In recent years, growing public concern about food safety, together with the progressing impacts of climate change and environmental change, has increased the importance of scientifically ensuring the safety of agricultural products.
The Department of Agro-Environmental Chemistry aims to contribute to society by supporting the production of safe agricultural products through clarifying the behavior of chemical substances present in the environment and developing technologies to mitigate their impacts.
With regard to hazardous elements such as arsenic and cadmium, we conduct research to elucidate the mechanisms by which these substances are taken up from soil into crops, and to reduce their concentrations in agricultural products through crop breeding and improved cultivation practices.
For radioactive substances, we are responsible for establishing systems that enable continuous monitoring of agricultural environments and crops under normal conditions, thereby allowing rapid avoidance of contamination in the event of an emergency.
In addition, with respect to pesticides, we develop technologies and management practices that maintain pest control efficacy while reducing usage amounts, contributing to lower environmental and human health burdens.
Through these integrated research efforts, we support the production of agricultural products that consumers can choose with confidence, and contribute to the realization of sustainable agriculture.
