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The Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund

Introduction to Grant Projects

Michio Sato, Professor, Faculty of Symbiotic Systems Science, Fukushima University

Clarification of the effects of radioactive substances on biomass resource cycle utilization systems and study of workaround plans

Research grant

Project Description

Utilize the rich natural bounty of Fukushima Prefecture, promote the composting of refuse and livestock waste to encourage recycling-oriented agriculture using paddy fields and other fields. Following the nuclear accident, radioactive materials fell on land within the prefecture and are therefore expected to have an impact on the recycling of biomass resources. To encourage recycling-oriented agriculture, this study seeks to clarify the impact of radioactive substances on the recycling of biomass resources (mainly composting) as well as ways to avoid their negative effects.

Fields
Marine resources/foodPreservation of surface soil and forests
Grant year
FY2011 Research Grants
Grant term
3 years and 6 months
April 2011 - September 2014
Grant amount
10,222,000 yen
Activity region
Fukushima Prefecture: Motomiya City, Fukushima City, Otama Village, Japan
Facility that composts 10 tons of livestock wastes per day

Overview of the Organization

Michio Sato, Professor
Representative
Michio Sato, Professor
Profile
Specialist fields
Chemical engineering, manufacturing process engineering, mass transfer analysis
Affiliated academic societies
Society for Chemical Engineers, Japan, The Japan Society of Applied Physics, Japan Society of Material Cycles and Waste Management, Japan Society of Energy and Resources
Background
Gain doctorate in engineering (chemical engineering) from the School of Engineering, the University of Tokyo, 1987; Research Planning Department, Photonics Laboratories (NTT Basic Research Laboratories), Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, 1987 to 2004; Visiting Researcher, Ferdinand-Braun Institute (Germany) 1995 to 1996; Seconded to the Head Office of NTT Electronics Corporation to be in charge of planning, management and a director of subsidiaries, 1999 to 2002; Took up position at the Faculty of Symbiotic Systems Science with its establishment at Fukushima University, 2004; Director of Physical and Energy Sciences, 2005 to 2008; Director, Department of Industrial Systems Engineering, 2006 to 2010; Director, Research Institute for Low Carbon-Emission Society, Fukushima University, 2010 onwards;
Collaborators
Takashi Asada (Associate Professor, Faculty of Symbiotic Systems Science, Faculty of Symbiotic Systems Science)
Research record
Preparation of "Fukushimaken Chiiki Shin Enerugībijon" (Fukushima Prefecture / Regional New Energy Vision) originally scheduled to be published in April 2011, but postponed by the earthquake disaster; formulation of policies including the "Biomass Town concept for municipalities within the prefecture," "New energy vision," and "Basic environmental policy"; organization of a liaison meeting for the formulation of the Biomass Town concept for municipalities, and other practical collaborations with many cities, towns and villages in Fukushima Prefecture.
Papers relating to the recycling of biomass
  • (1) SATO & TAKEDA "Kachiku Haisetsubutsu to Nama Gomi no Taihi-ka no Okeru Akushuu no Keigen" (Reduction of odors from composting livestock manure and garbage) Kyousei no Kagaku, Vol. 10 (2010)
  • (2) SATO & TAKEDA: "Baiomasutaun Kousou ni okeru Taihi-ka no Yakuwari to Kadai" (The roles and tasks of composting in the Biomass Town concept); "Abukumagawa Ryuuiki no Kankyou-gaku" (Environmental studies in the Abukuma River Basin), Fukushima University ed., Fukushima Minpo Sha (2011)