Past Research

Water Quality Control Technologies and
Materials Development
Water System Management International Water Environment International Wastewater-based Epidemiology

【Past Research】Water Quality Control Technologies and Materials Development


Efficient Removal of Viruses and Harmful Substances from Water Using Nanostructured Liquid-Crystalline Polymer Membranes (-FY2024/Prof. Takashi Kato)

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

【Past Research】Water System Management


Elucidation of Wet Weather Pollution in Urban Coastal Areas (-FY2021/Prof. Hiroaki Furumai)

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


Evaluation of Urban Runoff Control Measures such as Green Infrastructures (-FY2021/Prof. Hiroaki Furumai)

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

【Past Research】International Water Environment


Improvement of Urban Water Governance and Water Inequality in Asian Developing Countries (-FY2024/Pro. Satoshi Takizawa)

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)


Water Engineering and Utility Management: Future Leaders Training Program (-FY2024/Prof. Satoshi Takizawa)

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


Establishing Appropriate Technology in Environmental Management, Water Safety Plan and Sanitation Safety Planning (-FY2020/Prof. Mari Asami)

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 Plan” and “Sanitation Safety Planning” for water quality management.

Photo: Water quality survey in a surburban community, Cambodia

【Introduction】International Wastewater-based Epidemiology


Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) utilizes the features of sewage infrastructure, where pathogens like viruses discharged from infected individuals accumulate in wastewater treatment plants. WBE provides a potent avenue for gathering public health data, facilitating early detection of disease outbreaks and comprehension of infection trends. Since its establishment in March 2024, the International Wastewater-based Epidemiology Program has been pioneering in the field of "wastewater-based epidemiology" and aiming to contribute to the establishment of resilient societies against infectious diseases through the implementation of WBE both domestically and internationally.