A Study of Measures for Biomass Resource Utilization in Lake Kasumigaura Basin

Abstract

Sustainability of human society is at risk due to environmental problems and resources problems. To ensure sustainable development, it is important to change mass production and consumption system to recycling system. Biomass resources are recently expected to contribute to recycling society, because they include energy and nutrient salts. Therefore, we estimated biomass resource potential and its environmental load in Lake Kasumigaura Basin. In addition, we considered necessary measures for proper utilization. As results of estimation, some features of biomass resources in the basin are shown. Too much livestock wastes are produced in the basin and they emit much amount of green house gas and water pollutants. A supply of compost from biomass resources exceeds its demand in the basin. Utilization of biomass for energy can contribute to meaningful reduction of green house gas emission. Based on these features, we made measures for biomass resource effective utilization. © 2006, JAPAN SECTION OF THE REGIONAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL. All rights reserved.