Date & Time: July. 25, 2023
Place: Engineering 110 Lecture Room, Higashi-Hiroshima Campus, Hiroshima University

Commentary: Yukihiko MATSUMURA
Professor,Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University

Lecture: Rittanupap THAVORN
D3, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University
“Effect of treatment time on the product from hydrothermal carbonization of cellulose-lignin-xylose mixture”

This study aims to understand the effect of treatment time on both liquid and solid products generated under hydrothermal carbonization of the cellulose, xylose, and lignin mixture to develop the future universal model for hydrothermal carbonization product prediction. This study focuses on the hydrochar product obtained from HTC of the mix of components, cellulose, hemicellulose (xylose), and lignin, in various ratios at 280 ℃ for 0, 0.5, and 2 h. This study observed interactions between the feedstock mixture affected the product yield and properties. This work was supported by JST, the establishment of university fellowships towards the creation of science technology innovation, Grant Number JPMJFS2129.

Lecture: Koshi UENO
M1, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University
“Elucidation of the growth arrest mechanism of acetogenic bacteria Acetobacterium woodii in continuous culture process using H2/CO2.”

The study focuses on the investigation of growth inhibition factors for A.Woodii in continuous culture process using H2/CO2 Despite the continuous supply of fresh culture medium, a complete cessation of microbial growth was observed. Dilution of the fermentation broth with water revealed that even with dilution alone, the cultivation was successfully recovered, suggesting the accumulation of growth inhibition substances. Furthermore, in order to evaluate the impact of a neutralizing agent, NaOH, experiments were conducted. The addition of Na+ in the cultivation system resulted in a significantly lowered specific growth rate, indicating the inhibitory effect of Na+ as one of the growth inhibition factors.

Lecture: Jun TOMINAGA
Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University
“Smart farming and carbon-circulating society learning from photosynthesis.”

I have been working on the functional analysis and improvement of photosynthesis from an agronomic perspective. I have also focused on photosynthesis as a means to optimize crop production, and am developing a novel method to measure photosynthesis that can be the next smart farming technology. Based on my experience with biomass projects in Okinawa, I have been also developing a concept of ‘biomass village’ for self-sufficiency in energy and resources in mountainous regions in Japan since I started working here. This seminar will introduce these projects, which are just getting started.

Chair: Yukihiko MATSUMURA Professor, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University