Research Subjects
The researches in this laboratory have been concerned with terrestrial and environmental problems. Transport phenomena of contaminants with groundwater are closely connected with geological structure and chemical reactions of materials. We have studied them through several approaches based on earth chemistry and multi-phase fluid mechanics
Remediation of closed mine sites
Neutralization of acid mine drainage (AMD) and vegetation of acidic surface soils are required after closing many mines to preserve the surrounding environment. Thus, the reduction in the AMD and improvement of the quality of AMD as well as preventing weathering of surface soils are the important themes. We are conducting in situ experiments for remediation of a closed mine site by constructing surface layer systems consisting of neutralization and low-permeable layers. (Prof. Igarashi)
Evaluation of groundwater and soil contamination by heavy metals
Hydrothermally altered rocks and marine deposits are abundant in Hokkaido. These geological materials contain hazardous heavy metals and metalloids, such as lead (Pb), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), and boron (B). When we construct tunnels at the sites for transportation and mining activities, we produce a huge amount of waste rocks with hazardous elements. Thus, we should evaluate the risks related to disposal of such rocks and take countermeasures against it if necessary. We are developing a new concept called an adsorption layer system for reasonable disposal. (Prof. Igarashi)
Mass transport in porous media and complex flow channels
Solute dispersion in natural flow channels such as rock cracks or gaps in soils is related to resource and environmental engineering as mineral resources extraction or pollutant dispersion in underground. In general, natural flow channels have a complicated shape and the solute dispersion in these channels is affected by geometric characteristics of the channel. We examine the effect of channel geometry on the transport of soluble substances and to understand the dispersion process in irregular-shaped micro-channels. (Prof. Harada)
Non-invasive measurement on behaviors of solid-fluid mixtures
A non-invasive measurement system of kinematic nature of solid-fluid mixtures are developed. We applied the measurement system to various multiphase flows with solid particles.(Prof. Harada)