• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.9-18
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• 2024

With the rapid development of highways and railways, series of traffic safety issues emerged because of mudstone disintegration. To research on the mechanism and further guarantee the stability and safety of transportation infrastructure built on or near mudstone formations, the mudstone disintegration test of mudstone was carried out based on mudstone and sandy mudstone. The element types, cementation characteristics and pore characteristics of the tested specimens were studied by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Image Pro Plus (IPP). The disintegration index of mudstone was approximately 1%, and even some specimens were difficult to be calculated, while the disintegration index of sandy mudstone is approximately 8.7%. According to the results, the two mudstones belong to grade II and III disintegration respectively, of which the sandy stone presents more extensive disintegration than mudstone. This phenomenon was distinguished that, the clay minerals of mudstone are approximately 25% more abundant than those of sandy mudstone, and the unit pore area is 20 ㎛² larger, which result in different microstructure and water absorption capacities. In the liquid phase, the ions in the mudstone specimens were exchanged and combined with water molecules in the environment during the whole disintegration process. This results in continuous spalling and fragmentation of clay minerals, the emergence of secondary fractures, and the deepening of primary fractures.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.231-240
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• 2002

Microbial metal reduction influences the biogeochemical cycles of carbon and metals as well as plays an important role in the bioremediation of metals, radionuclides, and organic contaminants. The use of bacteria to facilitate the production of magnetite nanoparticles and the formation of carbonate minerals may provide new biotechnological processes for material synthesis and carbon sequestration. Metal-reducing bacteria were isolated from a variety of extreme environments, such as deep terrestrial subsurface, deep marine sediments, water near Hydrothemal vents, and alkaline ponds. Metal-reducing bacteria isolated from diverse extreme environments were able to reduce Fe(III), Mn(IV), Cr(VI), Co(III), and U(VI) using short chain fatty acids and/or hydrogen as the electron donors. These bacteria exhibited diverse mineral precipitation capabilities including the formation of magnetite ($Fe_3$$O_4$), siderite ($FeCO_3$), calcite ($CaCO_3$), rhodochrosite ($MnCO_3$), vivianite [$Fe_3$($PO_4$)$_2$ .$8H_2$O], and uraninite ($UO_2$). Geochemical and environmental factors such as atmospheres, chemical milieu, and species of bacteria affected the extent of Fe(III)-reduction as well as the mineralogy and morphology of the crystalline iron mineral phases. Thermophilic bacteria use amorphous Fe(III)-oxyhydroxide plus metals (Co, Cr, Ni) as an electron acceptor and organic carbon as an electron donor to synthesize metal-substituted magnetite. Metal reducing bacteria were capable of $CO_2$conversion Into sparingly soluble carbonate minerals, such as siderite and calcite using amorphous Fe(III)-oxyhydroxide or metal-rich fly ash. These results indicate that microbial Fe(III)-reduction may not only play important roles in iron and carbon biogeochemistry in natural environments, but also be potentially useful f3r the synthesis of submicron-sized ferromagnetic materials.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.587-598
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• 2023

To assess the distribution and temporal changes in radon concentration within a region in Yeonpung-myeon, Goesan-gun, known for elevated groundwater radon levels, we conducted a series of analyses, measuring radon concentration and DTW (Depth to water table) at 2-month intervals over 12 cycles. The investigation covered 10 groundwater wells and one stream within the designated area. The groundwater in the central part of the region exhibited high radon concentrations, ranging from 37.0 to 2,675.2 Bq/L. Conversely, the peripheral zones displayed comparatively lower radon concentrations, ranging from 10.6 to 37.9 Bq/L. This variation is attributed to the presence of granite porphyry that intruded into the Okcheon Formation, forming a fracture zone and contributing to elevated radon levels in the central part. In contrast, the peripheral locations, located within the Okcheon Formation and away from the granite porphyry intrusion, demonstrated lower radon concentrations. The observed significant fluctuation in radon concentration in the central area is associated with its low-lying topography. The pronounced seasonal changes in groundwater levels contribute to the migration of shallow, low-radon groundwater into areas with higher radon concentrations, explaining the observed variations in radon levels within the central part of the studied area.

• Transactions of the Korean hydrogen and new energy society
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.31-38
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• 2006

There are two types of metal hydride electrodes as a negative electrode in a Ni-MH battery, $AB_2$ Zr-based Laves phases and $AB_5$ LM(La-rich mischmetal)-based alloys. The $AB_5$ alloy electrodes have characteristic properties such as a large discharge capacity per volume, easiness in activation, long cycle life and a low cost of alloy. However they have a relatively small discharge capacity per weight. The $AB_2$alloy electrodes have a much higher discharge capacity per weight than $AB_5$ alloy electrodes, however they have some disadvantages of poor activation behavior and cycle life. Therefore, in order to improve the discharge capacity of the $AB_5$ alloy electrode the Zr, Ti and V which are the alloying elements of the $AB_2$ alloys were added to the $LaNi_{3.6}Ai_{0.4}Co_{0.7}Mn_{0.3}$ alloy which was chosen as a $AB_5$ alloy with a high capacity. The addition of Zr, Ti and V to $LaNi_{3.6}Ai_{0.4}Co_{0.7}Mn_{0.3}$ alloy improved the activation to be completed in two cycles. The discharge capacities of Zr 0.02, Ti 0.02 and V 0.1 alloys in $LaNi_{3.6}Ai_{0.4}Co_{0.7}Mn_{0.3}M_y$ (M = Zr, Ti, V) were respectively 346, 348 and 366 mAh/g alloy. The alloy electrodes, Zr 0.02, Ti 0.05 and V 0.1 in $LaNi_{3.6}Ai_{0.4}Co_{0.7}Mn_{0.3}M_y$ (M = Zr, Ti, V), have shown good cycle property after 200 cycles. The rate capability of the $LaNi_{3.6}Ai_{0.4}Co_{0.7}Mn_{0.3}M_y$ (M = Zr, Ti, V) alloy electrodes were very good until 0.6 C rate and the alloys, Zr 0.02, Ti 0.05 and V 0.1, have shown the best result as 92 % at 2.4 C rate. The charge retention property of the $LaNi_{3.6}Ai_{0.4}Co_{0.7}Mn_{0.3}M_y$ (M = Zr, Ti, V) alloys was not good and the alloys with M content from 0.02 to 0.05 showed better charge retention properties.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.275-288
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• 2019

We investigated flux, grain size distribution, Nd-Sr isotope composition, mineral composition, and trace metal composition (REEs and Sc) of inorganic silicate fraction (ISF, mainly Asian dust with an unrestricted amount of volcanic materials) deposited during 600~1000 ka across the Mid-Pleistocene Transition at core NPGP 1401-2A (32°01'N, 178°59'E, 5205m) taken from the central part of the North Pacific. Our results reveal about a 2-fold increase in ISF flux after 800 ka, which is associated with an increase in La/Sc and a decrease in mean grain size. Asian dusts are finer than volcanic materials and La/Sc increases with the enhanced contribution of Asian dusts. Thus, increased flux after 800 ka can be explained by the increased contribution of Asian dusts relative to volcanic materials, likely due to an intensified Westerly Jet (WJ) and the drying of the Asian continent after the MPT. Mean grain size of ISF varies systematically in relation to glacial-interglacial cycles with a decrease during glacial stages, which is consistent with the previous results in the study area. Such a cyclical pattern is also attributed to the increase in the relative contribution of Asian dusts over volcanic components in glacial stages due to intensified WJ and drying of the Asian continent. Thus, it can be concluded that climate changes that had occurred across the MPT were similar to those of interglacial to glacial transitions at least in terms of the dust budget. Different from the Shatsky Rise, however, compositional changes associated with glacial-interglacial mean grain size fluctuations are not observed in Nd-Sr isotope ratios and trace element composition in our study of the Hess Rise. This may be attributed to the location of the study site far (> 4,000 km) from the volcanic sources. The volcanic component at the study site comprises less than 10% and varies within 3% over glacial-interglacial cycles. Such a small variation was not enough to imprint geochemical signals.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.39 no.5 s.180
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• pp.615-626
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• 2006

The natural resources and material life-cycle include all human activities related to resources and material extraction, transportation, processing, use, recovery and disposal. Sustainable material management (SMM) is an integrated set of policy approaches targeted on economic agents throughout the material life-cycles and designed to result in economically efficient and environmentally effective material use. The material flows of industrial mineral, ores and fossil fuels have also long been a focal area for environmental policies because of the high environmental pressures associated with extraction, processing, consumption, and final disposal of these materials. OECD work on material flow is to improve the quantitative and analytical knowledge bases about natural resource and material flows within and among countries, so as to better understand the importance of material resources in member countries' economies. In several EU Member States, material flow accounts are part of official statistics. Material flow analysis (MFA) is a valuation method which assesses the efficiency of use of materials using information from material flow accounting. Material flow analysis helps to identify waste of natural resources and other materials in the economy which would otherwise go unnoticed in conventional economic monitoring systems. Resource use and resource efficiency has emerged as a major issue for long-term sustainability and environmental policy.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.32 no.6A
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• pp.427-435
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• 2012

In order to evaluate the effects of exposure conditions on the resistance to sulfate attack of normal and blended cement mortars, several mechanical characteristics of the mortars such as expansion, strength and bulk density were regularly monitored for 52 cycles under sodium sulfate attack. The mortar specimens were exposed to 3 different types of exposure conditions; 1) continuous full immersion(Exposure A), continuous half-immersion(Exposure B) and cyclic wetting-drying(Exposure C). Experimental results indicated that the maximum deterioration was noted in OPC mortar specimens subjected to Exposure B, showing the wide cracks in the portions where attacking solution is adjacent to air. Additionally, the beneficial effect of ground granulated blast-furnace slag and silica fume was clearly observed showing a superior resistance against sodium sulfate attack, because of its lower permeability and densified structure. Thus, it is suggested that when concrete made with normal cement is exposed to sulfate environment, proper considerations on the exposure conditions should be taken.

• Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.141-148
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• 2015

The presence of phenols in treated palm oil mill effluent (POME) is an environmental concern due to their phytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity. In this study, phenol-degrading bacteria, Methylobacterium sp. NP3 and Acinetobacter sp. PK1 were immobilized on oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFBs) for removal of phenols in the treated POME. The bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPS) were responsible for cell adhesion to the EFBs during the immobilization process. These immobilized bacteria could effectively remove up to 5,000 mg/L phenol in a carbon free mineral medium (CFMM) with a greater degradation efficiency and rate than that with suspended bacteria. To increase the efficiency of the immobilized bacteria, three approaches, namely activation, acclimation, and combined activation and acclimation were applied. The most convenient and efficient strategy was found when the immobilized bacteria were activated in a CFMM containing phenol for 24 h before biotreatment of the treated POME. These activated immobilized bacteria were able to remove about 63.4% of 33 mg/L phenols in the treated POME, while non-activated and/or acclimated immobilized bacteria could degrade only 35.0%. The activated immobilized bacteria could be effectively reused for at least ten application cycles and stored for 4 weeks at $4^{\circ}C$ with the similar activities. In addition, the utilization of the abundant EFBs gives value-added to the palm oil mill wastes and is environmentally friendly thus making it is attractive for practical application.

• Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.469-475
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• 2013

The purpose of this experimental research is to estimate compressive strength and resistance to freezing and thawing of recycled aggregate concrete containing ground granulated blast furnace slag. For this purpose, concrete specimens according to substitution ratio of recycled aggregate were made for different replacement ratio of ground granulated blast furnace slag(GGBFS), and then compressive strength and resistance to freezing and thawing were evaluated for those. It was observed from the test results that compressive strength at 28 days of recycled aggregate concrete containing GGBFS of 20% was much more excellent than plain concrete and when air content of concrete was maintained 4 to 6%, influence of substitution ratio of recycled aggregate and replacement ratio of GGBFS on resistance to freezing and thawing was little up to 300 cycles of freezing and thawing.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
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• v.24 no.7
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• pp.938-944
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• 2000

Recently, micro fin tube is widely used to heat exchanger for high performance. And, as the alternative refrigerants for R-22, hydrocarbons such as R-290, R-600 and R-600a are very promising because of their low GWP and ODP. Thus, R-290 was used as working fluid in this study. Most design of heat exchanger had been based on heat transfer characteristics of pure refrigerant although refrigerant oil exists in the refrigeration cycles. So, the influence of oil on heat transfer characteristics have to be considered for investigating exact evaporation heat transfer characteristics. But, this is an unresolved problem of refrigeration heat transfer. Therefore the influence of the refrigeration oil to the evaporation heat transfer characteristics of R-290 were conducted in a horizontal micro tin tube. The mineral oil was used as refrigeration oil. The experimental apparatus consisted of a basic refrigeration cycle and a system for oil concentration measurement. Test conditions are as the follows; evaporation temperature $5^{\circ}C$, mass velocity 100 $kg/m^2s$, heat flux 10 $kW/m^2$, oil concentration 0, 1.3, 3.3, 5.7 wt.%, and quality $0.07{\sim}1.0$. When refrigeration oil was entered, oil foaming was observed at the low quality region. And, very small bubbles were observed as quality was increased. Pressure drop and heat transfer coefficient increased as the concentration of refrigeration oil increased to 5 wt.%.. The performance index of heat exchanger was the highest near 3.3 wt.%.