• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.101-113
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• 1994

Geochemical investigations based on measurements of water parameters and sampling of stream sediments have been carried out, in the Okdongcheon stream and its tributaries in the Sangdong area of South Korea. There are two main problems occurring in the Okdongcheon stream: an acid mine drainage in the upper reaches and toxic trace metal contamination of the stream sediments mainly in the lower reaches. Acid mine water originating from coal mining was neutralized at the confluence of the Cheonpyongcheon stream whilst suspended solids due to flocculation of iron in water caused turbidity which was undesirable. Sediments in the Okdongcheon stream have been contaminated by mining activites. Iron was heavily concentrated in sediments in the upper Okdongcheon whilst toxic trace metals including Pb, Cu, Zn, Co, Cd, As and Bi were accumulated in sediments at stations draining metallic mining areas and near the tailings dam. There is now a requrement to neutralise the acid mine drainage and to use site-specific analysis of biological communities to ensure the conservation and preservation of aquatic organisms.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.297-310
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• 1998

Geochemical characteristics of environmental toxic elements at the Narim mine area were investigated on the basis of major, minor, rare earth element geochemistry and mineralogy. Ratios of $Al_2O_3/Na_2O$ and $K_2O/Na_2O$ in soils and sediments range from 11.57 to 22.21 and from 1.86 to 3.93, and are partly negative and positive correlation against $SiO_2/Al_2O_3$ (3.41 to 4.78), respectively. These suggested that sediment source of host granitic gneiss could be due to rocks of high grade metamorphism originated by sedimentary rocks. Characteristics of some trace and rare earth elements of V/Ni (0.33 to 1.95), Ni/Co (2.00 to 6.50), Zr/Hf (11.27 to 53.10), La/Ce (0.44 to 0.55), Th/Yb (4.07 to 7.14), La/Th (2.35 to 3.93), $La_N/Yb_N$ (6.58 to 13.67), Co/Th (0.63 to 2.68), La/Sc (3.29 to 5.94) and Sc/Th (0.49 to 1.00) are revealed a narrow range and homogeneous compositions may be explained by simple source lithology. Major elements in all samples are enriched $Al_2O_3$, MgO, $TiO_2$ and LOI, especially $Fe_2O_3$ (mean=7.36 wt.%) in sediments than the composition of host granitic gneiss. The average enrichment indices of major and rare earth elements from the mining drainage are 2.05 and 2.91 of the sediments and are 2.02 and 2.60 of the soils, normalizing by composition of host granitic gneiss, respectively. Average composition (ppm) of minor and/or environmental toxic elements in sediments and soils are Ag=14 and 1, As=199 and 14, Cd=22 and 1, Cu=215 and 42, Pb=1770 and 65, Sb=18 and 3, Zn=3333 and 170, respectively, and extremely high concentrations are found in the subsurface sediments near the ore dump. Environmental toxic elements were strongly enriched in all samples, especially As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb and Zn. The level of enrichment was very severe in mining drainage sediments, while it was not so great in the soils. Based on the EPA value, enrichment index of toxic elements is 8.63 of mining drainage sediments and 0.54 of soils on the mining drainage. Mineral composition of soils and sediments near the mining area were partly variable being composed of quartz, mica, feldspar, amphibole, chlorite and clay minerals. From the gravity separated mineralogy, soils and sediments are composed of some pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, goethite and various hydroxide minerals.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.793-800
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• 2007

A total of 48 samples of street dust were collected in Daegu area during April and May 2006, were sieved below 100 ${\mu}m$, and analysed by ICP for the analysis of 14 elements after an acid extraction. Results obtained from the source assessment of trace elements using enrichment factor showed that Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na and V were influenced by natural sources such as soil and dust, while Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were influenced by urban anthropogenic sources such as fuel combustion and waste incineration. The measured values were remarkably higher in components from natural sources than in components from urban anthropogenic sources. The concentrations of trace elements in Daegu area were generally higher than in other foreign cities. Samples originated from industrial and commercial areas had higher concentrations of trace elements and pollution indices of heavy metals than those from residential and green areas. The correlation analysis among trace elements indicated that the correlations among components from urban anthropogenic sources were much significant, while those among components from natural sources were less correlated. In addition there were significant correlations between traffic density and components from urban anthropogenic sources.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.42-50
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• 2009

Samples of subway dust were collected by the air filter system of 30 subway stations on Daegu subway line 1 in January 2008. Samples were sieved below 100 ${\mu}m$, and 14 elements were analyzed using ICP after acid extraction. Results obtained from the source assessment of trace elements using enrichment factor showed that Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, V were influenced by natural sources such as weathered rock and resuspended soil, while Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were influenced by anthropogenic sources such as fuel combustion and waste incineration. Concentrations were remarkably higher in components from natural sources than in components from anthropogenic sources. Anthropogenic sources were significantly affected by indoor dusts than outdoor dusts. Results of pollution indices of heavy metals indicated that indoor dusts were more contaminated with heavy metal ions than outdoor dusts. The correlation analysis among trace elements indicated that components were much correlated in the order of natural sources-anthropogenic sources, anthropogenic sources-anthropogenic sources, natural sources-natural sources in both indoor and outdoor dusts. Trace element components of outdoor dusts were largely correlated than those of indoor dusts. In addition, indoor dusts were significantly affected by outdoor dusts rather than depth from the surface or the average daily number of subway passengers.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.108-117
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• 2005

Pharmaceutical byproduct sludge and cosmetic industry wastewater sludge can be used as a raw material of compost. Effects of three types of pharmaceutical byproduct sludge and one type of cosmetic industry wastewater sludge on soil properties and red pepper growth were investigated in a field based concrete pot ($2{\times}2m$). These sludges and pig manure ($5Mg\;ha^{-1}$, dry basis) were incorporated into the upper of loam soil 30 days prior to transplanting red pepper. Changes in soil properties and contents of heavy metals and toxic organic compounds in soil and plant were measured. And also plant growth measurement and bioassay of soil phytotoxicity were included. Contents of heavy metals were increased in the soils treated with the sludges. Plant growth in the sludge treatments were mostly inferior to that of NPK treatment, especially in early stage. Content of N in plant was lower in all sludge treatments at early and middle growth stages, and it was especially caused by characteristics and concentration of nitrogen and organic matter of sludges. Total yield of red pepper was highest in the NPK treatment and followed by pharmaceutical sludge 3, pig manure, pharmaceutical sludge 1, and pharmaceutical sludge 2, and the yield of cosmetic sludge treatment was considerably lower than others. HEM and PAHs contents in soil of cosmetic sludge treatment were $4.80mg\;kg^{-1}$ and $2,263.2{\mu}g\;kg^{-1}$, respectively. Root elongation of lettuce exposed to the water extract of soil treated with cosmetic sludge was about 20% of that found in the test with soil extract of non fertilization treatment. At present, raw materials of compost were authorized according to the contents of organic matter, heavy metals and product processing. Toxic organic compounds analysis and bioassay would be helpful for authorization and assessment of suitability of raw materials of compost.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.277-281
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• 1999

Chemical composition of imported table salts from China (sun dried), Thailand (sun dried) and Australia (rock salt) were compared the mineral content and heavv metal contamination with Korean sun dried salt. Kimchies prepared by those salts were analyzed the quality by pH, acidity and sensory evaluation. Chemical compositions were as follows : moisturefrom 1.7% (Australia) to 8.7% (Korea), sodium chloride-from 86.7% (China, summer) to 97% (Australia), insoluble matter in water-from 0.02% (Australia) to 0.18 (China), and sulfate ionfrom 0.03% (Australia) to 1.65% (China, summer). Judging by Korean Standard(KS) of salt, salt from Australia and Thailand belong to 1st grade, Korean and Chinese (winter) to 2nd grade, and China (summer) were out of 3rd grade. Ca and Mg content of the salts tested were 0.022% (Australia) to 0.246 (China, winter), 0.036% (Australia) to 0.841% (China, summer) respectively and Pb was 1.23 ppm(China, summer)~0.61ppm(Korea) which is within the Korean regulation. The other heavy metals, Pb, Cd, As and Hg were not detected in all salts tested. The quality of Kimchi prepared by those salts were significantly no difference with Korean sun dried salt.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.133-147
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• 2004

Environmental quality(water and sediment) was analyzed in the tidal flat of Saemangum of Jeonbuk Province, the west coast of Korea, using the 101 sediment samples and 69 water samples collected in September 4~13, 2001. Major water quality parameters with the means of 69 surface water samples are as follows; $25.51{\pm}0.68^{\circ}C$ for water temperature, $29.88{\pm}5.01$ for salinity, $1.40{\pm}0.78mg/L$ for COD, $0.352{\pm}0.417mg/L$ for DIN, and $0.027{\pm}0.023mg/L$ for phosphate, respectively. Higher values were found at the subestuary of Dongjin and Mangyung River, and lower values at the Saemangum embayment and Gomso Bay. There was a significant negative correlation between salinity and the other water quality parameters(p<0.0001) such as COD, nutrients, SS and N/P. This correlation suggested that the major pollution sources be from terrestrial inputs through tributaries in this area. Principal component analysis clearly revealed a spatial variation of water quality; stations with higher values of nutrients and COD located subestuary of tributaries. 14 sediment quality parameters including 8 trace metals were measured using the 101 surface sediment samples. Average values for the parameters are as follows; Al $2.28{\pm}0.92%$, Cd $0.61{\pm}0.27ppm$, Cu $8.95{\pm}4.06ppm$, Fe $1.19{\pm}0.37%$, Mn $182.31{\pm}77.45ppm$, Ni $10.83{\pm}4.97ppm$, Pb $15.20{\pm}4.35ppm$, Zn $41.34{\pm}34.62ppm$, COD $2.68{\pm}1.85mg/g\;dry$, AVS $0.04{\pm}0.08mg/g\;dry$, IL $1.29{\pm}1.08%$, water content $24.11{\pm}4.49%$, TN $0.02{\pm}0.02%$, TC $0.22{\pm}0.30%$. Spatial variations of sediment quality were not clear as water quality. Some higher values were found at the subestuary of Gum River and lower values at the other area. There was a significant positive correlation between the heavy metal concentrations and organic materials within the sediment(p<0.05). Enrichment factors showed the ranges of 1~2 for most of the metals in the sediment except zinc(1~6), indicating no serious exogenous input of heavy metals in the study area. Also, the heavy metal concentrations in the sediment were within the ranges found at the natural marine environments.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.37-44
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• 2008

This study was performed to synthesize Na-A type zeolite with melting slag from the Mapo incineration site and recycle the zeolite as an environmental remediation agent. The melting slag used had a favorable composition containing 26.6% $SiO_2$, 10.9% $Al_2O_3$ and 2.7% $Na_2O$ for zeolite synthesis although there were high contents of iron oxides, including 19.6% $Fe_2O_3$ and 18.9% FeO, which had been used as a flux for the melting. It was confirmed that the Na-A type zeolite could be successfully synthesized at $80^{\circ}C$ and $SiO_2/Al_2O_3\;=\;0.80{\sim}1.96$. The cation exchange capacities (CEC) of the zeolites was determined to be about 220 cmol/kg leveled off at the synthetic time more than 10hrs. The adsorption capacities of zeolite to heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Mn and Pb) were high except for As arid Cr. It was also confirmed through the Eh and pH analysis that As and Cr existed in the forms of $HAsO_4^{2-}$ and $CrO_4^{2-}$. The low absorption rates of zeolite for As and Cr are attributed to the fact that the pore size ($4\;{\AA}$) of Na-A type is smaller than those of $HAsO_4^{2-}$ and $CrO_4^{2-}$ ions ($4\;{\AA}$ ionic radii and $8\;{\AA}$ diameter).

• Elastomers and Composites
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.243-250
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• 2003

Polyurethane waterproof (PW) coatings are increasingly demanded in Korea for repairing cracks on old building roofs and construction of many sporting facilities. Calcium carbonate, a common filler, is incorporated in PW compositions. In this study, PW coatings were prepared by substituting a part of calcium carbonate with fly ash. The maximum amounts of calcium carbonate which can be substituted by fly ash obtained in the cyclone and bag filter dust collectors were 20 and 10%, respectively. It was found that the curing rate of PWs ran be controlled by varying the amount of Pb-octoate catalyst. The elongations at break as well as tensile strength and tear strength of PW coatings containing fly ash could also be adjusted such that their values were comparable to those of a standard PW coating by varying relative amounts of some components. However, the amount of cadmium, mercury, and lead leached from PW coatings containing fly ash obtained from the bag filter collector exceeded the respective allowed upper limits, mainly due to the initial high contents of them in the fly ash. On the other hand, PW coatings containing fly ash obtained from the cyclone collector exhibited better mechanical properties and did not release any significant amounts of the heavy metals. Thus, it was concluded that PW coatings containing fly ash can be utilized for practical applications as long as an appropriate fly ash is used.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.108-116
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• 2013

BACKGROUND: Certain crop-based waste materials have been recognized as cost-effective and highly efficient adsorbents for removal and recovery of different kind of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The ability is strongly attributed to the carboxyl functional group of some pectin substances such as galacturonic acid often found in fruit peels. The present manuscript was aimed at assessing the potential applicability of banana peel for metal removal from contaminated waters. METHODS AND RESULTS: As revealed by laboratory investigations, banana peel contains pectin (10-21%), lignin (6-12%), cellulose (7.6-9.6%), and hemicelluloses (6.4-9.4%). The pectin extraction is reported to have glucose, galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, xylose, and galactouroninc acid. Several studies conducted under different conditions proved that banana peel is capable of adsorbing 5.71, 2.55, 28.00, 6.88, 7.97, and 5.80 mg/g of $Cd^{2+}$, $Co^{2+}$, $Cu^{2+}$, $Ni^{2+}$, $Pb^{2+}$, and $Zn^{2+}$, respectively, from aqueous solutions. Adsorption capacity is, however, dependent upon several factors including solution pH, dose of adsorbent and metal concentration, contact time and shaking speed. CONCLUSION(S): Since the annual world production of banana exceeds 100 million tons, about 40 million tons of banana peel (40% of total weight of the fresh fruit) remains vastly unused. Exploring a sound technology with banana peel would therefore, not only address the much needed sustainable tool for cleaning contaminated waters, but of course bring an additional value to the banana industry worldwide.