Life Sciences
Information and Communication
Nanotechnology / Materials
Manufacturing Technology
Human and Social Sciences
Energy
Environment
Tourism / Community development
Arctic Research
Social Infrastructure
Open Facilities
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1. No Poverty
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2. Zero Hunger
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3. Good Health and Well-being
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4. Quality Education
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5. Gender Equality
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6. Clean Water and Sanitation
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7. Affordable and Clean Energy
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8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
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9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
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10. Reduced Inequality
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11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
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12. Responsible Consumption and Production
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13. Climate Action
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14. Life Below Water
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15. Life on Land
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16. Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
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17. Partnerships to achieve the Goal
15. Life on Land: 12
- 1. No Poverty
- 2. Zero Hunger
- 3. Good Health and Well-being
- 4. Quality Education
- 5. Gender Equality
- 6. Clean Water and Sanitation
- 7. Affordable and Clean Energy
- 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
- 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- 10. Reduced Inequality
- 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
- 12. Responsible Consumption and Production
- 13. Climate Action
- 14. Life Below Water
- 15. Life on Land
- 16. Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
- 17. Partnerships to achieve the Goal
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Ecosystem Restoration of Disturbed Areas
Promoting eco-friendly restoration of ecosystems that have been disturbed by natural or human activities through facilitation.
Facilitation refers to a phenomenon whereby the establishment of a certain plant prompts the invasion and establishment of another species. In ecosystems that have suffered catastrophic damage due to a major disturbance such as a volcanic eruption, fire, tsunami or mining, the detection and introduction of such facilitators will help rapid and eco-friendly ecosystem restoration.
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Fig. Platanthera metabifolia, which has taken root in a patch of Mineyanagi willow on Mt. Komagatake in Oshima after its major eruption in 1920.
The Mineyanagi willow promotes the colonization by many species and thereby enhances ecological diversity . -
Fig. Relationship between coverage of M. sinensis, a facilitator, and the number/density of woody plants on a ski slope in Sapporo (plot size: 4 m2).
The colonization of M. sinensis prompts an increase in the number of woody plants, so the creation of M. sinensis grasslands will lead to the growth of natural forests without afforestation efforts.
Research
Ecosystem restoration after large-scale disturbance is often an urgent task, but it has often been difficult to establish a target plant species in a disturbed environment. A facilitator is a plant species that prompts the establishment of other species once it has been established. If we can detect and establish a facilitator in the respective disturbed areas to prompt the invasion and establishment of the target species there, it will be possible to quickly restore ecosystems in a cost-effective manner with minimal human effort. Therefore, this is an ecofriendly technology for ecosystem restoration.
So far, we have found that the white beak-sedge (Rhynchospora) is functioning as a facilitator in the post-mined peatland of Sarobetsu Mire, and the Mineyanagi willow in Mt. Komagatake in Oshima, Hokkaido. Microtopography modification has also been found effective as a means of introducing facilitators.Shiro Tsuyuzaki Professor -
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Elucidation and Application of Ecosystem Recovery Mechanisms after Large-scale Fires
Toward the mitigation of global warming
In the Arctic region of North America, the scale of wildfires is increasing due to global warming. As a result, the way ecosystems recovery progresses after fires is changing, and it is urgent to elucidate the mechanism of ecosystem recovery from a new perspective. It is also necessary to develop various methods for ecosystem restoration after large-scale disturbance by applying the knowledge obtained in this study.
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The landscape of a black spruce forest after a large fire in Alaska in 2004 (photo taken in 2005). With conventional fires, total destruction is rare, but with this fire, even the organic layer was burned away. As a result, the way how ecosystem recovery progresses has changed. It is necessary to elucidate the transition mechanism and develop conservation and restoration methods as soon as possible.
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Changes in key ecosystem functions caused by wildfires. In the short term, CO2 is directly released during fires, and in the long term, CO2 absorption is reduced due to reduced photosynthesis and methane is released due to thawing of the permafrost. Thus, there are positive (exacerbating) feedback effects on global warming.
Research
The belts of taiga and tundra in Alaska is a fire-prone area associated with lightning strikes, and ecosystem recovery has thus been acclimatized to fire. In the past, the fires were mostly canopy fires with low fire intensity that did not lead to the complete burning of organic layers including peat. In particular, black spruce was dominant on north-facing slopes, and fast forest regeneration was achieved immediately after canopy fires due to dispersion of black spruce seeds.
However, with the development of climate changes, wildfires are increasing in both intensity and frequency. During the 2004 Alaska wildfires, the total area burned exceeded that of Shikoku (Japanese fourth mainland), and the organic layer was also burned away. As a result, ecosystem recovery after large wildfires greatly differs from that after forest canopy fires. In particular, the existence of an organic layer is essential for seed germination and growth, and the development of methods to promote the establishment of Sphagnum moss as a base material is essential for organic matter accumulation. In addition, we studied the impact of wildfires on the ecosystems in the tundra zone.Shiro Tsuyuzaki Professor -
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A New Plant Growth Promotion Technology That Stimulates Growth
Next generation biomass production using wastewater and the possibility of using symbiotic bacteria for plant factories
A completely new growth-promoting bacterium, P23, was discovered in ukikusa (subfamily Lemnoideae) at the Hokkaido University Botanical Garden. The P23 bacterium accelerates the growth of plants by stimulating a surface switch. Ukikusa is a high value-added biomass that grows on wastewater as a fertilizer, and symbiosis with P23 doubles its production rate.
Research
The aquatic plant known as ukikusa is a soft biomass that can grow by absorbing nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater and contains almost no lignin or cellulose. Its protein content is approximately 30%, comparable to that of soybeans, and its starch accumulation can reach 50%, depending on the growth environment. Its protein can be used directly as livestock feed, while its starch is useful as a raw material for biofuel production and the production of HMF, a precursor for chemical products. To improve the production yield of the next generation biomass, we are developing technology to promote plant growth with the symbiotic action of surface bacteria. In addition to ukikusa cultivation, it is expected to apply this technology to hydroponic cultivation of vegetables and cereals (plant factories). This is an old but new biotechnology that does not involve genetic modification and follows the natural order of things.
Masaaki Morikawa ProfessorDoctor of Engineering -
Exploring Strategies for Coexistence between Indigenous Siberians and Wildlife
A practical study on an adaptive wildlife management system for utilization and protection of wild animals and birds
To reduce conflicts between local communities and wildlife (e.g., agricultural damage and invasive species problems), we plan and implement surveys and countermeasures with the participation and initiative of local residents, and provide bottom-up policy support. In recent years, we have also been involved in the establishment of wildlife sanctuaries to protect the livelihoods of indigenous people in Siberia.
Research
◇ Survey of reindeer and other wild animals and establishment of protected areas
In the Arctic region of the Republic of Sakha in the Russian Federation, which is the closest Arctic area to Japan, we have attached satellite transmitters to wild animals (e.g., reindeer, musk ox, wolf) used by indigenous people to clarify the effects of global warming and seasonal migration. Based on this information, we are working with indigenous groups, local governments, hunting groups and other parties to establish and evaluate protected areas and hunting areas that contribute to traditional livelihoods.
◇ Survey of Migratory Birds in Japan and Evaluation of International Protected Areas
Siberia is an important breeding ground for migratory birds that use the arctic and other northern regions, including Japan, but their habitats are changing due to global warming. Therefore, we are conducting surveys, research, and practical applications to comprehensively evaluate the impact of global warming on habitat protection areas by creating a network of different surveys that have been conducted in individual countries.Shirow Tatsuzawa Assistant Professor -
From Landscape to Hometown Revitalization
Creating community value through resident participation
From the perspective of landscape planning, we are researching ways to preserve and utilize the local environment by linking it to people's awareness and social understanding. In recent years, we have been practically researching how values and spatial needs that change with society, such as “health” and “funerals” can be reflected in the landscape.
Research
To conserve and manage local resources through resident participation, the “landscape” approach, which views the region from people's perspective, is very effective. We are developing research on people's and society's landscape perception, and conducting empirical research on how to utilize people’s place attachment in local resource management.
Environmental planning using health resorts (Kurort)
In Germany, medical insurance covers services at government-recognized recuperation and health resorts that make use of the natural environment such as hot springs, the sea, and the climate. In Japan, too, efforts are underway to create health resorts (Kurort) that combine health tourism with local health promotion.
Forest utilization as burial sites:
To utilize forest resources, we are conducting practical research on the development of forest burial sites in Japan, modeled after Germany’s examples. As a new method of managing forests, which account for 70% of Japan’s land area, we are promoting the creation of forest burial sites in various regions as a means of regional management in aging society.Hirofumi Ueda Associate Professor -
Glacier Ice Sheet-Ocean Interactions in Greenland
Warming Greenland's Coastal Environment
In Greenland, which is located in the Arctic region, the mass of the glacier ice sheet has been rapidly decreasing in recent years. We are conducting research using field surveys and satellite data, with the focus on the environmental changes along the coast of Greenland, where the glacier ice sheets meet the ocean.
Research
Greenland is approximately six times the size of Japan, and 80% of its area is covered by glacial ice sheets. The ice in Greenland is rapidly diminishing due to the effects of global warming. In particular, glaciers flowing from the ice sheets into the ocean are undergoing remarkable changes, suggesting the influence of the warming ocean. In addition, the inflow of meltwater into the ocean is expected to raise sea levels and cause changes in ocean circulation and ecosystems, although the details are still unclear. Against this background, we are working to understand the interaction between glacier ice sheets and the ocean, and the resulting changes in the coastal environment of Greenland. We are conducting field observations and satellite data analysis with special focus on the Kanak region in the northwestern part of the country. Ultimately, we aim to clarify the impact of environmental changes on fisheries and traffic, and to provide feedback to local residents.
Shin Sugiyama Professor -
Mass Production of Nanofibrillated Bacterial Cellulose
Bottom-up production of nanofibrillated cellulose from low molecular weight biomass using bacteria
We have acquired a novel cellulose-synthesizing acetic acid bacterium and succeeded in the mass production of nanofibrillated bacterial cellulose (NFBC: Fibnano?) with excellent flowability, miscibility, and formability and that can be used in a wide range of fields, from molasses.
Research
Cellulose synthesized by bacteria and called bacterial cellulose (BC) has unique properties such as high water retention, high strength, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. In recent years, nano-sized cellulose materials (nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC)) has also been attracting attention. In general, NFC is prepared top-down from pulp by physical and chemical treatments, and the resulting NFC is highly dispersed in water. In contrast, by optimizing the culture conditions of cellulose-synthesizing bacteria, it is possible to prepare nanofibrillated BC (NFBC: Fibnano?) from low-molecular biomass in a bottom-up manner. In collaboration with a company in Hokkaido, we have succeeded in the mass production of NFBC (Fibnano?) from molasses, a byproduct of sugar production.
Kenji Tajima Associate ProfessorDoctor of Engineering -
New Ground Injection Material Using Calcium Phosphate
Ground-solidifying calcium phosphate compound, a major component of the teeth and bones of living organisms in nature, is an innovative low environmental impact injection material.
Focusing on calcium phosphate compounds (CPC) as a new cementing material for geotechnical grouting, we have investigated the optimum conditions for the precipitation of CPC and the solidification of sand by CPC, newly discovering two possibilities for their use: chemical grout and biogrout.
Research
To develop a new grout with low environmental load, we focused on minerals produced by living organisms in nature (biominerals), especially CPC, a major component of teeth and bones, and investigated the optimum conditions for CPC precipitation. We also conducted uniaxial compression tests on sand specimens solidified with CPC. In the CPC precipitation test, we have found that the precipitation volume tends to increase as the pH increases from weakly acidic to near neutral. This causes the uniaxial compressive strength of the CPC-solidified sand specimens to reach about 90 kPa, which is within the target range of 50 to 100 kPa for uniaxial compressive strength of sandy soil to prevent liquefaction. Electron microscopy of the specimens showed whisker-like CPC crystals (Fig. 1). These results indicate two possibilities of their usage: chemical grout using self-hardening property and biogrout using pH-dependent precipitation volume.
Satoru Kawasaki Professor -
Nonlinear Compensator That Can Be Implemented Without Sensors
Nonlinear compensator that can easily be added to PID control systems
Currently, PID control is used as the main control method in industry, but the PID control technique has a problem that the control accuracy deteriorates due to the influence of nonlinear terms such as friction and gravity. We have proposed a nonlinear compensator that can easily be added to PID controllers.
Research
Digital acceleration control (DAC) is a robust control technique for systems with nonlinear terms and modeling errors that are difficult to model. DAC is a very effective controller, but it cannot perform position control by itself because it controls the target acceleration value. Therefore, we have combined DAC with a general PID control system. This PID-DAC combined control system allows both robust position control and acceleration control. In addition, as a new nonlinear compensator that can easily be added to PID controllers without sensors, we propose two controllers: the PID-DA0 control system, which sets the target acceleration value of the control object to zero, and the PID-DJ0 control system, which sets the target acceleration value to zero. Both controllers can easily be added to existing PID controllers without additional sensors, so they have the great advantage of improving system performance sensorless.
Takanori Emaru Associate Professor -
Portable Liquid Chromatograph
Battery-powered, ultra-light, ultra-compact chemical analyzer
Using proprietary technology, we have miniaturized the pump, column and detector, all key components of liquid chromatography, realizing a compact, B5 size, lightweight and portable liquid chromatograph weighing 2 kg. This allows us to instantly obtain analysis results on the spot.
Research
The pump we have developed for liquid chromatography is based on electroosmotic phenomena and can operate for a long time on dry batteries. Since there is no mechanical drive, it is extremely compact and lightweight, and does not generate pulsating flow. Using microfabrication technology, the column and (electrochemical and UV) detectors are mounted on small amounts of substrate, the size of a business card. Conventional packing materials are used for the column, so the same analysis conditions as before can be applied directly without modification. The electrochemical detector uses a uniquely developed comb-shaped electrode. Although small in size, it has comparable sensitivity as conventional detectors. Liquid chromatographs currently used as the main instrument for chemical analysis are large and heavy, limiting their use to specific locations in the laboratory, but the instrument we have developed can easily be used anywhere. The amount of solvent used can also be reduced to 1/100 to 1/1000 of conventional detectors.
Akihiko Ishida Assistant ProfessorDoctor of Engineering -
Remote Sensing of Ground Deformation in the Arctic
Detection of surface subsidence associated with permafrost thawing
Images of ground deformation can be detected from data obtained by the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) onboard the Daichi satellite. Conventionally, the main target has been ground surface displacement caused by earthquakes and volcanic activity, but detection of local ground deformation that is not associated with earthquakes or volcanoes in the permafrost regions of the Arctic Circle has also started.
Research
In the study of earthquakes and volcanic activity, the Earth's interior is sometimes estimated by capturing slight movement of the Earth's surface. This movement is called crustal movement, and efforts are still being made to improve the estimation accuracy and quality. Recently, interferometric SAR (SAR interferometry), which uses satellite SAR phase data, has made it possible to detect crustal movement in remote areas and overseas. In the Arctic, there is no so-called crustal movement, but as shown in the figure below, clear ground deformation has been detected in Western Siberia. This can be seen around so-called thermokarst terrain, which is often found in the Arctic, and is thought to represent subsidence of the ground surface due to the thawing of permafrost. Research on the formation process of thermokarst landforms, which has been largely untouched in the past, has just begun, and evaluation of the impact of global warming is an important issue for the future.
Masato Furuya Professor -
Utilize Archaeological Sites as Cultural and Regional Resources
To Establish a Jomon Ecomuseum in My Community
By surveying archaeological sites and maintaining and preserving them as satellites of an ecomuseum, we are preparing and applying mechanisms to routinely/continuously utilize them as local resources for the people who live there and as cultural resources shared by all humankind.
Research
Instead of treating archaeological sites as an annoyance for development work, we will change their value as local resources for the people living in the area and as cultural resources shared by all human beings. For this purpose, a part of the archaeological sites will be excavated in a planned manner and will be maintained and preserved as a "satellite" of the “ecomuseum.” An ecomuseum is a museum that does not require a roof or walls. Satellites are open-air exhibits. While working with local people to develop and preserve the archaeological sites as historical heritage, we are proud to live in the area and participate in the ecomuseum activities as hosts. The planned excavation of the site will be carried out in cooperation with local people and the board of education as part of the university's “Archaeology Practice” educational program. We find it meaningful to practice part of the university education in the local community, the practice of which then becomes the practice of ecomuseum activities as such.
Yasushi Kosugi Professor
