• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.75-82
• /
• 1994

Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) is known as important criteria for ecotoxicology on hazardous chemicals. But there is no standard method for determining BCF and reported BCFs were slightly different in accordance with authors. This study was performed with aims to determine BCFs on BPMC and Carbaryl. Carassius auratus(goldfish) be chosen as test organism and test period were 3-day, 5-day and 10-day. Extract solvents were n-hexane and acetonitrile. GC-ECD was used to detecting carbamates. The obtained results were as follows: 1. It was possible to determine short term BCF$_s$ of Carbaryl or BPMC through relatively simple procedure. 2. BCF$_3$ of Carbaryl in concentration of 1, 2, 5, 10 ppm were 0.34 $\pm$ 0.06, 0.18 $\pm$ 0.02, 0.10 $\pm$ 0.01, 0.06 $\pm$ 0.01 respectively. BCF$_5$ of Carbaryl were 0.34 $\pm$ 0.05, 0.18 $\pm$ 0.02, 0.13 $\pm$ 0.01 and 0.07 $\pm$ 0.01, BCF$_{10}3$ of Carbaryl were 0.45 $\pm$ 0.05, 0.27 $\pm$ 0.02, 0.16 $\pm$ 0.02 and 0.09 $\pm$ 0.01. BCF$_3$ of BPMC in concentration of 1, 2, 5 ppm were 4.66 $\pm$ 0.17, 2.64 $\pm$ 0.49, 1.88 $\pm$ 0.24 respectively. BCF$_5$ of BPMC were 4.09 $\pm$ 0.50, 2.42 $\pm$ 0.37 and 1.83 $\pm$ 0.15. 3. BCF$_s$ of BPMC were decreased as increasing concentration. However, BPMC concentration in fish were increased in contrast to BCF. But more concentrated BPMC was found in fish 3-day test than found concentration in fish 5-day test. 4. Same trend appeared in Carbaryl. BCF$_s$ of Carbaryl were decreased as increasing concentration and prolonging test period. But found Carbaryl concentration in fish were increased. 5. BCF$_s$ of BPMC were higher than that of Carbaryl by 10 times, in spite of the physicochemical properties of the two carbamates were similar to each other. Further study is recommended to find out the reason of the difference.

• Analytical Science and Technology
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.24-35
• /
• 2010

To learn more about the calibration properties of reduced sulfur compounds (RSCs) by the combination of gas chromatography(GC)-pulsed flame photometric detector (PFPD) and thermal desorption method, a series of calibration experiments were conducted on the basis of both internal and external calibration approaches. For these experiments, gaseous standards of 4 RSCs ($H_2S$, $CH_3SH$, DMS, and DMDS) were prepared at two different concentration levels of both low (10, 20, 50,and 100 ppb) and high ranges (100, 200, 500, and 1000 ppb) along with $CS_2$ as an internal standard. First, the external calibration results were compared between fixed standard volume (FSV) and fixed standard concentration (FSC) method. Secondly, FSV-based calibration results were compared between external and internal calibration results. As FSV method suffers from sensitivity variations less significantly than FSC, the former is recommended to maintain the consistency in GC-TD sensitivity for RSC analysis. In addition, when the calibration data were examined in terms of RSE between external and internal calibration data, the results were not consistent enough to show improvements in internal method. Hence, diverse efforts are desirable to optimize the reproducibility in terms of GC-TD sensitivity for RSC analysis.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.334-341
• /
• 2016

Objectives: This study is aimed at examining radon exposure in offices and the factors that can influence the concentrations. Methods: Indoor radon concentrations in a total of 30 places were measured from January 18 to 21, 2016, targeting six buildings in Seoul with different completion years. The measurement was conducted according to the radon measurement guidelines for indoor air suggested by the Ministry of Environment. Results: As a result of comparing each average concentration, underground area concentration was $42.850{\pm}22.501Bq/m^3$, and that of the ground floors was $27.850{\pm}12.232Bq/m^3$, which was lower than the concentration in the underground areas and statistically significant (p=0.045). As a result of comparing the concentration according to whether or not outside air entered, the average concentration for ventilated areas was $24.876{\pm}11.833Bq/m^3$, and the average concentration for enclosed areas was $47.892{\pm}19.375Bq/m^3$. The concentration in ventilated areas was lower at a statistically significant level (p=0.001). Finally, as a result of the multiple regression analysis for evaluating the factors influencing radon concentration, only ventilation was significant (p=0.007). Conclusions: As a result of measuring radon in office buildings, there was no place that exceeding the recommended standard of the US EPA, but the concentration in poorly ventilated areas was measured to be high. An effort to manage radon concentration and reduce it through the improvement of ventilation systems, repeated measurement is necessary in the future.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.48 no.1
• /
• pp.44-51
• /
• 2022

Background: Air pollution is increasing together with industrialization and urbanization. In order to reduce air pollution, public transportation is recommended rather than private cars, and the number of passengers using public transportation is increasing accordingly. This study observes the concentration of indoor pollutants in city buses over time. Through this means, we intend to suggest a plan to manage the indoor air quality in city buses. Objectives: The concentration of indoor pollution in public transportation was investigated from April 2021 to January 2022. Based on this, we evaluated the exposure to indoor pollutants. Methods: Six city bus lines in an industrial city were selected for the research, and indoor pollution was measured through IoT (Internet of Things)-based sensor-type measuring devices. The concentration of pollutants was measured every minute, and statistical data were constructed based on the measurement results. Results: In all the city buses studied, the average concentration of pollutants were below the guidelines. However, some measurement results showed cases of exceeding the guidelines. As a result of the analysis by time zone, there were more cases in which pollutants exceeded the standard value during rush hour compared to at other times. A risk assessment for PM₁₀ was performed by evaluating the excess mortality risk from exposure and the risk from inhalation exposure. Conclusions: All measured indoor pollutants in the city buses did not exceed the guidelines. Also, the risk assessment results were found to be within the level of safety. However, if a city bus is used for a long time, there is a possibility that there may be an impact on the human body due to inhalation exposure, so additional management is required.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.102-110
• /
• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyze the content of N,N-dimethylformamide(DMF) in polyurethane coated gloves(PU-gloves) and to assess the dermal exposure generated by wearing them. Methods: We analyzed the concentrations of DMF in 12 gloves by EN16778 standard. The samples cut into pieces of about 10 by 10 mm and extracted with methanol in flask in an ultrasonic bath at 70℃. An aliquot of the extract is analyzed with GC-MS. The dose of dermal exposure was calculated by ECETOC TRA consumer 3.1 and compared with derived no effect level(DNEL) for systemic effects due to long term exposure by workers. The extracted amount of DMF by saline solution was compared with that by EN16778 standard. Results: The mean concentration of DMF in PU-gloves was 1,377 mg/kg(range 13~3,948 mg/kg). The concentration of DMF showed significantly differences by packing type, manufacturer, and price(p<0.05). The dose of dermal exposure was 0.0007~0.572 mg/kg body weight/day when the DMF content was 10~4,000 mg/kg. The DMF extracted by saline solution was around 11% for 8 hours. Conclusions: The risk of dermal exposure due to the residual DMF in the PU-gloves was not signifiant. But, the limit of 1,000 mg/kg in PU-gloves can be recommended for international standard and trading systems.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
• /
• v.36 no.9
• /
• pp.659-666
• /
• 2014

The purpose of this study was to suggest a standard design procedure of landfarming for clean-up of oil-contaminated soils. The standard design procedure consisted of four main phases; soil characterization, determination of contaminated soil volume, determination of nutrient and microbial doses, and estimation of the total remedial period. This study selected standard design parameter values or ranges among various forms used in environmental engineer communities. Those were determination procedures for the contaminated soil volume, the initial contamination concentration and nutrient doses. The suggested standard design procedure were applied for a landfarm design for remediation of a real oil-contaminated site. Soil texture of the site was classified as sandy clay loam and sandy loam. Total nitrogen and total phosphorus were estimated to be 57.01 mg/kg and 83.40 mg/kg, respectively. Also the viable bacterial numbers was assessed to be $1.78{\times}10^4CFU/g$ dry soil. The amount of TPH contaminated soil was estimated to be $4,092m^3$. With the application of remedial factors, it was estimated that the contaminated soil could be treated through 9 batches with a duration of 315 days for a landfarming unit of $15m{\times}40m{\times}1m$. The amount of liquid microorganisms and fertilizers were recommended to be 4,025L and 4,641kg, respectively.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.44 no.3
• /
• pp.250-258
• /
• 2018

Objectives: The study examined indoor air quality during daytime and commute times in underground parking lots in five apartments located in northern Gyeonggi province. Methods: This study examined the temporal characteristics of $PM_{10}$, $CO_2$, CO, HCHO and VOCs in the indoor air quality of the underground parking lots in five apartments. Results: $PM_{10}$ concentration in daytime were ranged from 37.4 to $69.9{\mu}g/m^3$ which complied with the indoor air quality maintenance standard ($200{\mu}g/m^3$) and Gyeonggi province ordinance standard ($180{\mu}g/m^3$). However $PM_{10}$ concentrations in commuting time were in range of $447.3{\sim}944.0{\mu}g/m^3$ that exceeded for both criteria. The $CO_2$, CO and HCHO concentrations complied with the standard. The VOCs indicated high tendency in the order of toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene and benzene. This tendency was more apparent in commuting time than daytime. Conclusion: All indoor parking lots of five apartments were equipped with ventilators. However the most apartment residents did not operate blowers to save electricity and the lack of interest for indoor air quality. In order to improve the indoor air quality of underground parking lots in apartment, operating ventilation system during commuting time is recommended.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.4 no.2
• /
• pp.157-167
• /
• 1994

This study was conducted to analyze the relationship between the types of fiber and its content and the levels of airborne fiber concentrations at eight parking lots where sprayed insulation material was found on the walls and ceilings. Also this study was designed to find the relationship between the levels of airborne fiber concentrations and such variables as air current, humidity, total exhaust volume, surface condition of insulation material and building age. The results obtained were as follows : 1. No significant correlation was found between the levels of airborne tiber concentration and the building age, air current, humidity, total exhaust volume, space and the number of traffics. 2. A significant correlation was found between the levels of airborne fiber concentration and the MMMF content of the insulation material(r=0.7594). However, no significant correlation was found between the levels of airborne fiber concentration and total fiber content of insulation material. 3. The differences of the airborne fiber concentrations among Cateogory 1, 2 and 3 classified by the degrees of surface insulation material maintenance were very significant. 4. Two bulk samples contained 30% crodicolite and 1% anthophylite. The MMMFs, in all parking lots, included mineral wool, cellulose fiber, trace cellulose fiber, trace tiber glass and vermiculite. 5. The mean value and the range of airborne fiber concentrations at 8 parking lots were $0.0239{\pm}0.0095f/cc$ and 0.0054-0.0447 f/cc, respectively. The fiber concentrations of 35 out of 38 samples(92%) were over 0.01 f/cc which is the Environment Administration's recommended asbestos level for the underground space. This study suggests that most of building insulation materials used in Korea, contain MMMF and sometimes asbestos. Currently, MMMF pollution levels may exceed the Environment Administration's recommended level for underground space. It has been found that airborne fiber concentrations increased significantly with MMMF content and with the maintenance condition of surface material. Therefore, it is recommended that a proper management technique should be developed and immediately implemented since the conditions of surface material will be gradually deteriorated due to building age and usage. Since health hazards of the MMMF, similar to those of asbestos, are being gradually acknowledged, a proper management technique which is applicable to control total airborne fiber concentrations, both asbestos and MMMF, be developed and an acceptable indoor air standard be promulgated as early as possible.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.73-81
• /
• 1991

To assess biological air quality, concentrations of viable airborne microbes were determined in hospital home and outdoor air from August 25 to October 18, 1990. Bacteria, fungi and thermophilic bacteria were sampled using gravitational and suctional sampling method. In bacteria groups, the Staphylococcus spp. was identified by microscopic examination and biochemical tests. Results of the study are as follows. 1. Results using the gravitational sampling method indicated that average numbers of airborne microbes in hospital home and outdoor air were 21.5, 12.2 and 17.6 CFU/plate, respectively. These levels are well within an appropriate standard of 50 CFU/plate suggested by Endo. 2. Results using the suctional sampling method indicated that total airborne microbe concentrations in hospital, home and outdoor air were 1,998, 1,363 and $1,880CFU/m^3$, respectively. All of the results were within the recommended remedial action level, $10,000CFU/m^3$ of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists(ACGIH). 3. Concentration of thermophilic bacteria in hospital and outdoor air were 79 and $111CFU/m^3$, respectively. Thermophilic bacteria were not detected in the home air. These results were within the remedial action level, $500CFU/m^3$. 4. Concentrations of Gram negative bacilli in holpital home and outdoor air were 20.3, 23.6 and $16.8CFU/m^3$, respectively. all were within the remedial action level, $500CFU/m^3$, recommended by ACGIH. 5. Concentrations of Staphylococcus spp. in hospital, home and outdoor air were 34.8, 14.7, and $22.4CFU/m^3$. respectively. all were within the remedial action level, $75CFU/m^3$, recommended by ACGIH. The percentages of Staphylococcus spp. in total bacteria in hospital, home and outdoor air were 19.0, 10.2 and 14.5%, respectively.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.38 no.6 s.175
• /
• pp.657-662
• /
• 2005

Extractions fro fertilizer and soil samples were performed to yield the operationally defined fractions 'soluble' chromate (extractable with $NH_4NO_3$), 'exchangeable' chromate (extractable with phosphate buffer pH 7.2), and these results were compared with the data obtained by extractions with ammonium sulfate, borate buffer pH 7.2, saturated borax pH 9.6, and polyphosphate (Graham's salt). In order to maintain the pH of extractant solution about constant, the concentration of extractant buffer had to be raised to at least 0.5 M. The results strongly depended on the kind of extractant, and the solid: liquid ratio. For most of the samples investigated, the extraction efficiency increased in the order borate-sulfate-nitrate-phosphate. Whereas the recovery of $K_2CrO_4\;and\;CaCrO_4$ added to the samples of basic slags prior to the extraction was about complete, the recovery of added $PbCrO_4$ was highly variable. In soil extracts, the color reaction was interfered from co-extracted humics, which react with the chromate in weak acid solution during the time period necessary for color reaction (1 hour). However, this problem can be overcome by standard addition and subtraction of the color of the extractant solution. In soil extract of about pH < 7, organic material reduced chromate during the extraction period also, and standard addition of soluble chromate is recommended to prove recovery and the stability of chromate in the samples. In admixtures of soils and basic slags, results for hexavalent chromium were lower than from the mere basic slags. This effect was more pronounced in phosphate than in nitrate extracts. As a proficiency test, samples low in organic carbon from contaminated sites in Hungary were tested. The results from $NH_4NO_3$ extracts satisfactorily matched the results of the Hungarian labs obtained from $CalCl_2$ extractants.