis

In order to ensure the reliability of water quality analysis, waste water samples collected from factory/worksite are crosschecked.

c) Monitoring of water quality for items requiring monitoring

Water quality items of public water and groundwater are monitored to contribute towards determining new environmental criteria.

d) Water quality tests in the abnormal incident

When an abnormal incident occurs in the public water bodies in the prefecture, measurement of water quality is carried out quickly to determine the causes and monitor the state of contamination.