- Q: Could you explain your current research topic in an easy-to-understand way?
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We are conducting research to clarify the physiology, ecology, distribution, and functions of microorganisms that live in aquatic environments, particularly marine environments, and that use minerals as an energy source, as well as microorganisms that form carbonate minerals.Specifically, we are researching the functions of these microorganisms with the aim of utilizing them in our daily lives, such as improving the durability of concrete structures in marine environments, recycling asphalt road paving, refining mineral resources, and mine wastewater treatment technology.
- Q: What motivated you to start your research?
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- I have always been very interested in microorganisms that use iron as an energy source. You may have seen brown sediments in lakes, ponds, and drains. This is metal oxides made by microorganisms, and when you look at it under a microscope, you can see that these microorganisms can survive on just iron and oxygen, and also use carbon dioxide as a material to build their bodies. They create metal oxides using iron and carbon dioxide, which are abundant on Earth, and this is useful for wastewater treatment. I thought it would be fascinating to learn about microorganisms that use metals to survive, so I began researching them.
- Q: What is interesting and rewarding about your research?
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What's fascinating about microorganisms is that they can carry out reactions that would require multiple steps in a chemical reaction with just a single enzyme. However, because we are working with organisms so tiny they can barely be seen with a microscope, the microorganisms we are cultivating can suddenly become listless or exhibit unexpected behavior. While we sometimes don't get the results we expected, we are always amazed as we continue our research by discovering new functions or even functions that are more amazing than we could have imagined. Every time I look at the microbial colonies growing on solid plates, I am deeply moved by the thought that each and every one of these colonies is a microorganism with a function that can be useful to us.
- Q: Tell us about the future of this research.
: Short-term (1-2 years from now) and long-term (up to 10 years from now)
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In the short term, we are currently conducting immersion experiments in actual marine environments to investigate how artificial concrete structures installed in marine environments affect the local environment and microorganisms. As part of this research, we are also investigating how carbonate-forming microorganisms fill cracks in concrete in marine environments. We believe that the results of these studies will lead to the elucidation of the composition and structure of building materials that maximize the functionality of microorganisms, which will be useful in the future development of artificial structures that are resistant to deterioration in seawater and can harmonize with the environment.
We are also currently conducting research into the microorganisms involved in the removal of metal precipitates at actual mine wastewater treatment plants. By identifying the key microorganisms in wastewater treatment and creating conditions in which they can thrive, we can expect to improve treatment efficiency. If we can utilize the microorganisms that originally inhabited the wastewater and make the most of their functions, we believe we can create a treatment system that requires less chemical addition, has a lower environmental impact, and is sustainable over the long term. - Q: Which SDGs can your research contribute to?
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Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
If water treatment can be done using microorganisms instead of chemicals, it will have less of an impact on the environment and will be less costly. I believe this research will also be useful in countries where the treatment of metals in water is an issue.
Goal 9: Build infrastructure, promote industry, and innovate
We believe that by slightly activating the self-cleaning function that microorganisms originally perform in the natural environment, we may be able to use resources more efficiently and create environmentally friendly technologies and low-cost production methods.
Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
I am currently investigating the effects of microorganisms and artificial structures such as concrete in the marine environment. I believe this research will lead to the design of structures and the selection of materials that do not adversely affect the surrounding environment due to microorganisms. Recently, I have been using carbonates produced by microorganisms to backfill cracks in concrete. I believe that by selecting concrete mixes and shapes that are suitable for the environment and ecosystem, we may be able to create a system that will repair itself without human intervention. Infrastructure becomes brittle after 50 years or more, but I believe that by imitating and incorporating natural functions, we can create structures and infrastructure that are safer and more robust in the long term.
"Goal 13: Take urgent climate action"
We believe that by utilizing the functions of microorganisms and the natural self-purifying properties of nature instead of chemical or pharmaceutical treatments, we can reduce CO2 emissions, restore soil, and preserve the ecosystem.
"Goal 14: Protect and sustainably use the oceans and seas"
My current research aims to understand the power (function) of microorganisms in the area, and to better utilize this power in our daily lives. If this research can lead to a deeper understanding of ecosystems and contribute to the maintenance and improvement of our lifestyles and the environment, I believe we can create technologies that will help maintain and restore various water-related ecosystems, such as mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, strata containing groundwater, lakes, brackish water areas, shallow and deep seas, and more. - Q: What are the advantages of doing research at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology?
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There are many students who have a deep interest in the ocean, living things, and the environment, and some students begin surveys and research at an early stage through clubs and circles. As a result, many students are highly motivated to do research, and they are proactive in everything they do, producing interesting research results. By conducting research with students who are open-minded and not yet bound by conventional wisdom in their field, new ideas are easily generated, making research enjoyable.
In addition, the faculty is made up of researchers from a variety of fields related to the ocean, so we are able to bring together our respective areas of expertise and cooperate to develop new research. - Q: What are your priorities and policies when conducting research?
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- I am conducting research with the hope that I can not only contribute academically through papers and conference presentations, but also think about how to respond to and solve current and future problems, and create technologies that will be useful to people and society in the future.I also hope that through research, lectures, and practical training, I can develop human resources with a broad perspective, an open mind, and the ability to tackle problems.
- Q: What message would you give to people who want to become researchers?
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- I hope you will find something you love (your research subject), and continue to research and investigate it, even if something happens. Also, talk to the people around you about your dreams, ideas, and what you want to do. I have been able to continue my current job thanks to the help and cooperation of many people, and the many good encounters and opportunities I have had. Also, if an opportunity arises, don't be afraid to jump in. You can always make up for any shortcomings in knowledge or skills later. Opportunities and encounters may only come once.
