Title: A study on synthetic regional environmental policies for utilising biomass resources

Authors: Yoshiro Higano, Takeshi Mizunoya, Shintaro Kobayashi, Kiyonori Taguchi, Katsuhiro Sakurai

Addresses: Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Ten-noudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305 8572, Japan. ' Gunma Industry Support Organization, 2F Prefectural Government Corporation Complex, 1-10-7 Ohwatari, Maebashi, Gunma 371 0854, Japan. ' Development Research Division, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), 1-1 Ohwashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305 8686, Japan. ' Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Ten-noudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305 8572, Japan. ' Policy Research Department, Ocean Policy Research Foundation, Kaiyo Senpaku Building, 1-15-16, Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105 0001, Japan

Abstract: Due to the principles of mass balance, there is a trade-off between regional water pollution and global warming. However, local governments in charge of water pollution control usually try to reduce water pollution loads without thinking of the influences on global warming. This study aims to formulate a simulation/evaluation model that reflects material balance and evaluates the regional environmental policies with utilising biomass resources. In the simulation, introduction of biomass utilisation plants was chosen as an effective tool to reduce environmental pollutants and substitution occurs between nitrogen monoxide and Total Nitrogen during the emission of nitrogen into the environment. These results implies that promotion of biomass resource utilisation can improve both the environment and economy and policy making for water quality improvement should also take into account the effects on global warming of policy measures. Eliminating vertically divided administrative functions becomes essential for resolution of global environmental problems.

Keywords: comprehensive evaluation; GWP; integrated watershed management; material balance; molecular level control; regional policy; environmental policies; biomass resources; water pollution; global warming; local government; pollution control; water quality; simulation; environmental pollution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2009.027190

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2009 Vol.11 No.1/2/3, pp.102 - 117

Published online: 17 Jul 2009 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article