• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.300-312
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• 2017

To improve the understanding of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from the photo-oxidation of anthropogenic and biogenic precursors at the regional background station on Baengnyeong Island, Korea, gas phase and aerosol chemistries were investigated using the Proton Transfer Reaction Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS) and the Aerodyne High Resolution Time of Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS), respectively. HR-ToF-AMS measured fine particles ($PM_1$; diameter of particle matter less than $1{\mu}m$) at a 6-minute time resolution from February to November 2012, while PTR-ToF-MS was deployed during an intensive period from September 21 to 29, 2012. The one-minute time-resolution and high mass resolution (up to $4000m{\Delta}m^{-1}$) data from the PTR-ToF-MS provided the basis for calculations of the concentrations of anthropogenic and biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) including oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs). The dominant BVOCs from the site are isoprene (0.23 ppb), dimethyl sulphide (DMS, 0.20 ppb), and monoterpenes (0.38 ppb). Toluene (0.45 ppb) and benzene (0.32 ppb) accounted for the majority of anthropogenic VOCs (AVOCs). OVOCs including acetone (3.98 ppb), acetaldehyde (2.67 ppb), acetic acid (1.68 ppb), and formic acid (2.24 ppb) were measured. The OVOCs comprise approximately 75% of total measured VOCs, suggesting the occurrence of strong oxidation processes and/or long-range transported at the site. A strong photochemical aging and oxidation of the atmospheric pollutants were also observed in aerosol measured by HR-ToF-AMS, whereby a high $f_{44}:f_{43}$ value is shown for organic aerosols (OAs); however, relatively low $f_{44}:f_{43}$ values were observed when high concentrations of BVOCs and AVOCs were available, providing evidence of the formation of SOA from VOC precursors at the site. Overall, the results of this study revealed several different SOA formation mechanisms, and new particle formation and particle growth events were identified using the powerful tools scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS), PTR-ToF-MS, and HR-ToF-AMS.

• Journal of the Korean GEO-environmental Society
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• v.13 no.9
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• pp.69-74
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• 2012

This study investigated the TNT decomposition by the treatment of alkaline hydrolysis. To obtain this objecitive, spectrum shift characteristics, pH effect, kinetics, and product analysis were examined during the alkaline hydrolysis by means of hydroxide ions. At pH = 12, an aqueous solution of TNT was changed into yellow-brown coloring, in which its absorbances were newly increased in a range of wavelength 400-600 nm. From the kinetic data, pseudo-first-order rate constant in a excess of hydroxide ion, in contrast to TNT concentration, was $0.0022min^{-1}$, which means that the reaction rate between TNT and hydroxide ion can be very slow, and that 1,047 min is necessary to achieve a 90% reduction of the initial TNT. In products analyses, nitrite ions and formic acid were mainly produced by the alkaline hydrolysis, nitrate ions and oxalic acid as minor products were generated.

• Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.731-741
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• 2004

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of a gamma ray irradiation to decompose hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) in an aqueous solution. The decomposition reaction of RDX by gamma ray irradiation was a first-order kinetic over the applied initial concentrations (10-40mg/L). The dose constant was strongly dependent on the initial concentration of the RDX. The removal of RDX was more efficient at pH below 3 and at pH above 11 than at neutral pH (pH 5-9). The required irradiation dose to remove 99% of the RDX (40mg/L) was 4, 8 and 1 kGy, at pH 2, 7 and 13, respectively. The dose constant was increased by two folds and over twelve folds at pH 2 and 13, respectively, when compared with that at pH 7. When an irradiation dose of 20 kGy was applied, the removal efficiencies of TOC were 80, 57 and 91% at pH 2, 7 and 13, respectively. Ammonia and nitrate were detected as the main nitrogen byproducts of RDX and formic acid was detected as an organic byproduct. The results showed that a gamma ray irradiation was an attractive method for the decomposition of RDX in an aqueous solution and it was found that a strong alkaline pH over 12 should be applied to the decomposition reaction of RDX.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.10
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• pp.1389-1395
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• 2009

Generally, it takes a long time to purify wood vinegar, and it contains toxic compounds such as tar, methanol, phenol and benzopyrene. To reduce the toxicity of wood vinegar itself, we have developed a new purification method of wood vinegar using an oxidation-cohesion reaction and distillation with an active carbon. We have investigated the physico-chemical change (pH, specific gravity, refractive index and dissolved tar), the change of amount of toxic compounds (carbonyl group, phenol, benzopyrene and residual solvents) and organic acids (formic acid (FA), acetic acid (AA), propionic acid (PA)) of the purified wood vinegar under the long term and accelerated storage conditions. Also, we have evaluated the effect of the purified wood vinegar on hair growth using an alopecia model of C57BL/6 mice. As a result, we could find out that the purified wood vinegar was stable and remained without decay under the storage conditions and benzopyrene, a carcinogenic agent, was not detected in the purified wood vinegar. After topical treatment of the purified wood vinegar solution or minoxidil (MXD) for 2 weeks to dorsal skin, the hair regrowth of the mice accelerated faster than that of the control, with no clinical signs. In conclusion, we could suggest a guideline for quality control of process to reduce the toxic compounds in wood vinegar and it might be a useful hair growth promoter in the treatment of baldness or alopecia.