エネルギー資源としての泥炭の有効利用

抄録

Peat from highly organic soil is abundant in Northern Hokkaido, Japan. In the past, peat was used in various applications in Japan, such as an artificial culture of soil, as a fertilizer for gardening, and as an energy resource. However, peat is not used by the modern energy and manufacturing sectors in Japan because it has a high moisture content and low calorific value, which lowers its value as a resource considering its material characteristics and handling difficulties. Furthermore, large amounts of peat are generated at the construction sites in this area, and they are difficult to be reused at their generation sites because peat is a very soft soil and not suitable for construction work. Recently, many Japanese research institutions have been carrying out research and development on renewable energy resources including biomass energy. In Hokkaido, there are many biogas plants for methanizing biomass derived from livestock excrement or food waste. Thus, peat which is high in organic matter could potentially be used as an energy resource. In this study, we investigated the potential of utilizing peat as an energy resource for biogenic methane production in regional cities of Northern Hokkaido, while considering both its material characteristics and resource circulation. Batch tests using a hydrogen peroxide solution were performed on peat and silty soil to estimate the quantity of low-molecular-weight organic acids and the producing potential for biogenic methane gas. The oxidative decomposition of the peat produced a high yield of low-molecular-weight organic acids that were used as substrates for methanogenic microorganisms. In addition, a novel resource circulation method was proposed for peat in order to use it as an energy resource. Moreover, the energy resources problem in Northern Hokkaido was discussed in association with geographical parameters and the construction recycling system in Japan.