• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.59 no.3
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• pp.279-285
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• 2005

Background : Ambient particles during Asian dust events are usually less than $10{\mu}m$ in size, and known to be associated with the adverse effects on the general population. There is little evidence linking Asian dust to adverse effects on the airways. In 2002, the authors found that particulate matter during Asian dust events had an effect on the symptoms and pulmonary function of patients with bronchial asthma. An aggravating factor might be that of a viral infection, but this remains unclear. Conversely, it has been speculated that African dust may carry the virus responsible for foot and mouth disease. Asian dust events are also likely to be responsible for transporting viruses, some of which are pathogenic, and common in many environments. Therefore, in this study, air samples were screened for the presence of viruses. Methods : Air samples were collected 20 times each during Asian dust events and under non-dust conditions, for at least 6 hours per sample, using a high volume air sampler (Sibata Model HV500F), with an airflow rate of 500L/min, between April and August 2003, and between April and August 2004. The samples were then screened for the presence of targeted viruses (Influenza A, B, Hog cholera virus, and Aphthovirus) using a polymerase chain reaction method. Results : One Asian dust event occurred between April and August 2003, and 3 between April and August 2004, with a 24 hour average PM10 level of $148.0{\mu}g/m^3$. The 24 hour average PM10 level was $57{\mu}g/m^3$. There was a significant difference in the PM10 concentration between dusty and clear days. No viruses (Influenza virus, Aphthovirus, and Hog cholera virus) were identified in the air samples obtained during the dusty days. Conclusions : Although no virus was detected in this study, further studies will be needed to identify suspected viruses carried during Asian dust events, employing more appropriate virus detection conditions.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.139-154
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• 2008

The nearly 75% of animal feed materials used for livestock production are imported every year in Korea. Most of imported feed ingredients are concentrated feeds such as com, wheat, soybean, soybean meal, etc. and they are used as the source materials for the production of assorted feed. The imported concentrated feeds are high in nitrogen and phosphorus. Therefore, the consistent import of feed ingredients may cause an increase of nutrient deposit in our agricultural ecosystem. In the current review, it was discussed with the situation of the feed importation and its nutritional composition to evaluate the nutrient load by the imported feeds onto agricultural ecosystem. The nutrient load caused by imported feeds in agricultural environment was compared with the nutrient demand for crop production. The amounts of N, $P_2O_5\;and\;K_2O$ introduced by the imported fteds in Korea were 371, 140 and 143 Ktons. And, the N, $P_2O_5\;and\;K_2O$ loads excreted from imported feeds in livestock were 148, 84 and 86 Ktons of N, $P_2O_5\;and\;K_2O$ and These nutrient loads by the imported feeds are at the percentage of N 52%, $P_2O_5$ 52% and $K_2O$ 42% in the comparison of total nutrient amounts excreted from livestock animals in Korea. The 82.3% of nutrients excreted from livestock was recycled to crop land as compost and liquid fertilizer, and the others were discharged to river after water treatment processing or disposed to ocean. Also, passing through the recycling process far the production of compost and liquid fertilizer, the amount of nutrients was reduced by the ammonia vaporization of livestock feces and urine. Accordingly, N 81, $P_2O_5$ 74 and $K_2O$ 76 Ktons in the nutrients excreted from livestock were estimated to be utilized in the crop land. Consequently, it was estimated that 44, 48 and 69 Ktons of N, $P_2O_5\;and\;K_2O$ were taken up with crops in the consideration of the ratio of mineralization, and the amounts of leached or deposited N, $P_2O_5\;and\;K_2O$ in crop land were estimated to be 37, 27 and 7 Ktons, respectively. It is estimated that 12%, 34% and 48% of N, $P_2O_5\;and\;K_2O$ introduced by the imported feeds were used by crops, and 10%, 34% and 5% of N, $P_2O_5\;and\;K_2O$ were leached or deposited in agricultural ecosystem. Therefore, considering the leached and deposited amounts of N, $P_2O_5\;and\;K_2O$ originated from the imported feed ingredients, the consistent import of feeds may gradually increase the nutrient load onto agricultural ecosystem.

• Journal of Korean Society of Disaster and Security
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.45-59
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• 2023

The global focus on mitigating climate change has traditionally centered on carbon dioxide, but recent attention has shifted towards methane as a crucial factor in climate change adaptation. Natural settings, particularly aquatic environments such as wetlands, reservoirs, and lakes, play a significant role as sources of greenhouse gases. The accumulation of organic contaminants on the lake and reservoir beds can lead to the microbial decomposition of sedimentary material, generating greenhouse gases, notably methane, under anaerobic conditions. The escalation of methane emissions in freshwater is attributed to the growing impact of non-point sources, alterations in water bodies for diverse purposes, and the introduction of structures such as river crossings that disrupt natural flow patterns. Furthermore, the effects of climate change, including rising water temperatures and ensuing hydrological and water quality challenges, contribute to an acceleration in methane emissions into the atmosphere. Methane emissions occur through various pathways, with ebullition fluxes-where methane bubbles are formed and released from bed sediments-recognized as a major mechanism. This study employs Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) tests to analyze and quantify the factors influencing methane gas emissions. Methane production rates are measured under diverse conditions, including temperature, substrate type (glucose), shear velocity, and sediment properties. Additionally, numerical simulations are conducted to analyze the relationship between fluid shear stress on the sand bed and methane ebullition rates. The findings reveal that biochemical factors significantly influence methane production, whereas shear velocity primarily affects methane ebullition. Sediment properties are identified as influential factors impacting both methane production and ebullition. Overall, this study establishes empirical relationships between bubble dynamics, the Weber number, and methane emissions, presenting a formula to estimate methane ebullition flux. Future research, incorporating specific conditions such as water depth, effective shear stress beneath the sediment's tensile strength, and organic matter, is expected to contribute to the development of biogeochemical and hydro-environmental impact assessment methods suitable for in-situ applications.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.580-586
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• 2009

In this study, co-combustion characteristics of Chinese bituminous coal and North Korean anthracite were investigated using a 2 MWe scale circulating fluidized bed power plant. At first, the combustion efficiency of bituminous coal of China and Australia as a function of excess air ratio and temperature were observed. The results showed that the combustion efficiency was influenced by particle size and volatile content of coal, the combustion efficiency of Chinese bituminous coal was over 99.5%. The unburned carbon particles from fly ash and bottom ash were a content 5~7% and 0.3%, respectively. The combustion efficiency with the mixture ratio 20% of bituminous coal and anthracite decreased over 5% because of the increase of entrained particles by a small average particle size of anthracite in the combustor. However, the outlet concentration of $SO_2$ and $NO_x$ was not changed remarkably. The concentrations of the typical air pollutants such as $NO_x$ and $SO_2$ were 200~250 ppm($O_2$ 6%), 100~320 ppm($O_2$ 6%) respectively. The outlet concentration of $NO_x$ was decreased to 30~65% with $NH_3$ supplying rate of 2~13 l/min in SCR process. The $SO_x$ removal efficiency was up to 70% by in-furnace desulfurization using limestone with Ca/S molar of approximately 6.5. With wet scrubbing using $Mg(OH)_2$ as absorbent, the $SO_x$ removal efficiency reached 100% under near pH 5.0 of scrubbing liquid.

• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.97-105
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• 2017

Because asphalt is a solid at normal temperature and is not a hazardous material as stipulated in the Safety Management Act on Hazardous Materials, it is often recognized as having no risk of fire or explosion. On the other hand, it is as dangerous as flammable liquid because it is heated to $170-180^{\circ}C$ and stored in a storage tank. This study analyzed the risk of fire and explosion during the storage and handling of asphalt and the actual conditions of asphalt regulations by fire service organizations. Moreover, this study analyzed the domestic case of explosions in the production process of asphalt concrete (ASCON) and domestic and foreign cases of asphalt storage tank explosions. The analysis suggested that unlike Japan, Korea has no asphalt regulations in fire service organizations. Explosions can occur when ignition is delayed after fuel is sprayed on the dryer drum burner of the aggregates during the production of ASCON. A physical explosion can occur in the storage tank when environmental purification facilities suddenly work strongly to remove air pollutants or bad smells during the heating of asphalt in an asphalt storage tank. In addition, explosions can occur when fires such as welding is performed in the asphalt storage tank.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.227-241
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• 2017

A human in urban areas has depended on ecosystem for well-being, so it is important to evaluate urban ecosystem services which contribute significantly to human well-being. In this study we classified ecosystem functions and set indicators used for evaluating ecosystem services of urban park by Delphi method. As a result, it derived 12 items and 14 indicators of ecosystem services to evaluate them such as vegetable garden, canopy cover, biodiversity, and educational programs. Based on the derived evaluation indicators, the feasibility of the indicators was examined by applying to two urban parks, Maetan park and Seoho-Ggotme park, in Suwon City. We also suggested strategies to improve each ecosystem services based on the results of evaluation. It is significant to recognize unknown services in urban parks. The results can be used for improving urban ecosystem services consistently in response to current rapid urbanization. In the future, the city should make a master plan on ecosystem service on urban area, beyond urban park, considering both of quality and quantity.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.19 no.12
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• pp.1343-1354
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• 2010

The purpose of the study was to analyze the persistence of HCH in atmosphere, soil, sediment and water of the western and southern regions of Korea. The samples from the western region were collected from Anmyeon Island, and the samples from the southern region were collected from Kimhae and Busan. The concentration of HCH isomers in atmosphere showed the pattern of $\alpha$-HCH>$\gamma$-HCH>$\beta$-HCH. The regions with high HCH concentration in the atmosphere are the regions that have been highly exposed to HCH used in the past, and the areas that have been influenced by the long range transport. The HCH that persists in the soil, water and sediment evaporates into the atmosphere, showing the characteristics of Air-Surface exchange. When the regional concentration distributions are compared, the concentration of HCH was higher in the atmosphere of a plain and the cities near the plain, than the urban areas. In this study, the ratio of $\alpha/\beta$-HCH was used as an indicator for estimating the source of Technical HCH and Lindane. According to the result, the contribution of Lindane was high in Kimhae plain and Kimhae urban areas. However, in Busan, the contribution of Technical HCH was higher than Lindane. In case of Anmyeon Island, the western region of Korea had high contribution from Tehcnical HCH. In soil and sediment, $\beta$-HCH was dominant. In water, $\gamma$-HCH was dominant among other isomers. Such results are due to $\gamma$-HCH inLindane. Furthermore, the source of $\gamma$-HCH in urban areas is assumed to be the use of medicine, medical supplies and other living supplies. Based on the results of this study, the management of HCH, a newly list up emerging POPs, should be strengthened by further research on sources, fate, persistency, accumulation and exposures and etc. to the risk assessments.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.33 no.6_2
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• pp.1151-1157
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• 2017

Street Trees is an important object for urban environment improvement. Especially the height of the trees needs to be precisely measured as a factor that greatly influences the removal of air pollutants in the Urban Street Canyons. In this study, we extracted the height of the tree based on the stereo image using the precisely adjusted UAV Images of the target area. The adjustment of UAV image was applied photogrammetric SfM (Structure from motion) based on the collinear condition. We measured the height of the trees on the Street Canyon using stereoscopic vision on stereo plotting system. We also acquired the height of the building adjacent to the street trees and the average height of the road surface was calculated for accurate measurement of the height of each object. Through the visual analysis with the plotting operation system, it was possible to measure height of the tree and to calculate the relative height difference value with building quickly. This means that the height of buildings and trees can be calculated without making a 3D point cloud of UAV and it has the advantage of being able to utilize non-experts. In the future, further studies for semiautomatic/automation of this technique should be performed. The development and research of these technologies is expected to help to understand the current status of environmental policies and roadside trees in urban areas.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.283-292
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• 2007

Atmospheric concentrations of radon had been continuously observed in Seoul, Korea since December 1999, as a tracer for long-range transport of air pollutants from China continent to Korea. In order to study radon as a tracer of long-range transport, it is important to know information about the atmospheric distribution and variation of radon concentration and its time variation. Atmospheric radon concentration are measured with electrostatic radon monitor(ERM) at Hanyang University located in Eastern area of Seoul. Air sample is taken into a vessel of ERM, and alpha particles emitted by radon daughters $Po^{218}$ are detected with ZnS(Ag) scintillation counter. Hourly mean concentrations and hourly alpha counts are recorded automatically. The major results obtained from time series observation of atmospheric radon were as follows : (1) The mean of airborne radon concentration in Seoul was found to be $7.62{\pm}4.11\;Bq/m^3$ during December $1999{\sim}January$ 2002. (2) The hourly variation of radon concentrations showed the highest in 8:00AM ($8.66{\pm}4.22\;Bq/m^3$) and the lowest in 3:00AM ($6.62{\pm}3.70\;Bq/m^3$) and 5:00AM ($6.62{\pm}3.39\;Bq/m^3$). (3) the seasonal variation of radon concentrations showed higher during winter-to-fall and lower during summer-to-spring. (4) Correlation between airborne radon concentration and the meteorological factors were -0.21 for temperature, 0.09 for humidity, -0.20 for wind speed, and 0.04 for pressure. (5) The mean difference of airborne radon concentration between Asian dust ($5.36{\pm}1.28\;Bq/m^3$) and non-Asian dust ($4.95{\pm}1.49\;Bq/m^3$) phenomenon was significant (p=0.08). We could identify time series distribution of radon concentration related meteorological factors. In addition, radon can be considered a good natural tracer of vertical dispersion and long-range transport.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.23 no.1 s.29
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• pp.43-56
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• 1990

To evaluate the difference of concentration and mutagenicity of organic pollutants between residential and traffic area of Seoul, air samples were collected in Bulkwang (residential) and Shinchon (traffic) area. Samples were analyzed to measure the concentration of extractable organic matters (EOM) and their subfractions and mutagenicities were tested using Salmonella typhimurium TA 98. The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were also measured by gas-chromatography and compared between two areas. The results were as follows ; 1. While the concentration of total suspended particulate (TSP) in residential area was below the environmental standard in annual average, the concentration in traffic area was above the standard and was up to its maximum $256{\mu}g/m^3$ in November. The difference of TSP concentrations in both areas of each month was statistically significant (P<0.05). 2. The concentration of fine particle in traffic area was significantly higher compare to that in residential area and showed statistically significant monthly difference in both areas (P<0.05). The proportion of concentration of fine particle to TSP was 55-68%. 3. Mean concentrations of EOM in residential and traffic areas were $4.3{\mu}g/m^3\;and\;5.3{\mu}g/m^3$ respectively. The proportion of amount of EOM from fine particle to EOM from TSP was 70-88%. 4. While the percentage of polar neutral organic compounds (POCN) of fine particle in Bulkwang's sample was higher compare to Shinchon's sample, the percentage of aliphatic compounds of fine particle in Shinchon's sample was higher compare to Bulkwang's sample. The percentages of PAH fraction were as low as 6-10% in both areas. 5. The mutagenic activity of nit concentration of organic matters extracted from fine particle was higher compare to that of coarse particle and was increased when metabolically activated with S9. Mutagenicities with metabolic activation calculated by unit air volume were significantly different between residential and traffic area, $17\;revertants/m^3$\;and\;22\;revertants/m^3$ respectively. 6. The concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene in fine particle of traffic and residential areas were $3.10ng/m^3\;and\;2.02ng/m^3$ respectively. Sixteen PAHs were higher in samples of traffic area compare to residential area and also concentrations of PAHs in fine particle were higher compare to coarse particle.