Environmental Chemistry Laboratory: Research Topics

Our interests are in the areas of environmental organic chemistry, with particular emphasis on:

◆ Analysis, synthesis, and risk assessment of novel organic micropollutants in the environment.
Organic micropollutants from pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and household products have been an emerging issue concerning the aquatic environment for several decades. We have investigated chemical and toxicological properties using instrumental analysis (GC-MS, LC-MS and NMR-etc.) and bioassays (reporter gene assay and-D.magna-toxicity test,etc.). Our recent studies have shown that occurrences of parabens (preservative) and their halogenated compounds in the river water and aquatic biota. These are not commonly monitored in the aquatic environment but have the potential to adversely affect the environment and human health.

◆ Monitoring transboundary pollution in aquatic environments.
Transboundary pollution is also an important issue in Asia. This research focuses on understanding the transport of atmospheric constituents to the aquatic environment by monitoring coastal rivers and the snow in the Tohoku region, Japan.