• Ocean and Polar Research
• /
• v.36 no.1
• /
• pp.25-37
• /
• 2014

To understand the degradation processes of organic matter related to sulfate reduction by Sulfate Reduction Bacteria (SRB) in the tidal flat sediments of Hwang-do and Sogeun-ri, Tae-an Peninsula in Chungnam-do, biogeochemical characteristics were analyzed and highlighted using specific microbial biomarkers. The organic geochemical parameters (TOC, ${\delta}^{13}C_{org}$, C/N ratio, long-chain-n-alkane) indicate that most of the organic matter has been derived from marine phytoplankton and bacteria in the fine-grained sediment of Sogeun-ri, although terrestrial plant components have occasionally been incorporated to a significant degree in the coarse-grained sediment of Hwang-do. The concentration of sulfate in pore water is a constant tendency with regard to depth profile, while methane concentration appears to be slightly different with regard to depth profile at the two sites. Especially, the sum of bacteria fatty acid (a-C15:0 + i-C15:0 + C16:1w5) confirms that the these concentrations in Sogeun-ri are related to the degradation of Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene (BTEX) compounds from the crude oil retained in the sediments as a result of the Hebei Spirit oil-spill accident in 2007. The methane-related microbial communities as shown by lipid biomarkers (crocetane, PMI) are larger in some sedimentary sections of Hwang-do than in the Sogeunri tidal flat. These findings suggest that methane production by microbiological processes is clearly governed by SRB activity along the vertical succession in organic-enriched tidal flats.

• Journal of Conservation Science
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.305-311
• /
• 2018

The yellow crystalline material present in yellow and green glass beads excavated from sites in the Baekje region of Korea was previously analyzed through scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, revealing that the yellow crystalline material was $PbSnO_3$. This material is a pigment that is rarely seen in the Korean peninsula. Furthermore, some studies have been published on the provenance of lead in this material, which revealed no relationship to Korea, China, or Japan. In this study, we collected all accessible results of analyses on the lead isotope ratio of yellow and green glass beads excavated from the Korean peninsula, specifically from 7 sites in the Baekje region(located in the vicinity of Seoul, Wanju, Hwaseong, Osan, Gongju, Buyeo, and Iksan) and 2 sites in the Silla region(located in the vicinity of Gyeongju and Changnyeong). We subsequently investigated the lead provenance of the opacifying agents in the glass beads through comparison with the current extent of the galena data accumulated for the East Asian region, including Korea, China, and Japan, and for Thailand(Kanchanaburi Province), Southeast Asia. Our analysis determined that the lead provenance of the glass beads excavated from the Korean peninsula was Thailand(Kanchanaburi Province). Beyond our results, further studies should seek to determine the production sites of the glass beads. Obtaining and comparing the scientific analyses of glass beads from India and Southeast Asia would enable research on the glass beads trade through the maritime silk road.

• Journal of Conservation Science
• /
• v.35 no.5
• /
• pp.392-402
• /
• 2019

This study interpreted the characteristics of the site and provenance of raw material by performing material characteristics analysis of the slags and tuyeres excavated from the Sinpung site in Wanju, Jeollabuk-do. The major chemical compositions suggested that the slags and tuyeres were created when Cu-Sn-Pb was alloyed. Metal microscope and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometer analyses revealed that the slags and tuyeres were by-products formed in the alloying process. This alloy, created by adding galena to copper and tin ingots, was an intermediary material used in making the finished products. According to the lead isotope ratio analysis result, slags could be made using galena of the southern Zone III region of Korea. Based on the decomposition of mica group minerals and the formation of mullite detected through X-ray diffraction analysis, it is possible to conclude that the tuyeres operated at approximately 1,000℃ as, the mullite was detected on the outside of the tuyeres.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Groundwater Environment
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.6-9
• /
• 1994

Previously reported Ar/N$_2$ratios in groundwater have been measured by single ion monitoring (Barnes et al., 1975; Vogel et al., 1981; Mariotti et al., 1988). The detector geometry and flared flight tube in VG Optima isotopic ratio mass spectrometer appeared to be fortuitously aligned for the simultaneous measurement of Ar/N$_2$ratios. Method development included mechanical adjustments to optimize the mass spectrometer for Ar/N$_2$ratio measurements followed by development of a preparation system for the extraction of air-saturated water samples. Samples containing known Ar/N$_2$ratios were used to assess accuracy and precision, and to test the applicability of methods for measurements of aqueous Ar/N$_2$ratios. The results indicated that the prepared air-saturated water samples were almost identical to the predicted Ar/N$_2$ratios (p ＜0.001). Groundwater samples were collected from on-going research sites, Shelton and Grand Island, Nebraska. Samples from the Grand Island sludge injection site form a lower boundary for worldwide reported Ar/N$_2$ratios. These lower Ar/N$_2$ratios can be explained by the production of nitrogen gas from this site, where denitrification was reported previously.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.23 no.10
• /
• pp.1333-1339
• /
• 2010

The present study was conducted to determine plasma acetate, glucose and protein metabolism using dilution of isotopes [[1-$^{13}C$]Na acetate, [U-$^{13}C$]glucose and [1-$^{13}C$]leucine (Leu)] in sheep fed rice straw (Oriza japonica L.). Four sheep were assigned to either rice straw (RS-diet) or mixed hay (MH-diet) with a crossover design. Nitrogen (N) intake and N digestibility were lower (p = 0.002 and p = 0.02, respectively) for RS-diet than MH-diet, but N retention did not differ (p>0.10) between the diets. Concentrations of rumen acetate tended to be lower (p = 0.07), and propionate was higher (p = 0.02) for RS-diet than MH-diet. Concentrations of plasma lactate, non-esterified fatty acids, Leu and ${\alpha}$-ketoisocaproic acid did not differ (p>0.10) between the diets, but plasma glucose and urea concentrations were lower (p = 0.01 and p = 0.003, respectively) for RS-diet than MH-diet. Turnover rate of plasma acetate did not differ (p = 0.39) between the diets, and plasma glucose and Leu turnover rates were numerically lower (p = 0.15 and p = 0.14, respectively) for RS-diet than MH-diet. Whole body protein synthesis and degradation did not differ (p>0.10) between the diets. Thus it can be concluded that the intermediary metabolism of acetate, glucose and protein on rice straw is comparable to mixed hay in sheep.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.46 no.6
• /
• pp.837-846
• /
• 2014

A lead slowing down spectrometer (LSDS) is under development for analysis of isotopic fissile material contents in pyro-processed material, or spent fuel. Many current commercial fissile assay technologies have a limitation in accurate and direct assay of fissile content. However, LSDS is very sensitive in distinguishing fissile fission signals from each isotope. A neutron spectrum analysis was conducted in the spectrometer and the energy resolution was investigated from 0.1eV to 100keV. The spectrum was well shaped in the slowing down energy. The resolution was enough to obtain each fissile from 0.2eV to 1keV. The detector existence in the lead will disturb the source neutron spectrum. It causes a change in resolution and peak amplitude. The intense source neutron production was designed for ~E12 n's/sec to overcome spent fuel background. The detection sensitivity of U238 and Th232 fission chamber was investigated. The first and second layer detectors increase detection efficiency. Thorium also has a threshold property to detect the fast fission neutrons from fissile fission. However, the detection of Th232 is about 76% of that of U238. A linear detection model was set up over the slowing down neutron energy to obtain each fissile material content. The isotopic fissile assay using LSDS is applicable for the optimum design of spent fuel storage to maximize burnup credit and quality assurance of the recycled nuclear material for safety and economics. LSDS technology will contribute to the transparency and credibility of pyro-process using spent fuel, as internationally demanded.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
• /
• v.44 no.2
• /
• pp.79-88
• /
• 2019

Background: The main goal of experiments is to compare various operational and technical characteristics of D-Shuttle semiconductor personal dosimeters of the Japanese company "Chiyoda Technol Corporation" and Harshaw thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) manufactured by "Thermo Fisher Scientific" and DTL-02 of the Russian Research and Production Enterprise (RPE) "Doza" by their occupational and calibration exposure at various dose equivalents from 0.5 to 20 mSv of gamma-radiation. Materials and Methods: Besides dosimeters DTL-02, D-Shuttle and Harshaw TLD, there were also used: (1) the primary reference radionuclide source Hopewell Designs IAEA: G10-1-12 with $^{137}Cs$ isotope (an error is not more than 6% and activity is 20 Ci), and (2) the verification device UPGD-2M of RPE "Doza" and installed in the National Center for Expertise and Certification of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Kapchagai, the National Center for Expertise and Certification). Results and Discussion: The main results of researches are the following: (1) TLDs for Harshaw 6600 and DVG-02TM have an approximately equal measurement accuracy of the individual dose equivalents in the range from 0.5 to 20 mSv of gamma-radiation. (2) Advantages of dosimeters for Harshaw 6600 are due to the high measurement productivity and opportunity to indicate the dose on the skin $H_p$(0.07). Advantages of DVG-02TM consist of operation simplicity and lower cost than of Harshaw 6600. (3) D-Shuttles are convenient for use in the current and the operational monitoring of ionizing radiation. Measurement accuracy and 10% linearity of measurements are ensured when D-Shuttle is irradiated with dose equivalents below 1 mSv at the equivalent dose rate not higher than $3mSv{\cdot}hr^{-1}$. This allows using D-Shuttle at a routine technological activity. Conclusion: The obtained results of experiments demonstrate advantages and disadvantages of D-Shuttle semiconductor dosimeters in comparison with two TLD systems of DVG-02TM and Harshaw 6600.

• Journal of Conservation Science
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.187-196
• /
• 2019

Bronzes excavated from a Gulsansa temple site in Gangneung were investigated in order to study the production of technology and provenance in this area. The bronze artifacts were discovered to consist of copper-tin or copper-tin-lead alloys using chemical analysis(EDS and EPMA). The excavated bronzes were manufactured using a casting or hammering process, and a bronze belt was gilded with gold foil. The provenance of 25 bronzes was studied using lead isotope analysis(TIMS and LA-MC-ICPMS). The results reveal the use of raw materials found near the excavated site. The object of this study was to investigate the manufacturing techniques and provenance in Gangneung without the need for a lot of data. Our results will contribute to the study of Gulsansa and bronze artifacts in Goryo(12-13th century).

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
• /
• v.7 no.2
• /
• pp.60-67
• /
• 2002

To determine whether nitrogen (N) uptake by phytoplankton below the euphotic zone in the Yellow Sea is considerable, we measured the uptake rates of nitrate and ammonium using $^{15}N$-labeled stable isotope $K^{15}NO_{3}$ and $^{15}NH_{4}Cl$, in May and November 1997 at total 10 stations. Depth-integrated uptake rates of nitrate and ammonium over the euphotic zone during this study ranged from 1.8 to 15.3 mg N $m^{-2}$ $d^{-1}$ and from 5.0 to 132.2 mg N $m^{-2}$ $d^{-1}$, respectively, and ammonium uptake predominated at 9 of 10 stations (1.9-19.4 fold). Depth-integrated uptake rates of nitrate and ammonium over the whole water column ranged from 2.9 to 22.0 mg N $m^{-2}$ $d^{-1}$ and from 15.7 to 175.5 mg N $m^{-2}$ $d^{-1}$, respectively. The significant proportion of whole water column N uptake was attributed to uptake by phytoplankton below the euphotic zone, ranging from 13.0 to 86.2% for nitrate and from 13.8 to 67.8% for ammonium, indicating that phytoplankton N uptake below the euphotic zone is at times considerable in the study area. The results suggest that when phytoplankton below the euphotic zone in the Yellow Sea are again entrained into the euphotic zone by a certain physical forcing such as turbulent mixing and the vertical movement of thermocline, these episodic events may significantly affect the material fluxes within the euphotic zone. Furthermore, the results suggest that a portion of regenerated production estimated from $^{15}N$-ammonium uptake should be included in new production estimates, which otherwise could be underestimated in the Yellow Sea.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
• /
• v.51 no.4
• /
• pp.224-233
• /
• 2018

Thirty-three Early Iron Age bronzes at the sites of Hoam-dong in Chungju and Cheongsong-ri in Buyeo were investigated in order to study the manufacturing technique and the provenance of lead. Chemical analysis using X-ray fluorescence showed that 33 bronzes consist of copper(Cu), tin(Sn) and lead(Pb) served as major elements. Major and minor elemental analyses by EPMA were performed on two mirrors and 2 weapons of the bronzes investigated. The results shows that bronze mirrors from Chungju and Buyeo were high-tin bronzes(> 30 wt%). And 20% of tin and 5% of lead were founded in bronze weapons. Iron, zinc, arsenic, silver, nickel, sulfur and cobalt detected in four bronzes as minor and trace elements. The four bronzes were alloyed considering their function and were not heat treated after casting due to their high tin content. Lead isotope analysis using TIMS indicates that thirty-three bronzes were distributed southern Korea peninsula except Zone 1. As a result, lead raw materials came from various regions in Korean Peninsula not from Gyeongsang-do regions. The manufacturing techniques of bronze ware generalized at this age, and bronze was produced in various sites using raw materials from various sources.