No. 75 - Environmental Technology - Summary - October 2000

No. 75 - Environmental Technology - Summary - October 2000

1. treatment technology for volatile organic compounds (VOE)
The "EGG Method" developed by Hazama is a technology that can simultaneously remove volatile organic compounds (VOE) and highly concentrated oil by surrounding groundwater with electrodes and energizing it. This method efficiently vaporizes VOE in groundwater and reduces environmental impact. This technology is effective for a wide range of contamination that conventional technologies cannot handle, and is particularly suited for treating contaminated groundwater in urban areas. The introduction of this technology is expected to promote the rehabilitation of contaminated areas and make a significant contribution to environmental preservation.

2. medical waste treatment technology
TAISEI has developed a treatment technology that renders medical waste harmless to the same level as general waste. This technology not only makes waste from medical institutions safer to dispose of, but also reduces disposal costs. In addition, since this technology does not involve incineration, it also has the effect of reducing the generation of hazardous substances such as dioxins. Furthermore, it contributes to improving the recycling rate of waste since the treated waste is reusable as a resource.

3. food waste and contaminated soil treatment technology
The gasification and melting furnace developed by SMM is a technology that gasifies food waste, contaminated soil, and incinerated ash at high temperatures and renders them harmless at the same time. This technology significantly reduces the amount of hazardous substances generated during waste treatment and minimizes environmental impact. In particular, advanced technology is employed to prevent the generation of dioxins, thus enabling safe and efficient waste treatment. This technology reduces the operating costs of waste treatment facilities and improves their treatment capacity.

4. wastewater treatment technology
Organo has developed a new treatment technology to recover hydrofluoric acid in wastewater with high purity. This technology enables the recovery of hydrofluoric acid used in factories and industrial facilities to a reusable state, thereby increasing the effective use of resources. Furthermore, it also has the effect of reducing the emission of toxic substances generated in the wastewater treatment process, thereby reducing the burden on the environment. The introduction of this technology is expected to reduce costs for companies and further strengthen environmental protection efforts.

5. highly efficient biomass energy conversion technology
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has introduced a new subsidy program to support high-efficiency biomass energy conversion technology. This technology maximizes the use of biomass generated from agriculture and forestry as an energy source and promotes regional energy self-sufficiency. It also reduces the use of fossil fuels, thereby curbing greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative is expected to reduce energy costs in local communities and achieve a sustainable energy supply.

6. development of biodegradable resin
Miyoshi Yushi has developed a technology to emulsify biodegradable resins. This technology enables the production of environmentally friendly products that can replace conventional plastic products. Since biodegradable resins are decomposed by microorganisms in nature, the environmental burden after disposal is greatly reduced. This technology is also expected to be applied in a wide range of fields, such as packaging materials and agricultural materials, and will be an important step toward solving the problem of environmental pollution caused by plastic waste.

7. urban recycling environmental technology
Aichi Prefecture and the City of Nagoya are working to build a "recycling-oriented environmental city," which will utilize urban waste recycling and natural resources in the city's suburbs. This initiative will promote sustainable urban development through the recycling of waste and the introduction of energy recovery technologies. In addition, residents are participating in recycling activities and building an energy self-sufficiency system that utilizes local resources, and the city is attracting attention as a model city where both local economic revitalization and environmental conservation can be achieved.

8. enhancement of exhaust gas treatment technology
In order to strengthen automobile emission regulations, the Central Environment Council proposed that Nagoya City and its surrounding areas be added to the list of areas subject to new regulations. This measure is expected to curb emissions of NOx, PM2.5, and other harmful substances and improve the local air quality. In addition, automakers will be required to improve their exhaust gas treatment technologies, which is expected to accelerate technological innovation. These tighter regulations will contribute to the reduction of health hazards and the realization of a sustainable urban environment.

9. measurement and analysis technologies for dioxins
Technology for measuring and analyzing dioxins has progressed rapidly over the past few years, and the number of measuring laboratories has increased. In particular, the mandatory measurement of dioxins in industrial waste incinerators and electric furnaces has strengthened the control of dioxin emissions. In addition, the latest measurement technology has made it possible to obtain more accurate data and to address the environmental hormone problem. This has resulted in reduced environmental risks as well as improved safety in related industrial fields.

10. new treatment technology for medical waste
TAISEI has developed a new treatment technology that renders medical waste harmless to the same level as general waste. This technology improves the safety of medical waste by treating it efficiently, and also contributes to reducing treatment costs. In addition, this technology eliminates the need for incineration, thereby reducing emissions of hazardous substances such as dioxins. Furthermore, after treatment, the waste is recovered to a reusable state, leading to higher recycling rates.