The water purification technology developed by the Ehime Prefecture Industrial Technology Center is particularly unique because it uses microorganisms typically found in fermented foods, such as yeast, lactic acid bacteria, and natto bacteria. This approach is different from conventional wastewater treatment microorganisms, making it highly innovative.

The water purification technology developed by the Ehime Prefecture Industrial Technology Center is particularly unique because it uses microorganisms typically found in fermented foods, such as yeast, lactic acid bacteria, and natto bacteria. This approach is different from conventional wastewater treatment microorganisms, making it highly innovative.

Details of the technology:
- Background and motivation for development: Ehime Prefecture is located along the Seto Inland Sea, where wastewater quality has been a major environmental issue. Traditional technologies had limited success, so the Ehime Prefecture Industrial Technology Center took on the challenge of developing new purification technology utilizing the characteristics of microorganisms.

- Microorganisms used: The technology utilizes microorganisms such as yeast, lactic acid bacteria, and natto bacteria, which are commonly used in the fermentation of food. The discovery that these microorganisms can also be used in water purification is particularly innovative. Unlike conventional microorganisms specifically designed to break down pollutants, this technology applies microorganisms commonly found in everyday food products.

- Application examples:
- The technology was tested at the fish fertilizer production facility of the Yawatahama Kamaboko Cooperative Association, where it significantly reduced odor during the composting process. Additionally, the treatment process contributed to reducing sludge in wastewater treatment, cutting down the costs of power and chemicals used in the process by 70-80%.
- The deodorizing effect was also confirmed, resulting in the elimination of fuel costs for deodorizing equipment at the facility. These side effects highlight the additional benefits of this technology.

- Uniqueness of the technology:
- Types of microorganisms: In conventional wastewater treatment, specific microorganisms are used, but this technology leverages naturally occurring microorganisms and fermented food microbes. This makes the system sustainable and cost-effective, as locally available microorganisms are used.
- Environmental compatibility: Since the microorganisms are already present in the environment, they do not introduce any additional environmental burden. Moreover, they are well-adapted to the local environment, ensuring efficient water purification.

- Future potential: This technology has great potential for broader applications and could be deployed in other regions and industries as a locally-focused purification technology.