Outline
This research area is focused on the creation of physical and/or social water management systems that would be adaptive measures for a variety of water issues of concern to Japan or other countries and caused by climate change or other factors. Using innovative water treatment technologies and water resources management systems, optimal water use, as measured by qualitative and quantitative criteria, is sought in the respective stages of water supply, discharge, reclamation, and resource recovery. Proposed researches should contribute to sustainable water use from the most rational of many perspectives, including energy consumption, socioeconomic impact, environmental load, public health, and/or site-specific circumstances of targeted areas.
Examples of research topics to be considered in this research area are: 1) basic R&D in materials science for advanced water treatment using ozone or membranes and ceramic materials; 2) water quality assessment; and 3) comprehensive water resources (surface and subsurface water) and environmental management systems at the watershed scale. Comprehensive management systems should consider water treatment, reclamation, and resource recovery in different water uses including drinking water, sewage, industry, and agriculture.