Fecal treatment in Japan can be roughly divided into two main methods:
1. Flush Toilets
In this method, wastewater containing feces is collected and treated in municipal sewer systems, community plants, or central treatment facilities. The use of flush toilets has been steadily increasing, and in 1991, about 67.9% of the population, which is approximately 84 million people, used flush toilets. In contrast, only 32.0% of the population, or about 39 million people, used the collection of feces in latrines.
2. Latrines
This method involves the collection of feces alone, which is then transported to fecal treatment facilities for processing. Due to the nationwide sewerage connection rate being only 49%, many regions rely on other methods of wastewater treatment. Especially in smaller cities and towns, the sewer infrastructure is often underdeveloped, making fecal treatment facilities vital.
Role and Technology of Fecal Treatment Facilities
Fecal treatment facilities are operated by municipalities and serve to treat sludge from septic tanks and latrines. As of the end of 1991, there were 1,259 such facilities nationwide, processing about 120,000 cubic meters of feces daily. Treatment is primarily done through biological processes using microorganisms to ensure compliance with discharge standards (BOD less than 20 ppm, SS less than 70 ppm).
One example of a company active in this field is Niigata Iron Works. The company received an order in February 1995 for the construction of a fecal treatment facility from Ome Shinko, and in December 1994, it received a similar order from the southern health community in Niigata Prefecture. Notably, they undertook a large project for the Jonan Health Management Association in Kyoto Prefecture, constructing a facility with a daily capacity of 204 cubic meters of feces.
Another example is Kurita Water Industries, which completed the Hachinohe Clean Center in June 1994 under a contract with the regional cities association of Hachinohe. This facility has a daily processing capacity of 250 cubic meters of feces and 80 cubic meters of septic tank sludge, with a total project cost of approximately 5.2 billion yen.
Coordination Between Sewer Systems and Fecal Treatment Facilities
In recent years, the collaboration between sewer systems and fecal treatment facilities has improved. For example, the fecal treatment facility in Kyoto Prefecture uses pre-treatment technology before feeding feces into the sewer system. These technical features make these facilities a crucial part of the market even in the future.
Advances in Sludge Recycling
Fecal treatment facilities have also made progress in recycling sludge in recent years. These facilities have particularly excelled in composting and repurposing as construction materials. Osaka Prefecture launched the so-called "Miracle Plan" with the aim of recycling 50% of the sludge by 2001. The city of Yokohama has set a goal to recycle 100% of sludge ash by 2010.
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Situation of the Fecal Treatment Industry in the 2020s
1. Technological Advancements and Digitalization
In the 2020s, the technology of fecal treatment facilities has further evolved and become increasingly digitalized. Companies such as Ebara Corporation and Kurita Water Industries have integrated sensors and IoT into their systems, enabling real-time monitoring of treatment processes while optimizing energy consumption and reducing costs. These technologies are particularly used in large facilities in Tokyo and Osaka.
2. Sustainable Circular Economy
With the aim of creating a sustainable society, the role of fecal treatment facilities has expanded. Companies like Hitachi Zosen and JFE Engineering are investing in the construction of plants that generate biogas from sludge, which is then used for energy production. For example, in the city of Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, a facility is in operation that uses biogas for local energy supply, which is considered a successful model.
3. Stricter Regulations and Policies
With stricter environmental regulations in the 2020s, the legal requirements for operating fecal treatment facilities have also increased. Companies like Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Toshiba have developed energy-efficient technologies that meet the requirements for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In Kyoto, a modern fecal treatment facility has been put into operation, significantly contributing to CO2 emission reduction.
4. Cooperation Between Urban and Rural Areas
The cooperation between urban and rural areas has also intensified, further expanding the role of fecal treatment facilities. Companies such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and JFE Engineering have initiated projects where by-products from urban fecal treatment are reused in rural areas. For instance, in Obihiro, Hokkaido, biogas from urban fecal treatment is used as fuel for greenhouses and agricultural machinery, making it a model case for a sustainable circular society.
5. Global Expansion
Japanese fecal treatment technology has gained importance internationally, particularly in Asia, during the 2020s. Companies like Kubota and Ebara Corporation are supporting the construction of fecal treatment facilities in rapidly growing cities in India and Indonesia. In Mumbai, India, Kubota has built a modern treatment plant that significantly contributes to environmental improvement.
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Summary
The fecal treatment industry has evolved significantly from the 1990s to the 2020s. While the focus in the 1990s was on the development of basic technologies and facility construction, the 2020s have seen a focus on digitalization and a sustainable circular economy. The industry has evolved from mere waste treatment to an integral part of resource utilization and energy production, addressing both environmental and economic needs.
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