• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
• /
• v.7 no.3
• /
• pp.115-132
• /
• 2002

To distinguish the anthropogenic inputs from the chemical weathering with water-rock interaction on the chemical compositons of groundwater in Kwangju city, four different water groups were established based on the landuse type, lithology and topology. The sample from greenbelt area belongs to Group Ⅰ, whereas those from green buffer zone, urban area and industrial area belong to Group II, Group Ⅲ and Group Ⅳ, respectively. The geology of this city mainly consists of biotite granite and granitic gneiss. The concentration of main cations is subject to the behavior of feldspars, micas and carbonate minerals. Cl$\^$-/ and NO$_3$$\^$-/ are supplied by anthropogenic inputs such as domestic sewage whose concentration of these anions is highest in the Group Ⅲ samples. With the Piper diagram, the groundwaters of Group Ⅲ are mainly plotted in CaSO$_4$-CaCl$_2$ type, whereas those of other groups are plotted in Ca(HCO$_3$)$_2$ type, The calculation for the activities of ions and saturation indices of some minerals shows that most of the minerals are undersaturated and plotted in the area of equlibrium with kaolinite. Three factors were extracted from the factor analysis for chemical data. Factor 1 controlled by HCO$_3$$\^$-/, Ca$\^$2-/, SO$_4$$\^$2-/, Mg$\^$2+/ and Na$\^$+/, explains the dissolution of carbonate minerals. mica and plagioclase. Factor 2, controlled by Cl$\^$-/ and NO$_3$$\^$-/, explains the influence of artificial pollution. Factor 3, controlled by Mn, Fe and Zn is subject to the industrial waste water, but the evidence is not clear. Factor 1 is dominant in the Group I and II, indicating that those samples are subjected to natural chemical weathering, The higher scores of factor 2 in the Group Ⅲ samples indicate the potential artificial pollution.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.56 no.3
• /
• pp.187-195
• /
• 2023

Almost all of the water from agricultural dams located to the upper of the Yeongsan river is supplied as irrigation water for farmland and thus is not discharged to the main stream of the river. Also, most of the irrigation water does not return to the river after use, adding to the lack of flow in the main stream. As a result, the water quality and aquatic health of the river have become the poorest among the four major rivers in Korea. Therefore, in this study, several strategies for water quality improvement of the river were developed considering pollution reduction and flow rate increase, and their effect analysis was performed using a water quality model. The results of this study showed that the target water quality of the Yeongsan river could be achieved if flow increase strategies (FISs) are intensively pursued in parallel with pollution reduction. The reason is because the water quality of the river has been steadily improved through pollution reduction but this method is now nearing the limit. In addition, rainfall-related FISs such as dam construction and water distribution adjustment may be less effective or lost if a megadrought continues due to climate change and then rainfall does not occur for a long time. Therefore, in the future, if the application conditions for the FISs are similar, the seawater desalination facility, which is independent of rainfall, should be considered as the priority installation target among the FISs. The reason is that seawater desalination facilities can replace the water supply function of dams, which are difficult to newly build in Korea, and can be useful as a climate change adaptation facility by preventing water-related disasters in the event of a long-term megadrought.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.45 no.2
• /
• pp.158-173
• /
• 2012

The objectives of this study were to analyze the longitudinal gradient and temporal variations of water quality in Daecheong Reservoir in relation to the major inflowing streams from the watershed, during 2001~2010. For the study, we selected 7 main-stream sites of the reservoir along the main axis of the reservoir, from the headwater to the dam and 8 tributary streams. In-reservoir nutrients of TN and TP showed longitudinal declines from the headwater to the dam, which results in a distinct zonation of the riverine ($R_z$, M1~M3), transition ($T_z$, M4~M6), and lacustrine zone ($L_z$, M7) in water quality, as shown in other foreign reservoirs. Chlorophyll-a (CHL) and BOD as an indicator of organic matter, were maximum in the $T_z$. Concentration of total phosphorus (TP) was the highest (8.52 $mg\;L^{-1}$) on March in the $R_z$, and was the highest (165 ${\mu}g\;L^{-1}$) in the $L_z$ on July. Values of TN was the maximum (377 ${\mu}g\;L^{-1}$) on August in the $R_z$, and was the highest (3.76 $mg\;L^{-1}$) in the $L_z$ on August. Ionic dilution was evident during September~October, after the monsoon rain. The mean ratios of TN : TP, as an indicator of limiting factor, were 88, which indicates that nitrogen is a surplus for phytoplankton growth in this system. Nutrient analysis of inflowing streams showed that major nutrient sources were headwater streams of T1~T2 and Ockcheon-Stream of T5, and the most influential inflowing stream to the reservoir was T5, which is located in the mid-reservoir, and is directly influenced by the waste-water treatment plants. The key parameters, influenced by the monsoon rain, were TP and suspended solids (SS). Empirical models of trophic variables indicated that variations of CHL in the $R_z$ ($R^2$=0.044, p=0.264) and $T_z$ ($R^2$=0.126, p=0.054) were not accounted by TN, but were significant (p=0.032) in the $L_z$. The variation of the log-transformed $I_r$-CHL was not accounted ($R^2$=0.258, p=0.110) by $I_w$-TN of inflowing streams, but was determined ($R^2$=0.567, p=0.005) by $I_w$-TP of inflowing streams. In other words, TP inputs from the inflowing streams were the major determinants on the in-reservoir phytoplankton growth. Regression analysis of TN : TP suggested that the ratio was determined by P, rather than N. Overall, our data suggest that TP and suspended solids, during the summer flood period, should be reduced from the eutrophication control and P-input from Ockcheon-Stream should be controlled for water quality improvement.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.57-65
• /
• 2008

Wastewater containing strong organic matter is very difficult to treat by utilizing general sewage treatment plant. but the wastewater is adequate to generate biomass energy (bio-gas; methane gas) by utilizing anaerobic digestion. EcoDays Plug Flow Reactor (E-PFR), which was already proved as an excellent aerobic wastewater treatment reactor, was adapted for anaerobic food wastewater digestion. This research was performed to improve the efficiency of bio-gas production and to optimize anaerobic wastewater treatment system. Food wastewater from N food waste treatment plant was applied for the pilot scale experiments. The results indicated that the efficiency of anaerobic wastewater treatment and the volume of bio-gas were increased by applying E-PFR to anaerobic digestion. The structural characteristics of E-PFR can cause the high efficiency of anaerobic treatment processes. The unique structure of E-PFR is a diaphragm dividing vertical hydraulic multi-stages and the inversely protruded fluid transfer tubes on each diaphragm. The unique structure of E-PFR can make gas hold-up space at the top part of each stage in the reactor. Also, E-PFR can contain relatively high MLSS concentration in lower stage by vertical up-flow of wastewater. This hydraulic flow can cause high buffering capacity against shock load from the wastewater in the reactor, resulting in stable pH (7.0~8.0), relatively higher wastewater treatment efficiency, and larger volume of bio-gas generation. In addition, relatively longer solid retention time (SRT) in the reactor can increase organic matter degradation and bio-gas production efficiency. These characteristics in the reactor can be regarded as "ideal" anaerobic wastewater treatment conditions. Anaerobic wastewater treatment plant design factor can be assessed for having 70 % of methane gas content, and better bio-gas yielding and stable treatment efficiency based on the results of this research. For example, inner circulation with generated bio-gas in the reactor and better mixing conditions by improving fluid transfer tube structure can be used for achieving better bio-gas yielding efficiency. This research results can be used for acquiring better improved regenerated energy system.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.44 no.3
• /
• pp.272-279
• /
• 2011

Copper cyanide is a chemical produced in large quantities with 2,500 tonnes being produced in 2006. It is mainly used for electroplating copper, particularly alkali-Cu plate and brass plating. The purpose of this study is to reassess the physicochemical properties and environmental fate of copper cyanide based on reliable data and and to conduct an ecotoxicity test according to the OECD test guidelines as an initial environmental risk assessment (need to state where this was done). Metal containing inorganic substances are not subject to degradation, biodegradation or hydrolysis. Aquatic toxicity tests of copper cyanide were conducted according to OECD test guideline 201, 202 and 203 for green algae, daphnia, and fish, respectively. The following acute toxicity test results were obtained for aquatic species: 0.089 mg $L^{-1}$ (Algae, 72 Hr-$EC_{50}$); 0.21 mg $L^{-1}$ (flea, 48 Hr-$LC_{50}$); 0.62 mg $L^{-1}$ (Fish, 96 Hr-$ErC_{50}$). The chemical possesses properties indicating a hazard for the aquatic environment (acute toxicity in fish, daphnia and algae below 1.0 mg $L^{-1}$). As a result of this study, copper cyanide has become a candidate for detailed risk assessment. Countries that produce this chemical in significant quantities are recommended to perform specific assessments.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
• /
• v.22 no.11
• /
• pp.2047-2058
• /
• 2000

The effects of operating parameters on performance of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket(UASB). anaerobic filter(AF), and two-stage anaerobic sludge bed filter (ASBF) bioreactors in treating swine wastewater were evaluated by operating the lab-scale bioreactors upto hydraulic retention time(HRT) of 1 day and organic loading rate (OLR) of $5.1kg-COD/m^3{\cdot}d$ for 200 days. Swine wastewaters of which characteristics were affected by types of hog raising and seasons contained high concentrations of COD, SS, and ammonia. Inoculation of the bioreactors with waste sludge from anaerobic treatment facility of local municipal wastewater treatment plant was effective in developing biomass in the bioreactors. Acclimation period of the bioreactors with swine wastewaters required approximately 40 days, but that for AF and two-stage ASBF, which were filled with media, was faster than VASB. The bioreactors showed high and stable COD removal efficiency of 77~91% at influent T-N concentrations of 370~800mg/L but low and unstable COD removal efficiency of 24~94% at influent T-N concentrations of 760~1,310mg/L. It is essential to remove ammonia prior to anaerobic treatment since the concentrations of ammonia in swine wastewaters showed toxic effects to methanogenic bacteria. The bioreactors were effective in treating swine wastewaters with COD removal efficiency of 78.9~81.5% and biogas generation rate of $0.39{\sim}0.59m^3/kg-COD_r$ at OLR of $1.1{\sim}2.2kg-COD/m^3{\cdot}d$: however, an increase of OLR by reducing HRT and increasing influent COD caused decrease of COD removal efficiency. The extent of decrease in COD removal efficiency was higher in UASB than AF and two-stage ASBF. AF and two-stage ASBF anaerobic bioreactors were effective in treating varing characteristics of swine wastewaters since they showed high and stable COD removal efficiency at high OLR due to effective retention of biomass by media and staging.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
• /
• v.38 no.1
• /
• pp.42-46
• /
• 2016

The radioactive iodine ($^{131}I$) presents in the environment through the excrete process of nuclear medicine patients. In the detecting of low level of $^{131}I$ in the public water, the counting uncertainty has an effect on the accuracy and reliability of detecting $^{131}I$ radioactivity concentration. In this study, the contribution of sample amount, radioactivity concentration and counting time to the uncertainty was investigated in the case of public water sample. Sampling points are public water and the effluents of a sewage treatment plant at Sapkyocheon stream, Geumgang river. In each point, 1, 10 and 20 L of liquid samples were collected and prepared by evaporation method. The HPGe (High Purity Germanium) detector was used to detect and analyze emitted gamma-ray from samples. The radioactivity concentration of $^{131}I$ were in the range of 0.03 to 1.8 Bq/L. The comparison of the counting uncertainty of the sample amount, 1 L sample is unable to verify the existence of the $^{131}I$ under 0.5 Bq/L radioactivity concentration. Considering the short half-life of $^{131}I$ (8.03 days), a method for measuring 1 L sample was used. However comparing the detecting and preparing time of 1, 10 L respectively, detecting 10 L sample would be an appropriate method to distinguish $^{131}I$ concentration in the public water.

• Weed & Turfgrass Science
• /
• v.7 no.3
• /
• pp.275-282
• /
• 2018

Miscanthus species are known as a genus of eco-friendly and low-maintenance cost ornamental grasses. Plug and cutting methods were tested for multi-propagation of most promising ornamental Miscanthus species in greenhouse and field plot. The plug formation period with three different cell sizes with four cultivars (M. sinensis 'Andersson', 'Strictus', 'Gracillimus', 'Variegatus') were evaluated the seedling development stages with two irrigation types of the over-head and the bottom watering in greenhouse and field plot afterward during 2015-2016 season. In seedling plug test, the size of tray cell affected the plug formation. Bottom irrigation resulted positively on plant height, weight, root and tiller development compared with the over-head irrigation. Plug cell size affected the plant growth in the field after transplanting. All of the 3 Miscanthus species showed higher rates of successful propagation at the lower nodes before inflorescence formation (vegetative growth stage). To analyze the survival factors of M. xgiganteus cutting, the cutting time, node part, and culm diameter were tested as independent variables with the binary logistic model. The survival probability was influenced by node part and culm diameter significantly. The third and fifth node parts showed 0.12 (8X higher failure probability) and 0.02 (50X higher failure probability) times less survival probability. It means the survival probability will be increased by using older and lower part of cuttings during a vegetative growth stage before inflorescences of M. xgiganteus.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
• /
• v.14 no.4
• /
• pp.113-120
• /
• 2006

Wastewater generated through the food waste recycling process have known high concentration, BOD 20,000~150,000 mg/L, which has to treat to the proper level because of a ban on reclamation. But it is impossible to treat less than 10 days by existing water treatment plant. Ecodays Ltd. is to treat this wastewater during 2~4 days by ER-1, which can simultaneously induce the modified PFR(Plug Flow Reactor) of the oxygen transfer rate, MLVSS concentration, and influent concentration to top from bottom of reactor. We tested the pilot test about low concentration food wastewater(BOD 16,500 mg/L) and high concentration food wastewater(64,431 mg/L) at the food waste recycling plant of H-Gun(20t/d). Hydraulic retention time(HRT) of ER-1 for low concentration food wastewater is 2.5day. In low concentration conditions, ER-1 treatment efficiency is to appear BOD 99%, COD 98%, TN 97%, and TP 96%. While ER-1 process for high concentration food wastewater treatment is composed 2 stages, which are to be HRT 2.5day for law wastewater and HRT 1.5 day for secondary treatment. In high concentration conditions, ER-1 treatment efficiency is to appear BOD 97%, COD 84%, TN 66%, and TP 95%. It is treated without temperature control about high temperature($50^{\circ}C$) to appear low treatment efficiency in high concentration conditions.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.36 no.6
• /
• pp.441-455
• /
• 2003

The most common water types are found to be Ca-$HCO_3$, Ca-Na-$HCO_3$ and Ca-Na-$HCO_3$-Cl in Gwangju groundwater. Groundwater near the Gwangju stream are characterized Ca-Cl water type, with over 50 mg/L of C1- and 400 ${\mu}$S/cm of EC. The systematic variation of $Cl^-$, $HCO_3^-$,- EC and ${\gamma}^{18}O$ values in groundwater with distance away from drainages is caused by streamwater infiltration. Stable isotope data indicate that ${\gamma}$D and ${\gamma}^{18}O$ values of groundwaters near drainages were enriched by evaporation effect, showing a equation of ${\gamma}$D=7. 1${\times}{\gamma}^{18}O$-1. ${\gamma}^{18}O$ values over -6${\textperthansand}$ are anomalous in the unconfined groundwater zones, which are influenced by the local surface water enriched in $^{18}O$ composition. Groundwater in highland shows remarkably light ${\gamma}^{18}O$ values below -8$\textperthousand$. The infiltration of streamwater is dominant in unconfined alluvium aquifer near drainages. ${\gamma}^{13}$CDIC values (-17.6∼-15.2$\textperthousand$) of groundwaters near drainages revealed that dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) is predominantly originated from natural soil-derived $CO_2$. ${\gamma}^{15}N$ and ${\gamma}^{18}O$ values of nitrate are 0∼17.0${\textperthansand}$ and 6.6∼17.4${\textperthansand}$, respectively. Relationship between ${\gamma}^{15}N$ and ${\gamma}^{18}O$ shows a systematic isotopic fractionation caused by denitrification of 40∼60%, suggesting that the major source of groundwater nitrate originated from nitrate of soils, and mixing nitrate of soil and sewage or manure.