• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.530-539
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• 2021

Background: In South Korea, areas around abandoned metal mines are designated as regions with high arsenic (As) contamination. However, studies assessing urinary As exposure, As metabolism, and relevant genetic polymorphisms in residents of these metal mine areas are lacking. Objectives: To identify factors associated with As exposure and evaluate the effects of MTHFR, As3MT, and GSTO1 genetic polymorphisms on As metabolism in residents of abandoned metal mine areas by measuring urinary As species. Methods: Urinary As species (arsenite [As³⁺], arsenate [As⁵⁺], monomethyl arsonic acid, and dimethylarsinic acid) were isolated using high-performance liquid chromatography in combination with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). Four genetic polymorphisms (MTHFR A222V, MTHFR E429A, GSTO1 A140D, As3MT M287T) were analyzed in 144 residents of four areas around abandoned metal mines. Results: The study sample was comprised of 34.7% men and 65.3% women, with a mean age of 70.7±10.9 years. The urinary inorganic As concentration was higher among those consuming more than half locally produced rice (0.31 ㎍/L) than those consuming less than half such rice (0.18 ㎍/L). The urinary dimethylarsinic acid concentration was higher in the group that had consumed seafood in the past day (31.68 ㎍/L) than in those who had not (22.37 ㎍/L). Furthermore, individuals heterozygous in the MTHFR A222V and GSTO1 A140D polymorphism had higher urinary arsenic species concentrations than did individuals with a wild type or homozygous for the variant allele. Conclusions: Consumption of locally produced rice was associated with inorganic As exposure, whereas seafood consumption was associated with organic As exposure among residents of abandoned metal mine areas. There was no clear association between MTHFR A222V and GSTO1 A140D polymorphisms and As metabolism.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.245-253
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• 2022

Objectives: This study was conducted to find out if the dietary iron intake of Koreans estimated by 2 different methods (iron content sources) using the food intake data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) are comparable. One method was based on the KNHANES's Food & Nutrient Database (FND) derived mainly from the Korean Food Composition Table and the other used the iron content (IC) of food samples processed in the Korean Total Diet Study (KTDS). Methods: Dietary intake data from the 2013-2016 KNHANES was used to select representative foods (RFs) in KTDS for iron analysis. Selection of the RFs and cooking methods for each RF (RF × cooking method pair) was performed according to the 'Guidebook for Korean Total Diet Studies' and resulted in a total of 132 RFs and 224 'RF × cooking method' pairs. RFs were collected in 9 metropolitan cities nationwide once or twice (for those with seasonality) in 2018 and made into 6 composites each, based on the origin and season prior to cooking. Then, the RF composites prepared to a 'table ready' state for KTDS were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Dietary iron intake of the Korean population was estimated using only RFs' intake data based on the 2 sources of iron content, namely FND-KNHANES and IC-KTDS. Results: RFs in KTDS covered 92.0% of total food intake of Koreans in the 2016-2018 KNHANES. Mean iron intake of Koreans was 7.77 mg/person/day by IC-KTDS vs 9.73 mg/person/day by FND-KNHANES. The major food groups contributing to iron intake were meats (21.7%), vegetables (20.5%), and grains & cereals (13.4%) as per IC-KTDS. On the other hand, the latter source (FND-KNHANES) resulted in a very different profile: grains & cereals (31.1%), vegetables (16.8%), and meats (15.3%). While the top iron source was beef, accounting for 8.6% in the former, it was polished rice (19.2%) in the latter. There was a 10-fold difference in the iron content of polished rice between 2 sources that iron intakes excluding the contribution by polished rice resulted in very similar values: 7.58 mg/person/day by IC-KTDS and 7.86 mg/person/day by FND-KNHANES. Conclusions: This study revealed that the dietary iron intake estimated by 2 different methods were quite comparable, excluding one RF, namely polished rice. KTDS was thus proven to be a useful tool in estimating a 'closer-to-real' dietary intake of nutrients for Koreans and further research on various nutrients is warranted.

• Resources Recycling
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.40-48
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• 2022

In waste lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, the cathode material contains approximately 4% lithium. Recycling the constituent elements of batteries is important for resource circulation and for mitigating the environmental pollution. Li contained in the waste LFP cathode powder was selectively leached using persulfate-based oxidizing agents, such as sodium persulfate, potassium persulfate, and ammonium persulfate. Leaching efficiency and waste LFP powder properties were compared and analyzed. Pulp density was used as a variable during leaching, which was performed for 3 h under each condition. The leaching efficiency was calculated using the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis of the leachate. All types of persulfate-based oxidizing agents used in this study showed a Li leaching efficiency over 92%. In particular, when leaching was performed using (NH₄)₂S₂O₈, the highest Li leaching percentage of 93.3% was observed, under the conditions of 50 g/L pulp density and an oxidizing agent concentration of 1.1 molar ratio.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF PACKAGING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 2022

The purpose of our study was to investigate the migration level of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and barium (Ba) from glassware into a food simulant and to evaluate the exposure of each element. The test articles were glassware, including tableware, pots, and other containers. Pb, Cd, and Ba were analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The analytical performance of the method was validated in terms of its linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), recovery, precision, and uncertainty. The monitoring was performed for 110 samples such as glass cups, containers, pots, and bottles. a food simulant. Migration test was conducted at 25? for 24 hours in a dark place using 4% acetic acid as a food simulant. Based on the data; exposure assessment was carried out to compare the estimated daily intake (EDI) to the human safety criteria. The risk levels of Pb and Ba determined in this study were approximately 1.9% and 0.3% of the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) and tolerable daily intake (TDI) value, respectively, thereby indicating a low exposure to the population.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.507-520
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• 2022

The Sr isotope ratio, which is used as basic data for rock formation time, crustal and mantle evolution studies, is determined by mass spectrometer such as thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) or multi-detector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). In this technical report, we compared how incomplete chemical separation of elements affects the determination of Sr isotope ratios. For the experiment, commercial resin, NBS987(NIST SRM987) Sr isotope standard, and rock standard samples from the Geological Survey of Japan (GSJ) such as JG1a, JB3 and JA1 were used. As a result of the comparative experiment, it was clearly observed that the measured values of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr change when Rb remains due to incomplete separation of the NBS987 Sr isotope standard sample as well as the rock standard samples of GSJ. This indicates that complete separation is an important factor since the calculated value deviates from the true value even though correction for isotope interference by isobar is performed when measuring the isotope ratio with MC-ICP-MS. This also suggests that, when reporting the measurement result of Sr isotope ratio using MC-ICP-MS, the measurement strength of ⁸⁵Rb should be reported together with the measurement strength of all isotopes of Sr so that isotope interference by isobar can be judged.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.457-462
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• 2022

Manganese (Mn) exists in various oxidation states and Mn(II) is the most mobile species of Mn, which is toxic to plants and limits their growth. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to reduce Mn toxicity by immobilizing Mn using various adsorbents including iron oxides and calcium compounds. Ferrihydrite, schwertmannite, goethite were synthesized, which was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Hematite was purchased and used as Mn adsorbent. Calcium compounds such as CaNO₃, CaSO₄, and CaCO₃ were used to increase pH and oxidize Mn. For Mn adsorption, Mn(II) solution was reacted with four iron oxides, CaNO₃, CaSO₄, and CaCO₃ for 24 hours, filtered, and the remaining Mn concentrations in the solution were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The adsorption rate and adsorption isotherm were calculated. Among iron oxides, the adsorption rate was highest for hematite followed by ferrihyrite, but goethite and schwertmannite did not adsorb Mn. In the case of calcium compounds, the adsorption rate was high in the order of CaCO₃>CaNO₃>CaSO₄. In conclusion, treatment of CaCO₃ was the most effective in reducing Mn toxicity by increasing pH.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.306-314
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• 2022

Background: Due to the rapid aging of the South Korean population, neurological diseases such as dementia are increasing. Many studies have reported that the incidence of dementia is associated with environmental factors along with age. Objectives: This study analyzed the association between cognitive function and ten heavy metals in the body: arsenic, aluminum, chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, iron, copper, zinc, and lead. Methods: From 2018 to 2019, a total of 120 participants who suffered from cognitive impairment were recruited for this study. Blood and urine samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metal concentrations using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Demographic information was obtained through face-to-face questionnaires completed by a trained investigator. Cognitive function was evaluated with the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Korean version of the Boston Name Waiting Test. The associations between cognitive function scores and heavy metal concentrations were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The average age of the 120 participants was 72.7 years, and 69.2% were female. The mean of the MMSE-K and K-BNT scores were 22.9 and 37.9, respectively. The geometric mean of aluminum (Al) was 8.42 ㎍/L. MMSE-K was associated with iron (Fe), but the significance was removed in the logistic regression based on 24 points. K-BNT was significantly associated with aluminum and the odds ratio for K-BNT above 38 decreased by 45% as the aluminum concentration increased. Conclusions: The association between aluminum and the K-BNT score indicated that aluminum is associated with language-related cognitive decline. Based on this result, further study will be conducted by considering co-exposure effects of heavy metals including aluminum.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.13-20
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• 2009

Objectives: To compare the contents of hazardous substances before/after a decoction. Methods : The heavy metal contents before/after a decoction were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES) and mercury analyzer. In order to analyze pesticides in 6 samples we used simultaneous multi-residue analysis of pesticides by GC/ECD, which was followed by GC/MSD analysis to confirm the identity of the detected pesticide in each sample. In addition, the contents of sulfur dioxide (S02) were performed by Monier-Williams distillation method. Results : 1. The mean values of heavy metal contents (mg/kg) for the samples were as follows: Socheongryong-tang (before decoction - Pb; 1.115, Cd; 0.179, As; 0.069 and Hg; 0.028, after decoction - Pb; 0.110, Cd; 0.011, As; 0.005 and Hg; 0.002), Insampaedok-san (before decoction - Pb; 1.207, Cd; 0.148, As; 0.171 and Hg; 0.026, after decoction - Pb; 0.075, Cd; 0.006, As; not detected and Hg; O.OOD, Oryung-san (before decoction - Pb; 1.955, Cd; 0.430, As; 0.063 and Hg; 0.027, after decoction - Pb; 0.083, Cd; 0.013, As; 0.006 and Hg; 0.002), Hwangryunhaedok-tang (before decoction - Pb; 1.825, Cd; 0.210, As; 0.050 and Hg; 0.009, after decoction - Pb; 0.107, Cd; 0.010, As; 0.005 and Hg; O.OOD, Bangpungtongseong-san (before decoction - Pb; 1.740, Cd; 0.162, As; 0.585 and Hg; 0.018, after decoction - Pb; 0.041, Cd; 0.006, As; 0.022 and Hg; not detected) and Oyaksungi-san (before decoction - Pb; 1.199, Cd; 0.183, As; 0.321 and Hg; 0.031, after decoction - Pb; 0.096, Cd; 0.008, As; 0.021 and Hg; 0.0004). 2. Contents (mg/kg) of sulfur dioxide (S0$_2$) before a decoction in Socheongryong-tang, Insampaedok-san, Oryung-san, Hwangryunhaedok-tang, Bangpungtongseong-san and Oyaksungi-san exhibited 3.2, 5.7, 4.5, 49.8, 7.8 and 22.4, respectively. However, contents of sulfur dioxide after a decoction in all samples were not detected. 3. Contents (mg/kg) of residual pesticides before/after a decoction in all samples were not detected. Conclusions : These results will be used to establish a criterion of heavy metals, residual pesticides and sulfur dioxide.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.111-119
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• 2009

Objectives : To compare the contents of hazardous substances before/after a decoction. Methods : The heavy metal contents before/after a decoction were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES) and mercury analyzer. In order to analyze pesticides in 6 samples we used simultaneous multi-residue analysis of pesticides by GC/ECD, which was followed by GC/MSD analysis to confirm the identity of the detected pesticide in each sample. In addition, the contents of sulfur dioxide (SO2) were performed by Monier-Williams distillation method. Results : 1. The mean values of heavy metal contents (mg/kg) for the samples were as follows: Samchulkunbi-tang (before decoction - Pb; 1.592, Cd; 0.155, As; 0.055 and Hg; 0.014, after decoction - Pb; 0.036, Cd; 0.002, As; not detected and Hg; 0.001), Yijin-tang (before decoction - Pb; 0.830, Cd; 0.077, As; 0.045 and Hg; 0.015, after decoction - Pb; 0.193, Cd; 0.010, As; not detected and Hg; 0.002), Banhabaikchulcheunma-tang (before decoction - Pb; 0.976, Cd; 0.164, As; 0.167 and Hg; 0.019, after decoction - Pb; 0.031, Cd; 0.003, As; 0.006 and Hg; 0.005), Pyungwi-san (before decoction - Pb; 2.162, Cd; 0.128, As; 0.061 and Hg; 0.018, after decoction - Pb; 0.080, Cd; 0.006, As; not detected and Hg; 0.005), Leejung-tang (before decoction - Pb; 1.480, Cd; 0.294, As; 0.034 and Hg; 0.012, after decoction - Pb; 0.064, Cd; 0.007, As; 0.007 and Hg; 0.002) and Kwibi-tang (before decoction - Pb; 0.907, Cd; 0.193, As; 0.085 and Hg; 0.020, after decoction - Pb; 0.072, Cd; 0.006, As; 0.004 and Hg; 0.002). 2. Contents (mg/kg) of sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$) before a decoction in Banhabaikchulcheunma-tang, Pyungwi-san, Leejung-tang and Kwibi-tang exhibited 3.5, 3.4, 3.8 and 12.4, respectively. However, contents of sulfur dioxide after a decoction in all samples were not detected. 3. Contents (mg/kg) of residual pesticides before/after a decoction in all samples were not detected. Conclusions : These results will be used to establish a criterion of heavy metals, residual pesticides and sulfur dioxide.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.235-244
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• 2023

Objectives: Based on the results from the Korean Total Diet Study (KTDS), the sodium (Na) and potassium (K) intake of Koreans were estimated and compared with intake estimates from the Food & Nutrient Database (FNDB), as in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) to verify the validity of these estimates. Methods: One hundred and thirty-four representative foods (RFs) covering 92.5% of the total food intake of Koreans were selected, and 228 pairs of corresponding 'RF x representative cooking method' were derived by reflecting the methods used mainly in terms of frequency and quantity in their cooking. RF samples were collected from three cities with a larger population size in three regions (nine cities) nationwide, and six composite samples were made for each RF, considering its regional and/or seasonal characteristics. One thousand three hundred and sixty-eight 'RF x representative cooking method' pair samples were prepared, and the Na and K contents were assessed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-MS). The Na and K intake of the Korean population was estimated by linking the content with the food intake data from the 7th KNHANES. Results: The mean Na and K intake of Koreans were 2,807.4 mg and 2,335.0 mg per person per day, respectively. A comparison with the Na and K intake from KNHANES, including only RFs of KTDS, showed comparable results with less than 5% variation. While the contribution and ranking of food items to Na intake were similar between KNHANES and KTDS, there were differences in K intake. This was attributed to the large discrepancies in the K content of rice and coffee between KTDS results and the values in the 9th Revision of the National Food Composition Table used in KNHANES. Conclusions: The Na and K intake of Koreans estimated based on the KTDS, which performed nutrient analysis on samples prepared to a 'table-ready' state using foods of the representative collection, was similar and comparable with that of KNHANES. This supports the validity and usefulness of FNDB-based nutrient intake estimation at the population level. The list of nutrients studied in KTDS is expected to be expanded, allowing for intake estimation of nutrients with currently insufficient or absent information in the FNDBs in use.