• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.749-756
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• 2019

Na-X and Na-A zeolites that give high adsorption capacity for heavy metals in an aqueous system were synthesized from the coal fly ash obtained from a thermoelectric power plant using a fusion method. The characteristics and Cu(II) adsorption capacity of the synthetic zeolites were also compared to those of using a commercial zeolite. For the selection of optimum conditions of zeolite synthesis, the effects of major parameters in the fusion method such as a dosage ratio of NaOH, aging time, hydrothermal reaction time, and also the dosage ratio of NaAlO₂ (Na-A) on the characteristics and Cu(II) adsorption capacity of the synthetic zeolites were studied. For the analysis of characteristics of the synthetic zeolites, X-ray diffraction (XRD), cation exchange capacity (CEC), Brunaue-Emmett-Teller (BET) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used. The optimum conditions for the synthesis of zeolites with a high adsorption capacity for cationic heavy metals including Cu(II) were the aging time of 6 h, hydrothermal reaction time of 6 h and NaOH and NaAlO₂ dosage ratio of 1.5 and 0.5 (Na-A), respectively. According to the Langmuir isotherm test, maximum Cu(II) adsorption capacities of the synthetic and commercial Na-X and Na-A zeolites were found to be 90.1, 105.26, 102.05, and 109.89 mg/g, respectively. This indicates that the adsorption capacity of synthetic zeolites was comparable to commercial ones. The results of this study also suggest that the coal fly ash can be potentially used as a raw material for the zeolite synthesis.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.163-173
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• 2018

The biopolymer (BP) used in this study is mainly composed of xanthan gum and ${\beta}$-glucan derived from microorganism and has been introduced as a novel material for soil stabilization. However, the broad applicability of BP has been suggested in the field of geotechnical engineering while little information is available about the effects of BP on the vegetation. The goal of this study is to find the BP effects on the growth of Camelina sativa L. (Camelina) under drought condition. For more thorough evaluation of BP effects on the plant growth, we examined not only morphological but also physiological traits and gene expression patterns. After 25 days of drought treatment from germination in the soil amended with 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1% BP, we observed that the BP concentration was strongly correlated the growth of Camelina. When plants were grown under drought stress, Camelina in 0.5% BP mixture showed better physiological parameters of the leaf stomatal conductance, electrolyte leakage and relative water content compared to those in control soil without BP. Plant recovery rate after re-watering was higher and the development of lateral root was lower in BP amended soil. RNA expression of Camelina leaf treated with/without drought for 7 and 10 days showed that aquaporin genes transporting solutes at bio-membrane, CsPIP1;4, 2;1, 2;6 and TIP1;2, 2;1, were induced more in the plants with BP amendment and drought treatment. These results suggest that the soil amended with BP has a positive effect on the transport of nutrients and waters into Camelina by improving water retention in soil under drought condition.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.24 no.1 s.76
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• pp.56-66
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• 1996

Ecological variations of Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi were determined from the soils collected from different sites of the polluted and unpolluted areas related to the soil pollutions. Average 24.5 spores $(per\;20g)^{-1}$ soil of AM fungal spore were counted from the 32 sites of soils collected from On-san (polluted), whereas average 4.1 spores $(per\;20g)^{-1}$ soil from the 18 sites of those from Mt. Kwanak (polluted); Average 23.6 spores $(per\;20g)^{-1}$ soil of AM fungal spore were also counted from the 30 sites of soils collected from Chung-mu (unpolluted), whereas average 15.8 spores $(per\;20g)^{-1}$ soil from the 14 sites of those from Mt. Chungwang (unpolluted).The spores of AM fungi were the species of Glomus, Gigaspora, Acaulospora and Scutellospora. Among the above four genera, the species of Glomus were observed to be more abundant than the other genera in the soils collected from On-san, Chung-mu and Mt. Chungwang whereas the species of Gigaspora in those from Mt. Kwan-ak. The parameters of soils measured showed some variations between the polluted and unpolluted areas; 12.9 to 16.4% in the soil moisture, 5.6 to 8.3% in the organic matter and 4.3 to 5.7 at soil pH (polluted to unpolluted areas, respectively). The soils collected, thereby, appeared to be more strongly acidic and also lower in the contents of soil moisture or organic matter at the polluted area than unpolluted area. Based on the ecological criteria, the species richness or species diversity had significant differences (p<0.05) between polluted and unpolluted area. The spore density of genus Glomus or Gigaspora was significantly different (p<0.05) among the soils of three different plant vegetations (conifer plants, broad leaf plants, and grass plants). Also, there were significant differences (p<0.05) in the species evenness or species diversity among the soils referring to three different plant vegetations. There was a direct relationship $(r^2=0.38)$ between soil moisture and organic matter measured from 94 soil samples. Since there was a direct relationship $(r^2=0.22)$ between organic matter and total spores, it seems to be likely to presume that mycorrhizal spores can be increased in proportion to enhanced organic matters in soils. The species richness or species diversity was inclined to increase in proportion to enhanced soil pH and total spores in soils.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.413-418
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• 2011

This study was carried out to establish a proper cultivation site and diagnose the drought-tolerance of Aster scaber and Synurus deltoides leaves by using Pressure-volume curves. In order to measure pressure-volume (P-V) curves, Aster scaber and Synurus deltoides were cut off above ground part and the tip of the cutting were placed in water, which was covered with a plastic bag. Samples were kept overnight (about 12 hours) in darkness at room temperature (20~25$^{\circ}C$) to achieve maximal turgor (full saturation). The pressure in the chamber was gradually increased from 0.3MPa to 1.8MPa by nitrogen gas. After measured, leaf samples were dried at 80$^{\circ}C$ for 48 hours and dry weight of each samples were determined. The result of the original bulk osmotic potential at maximum turgor ${\Psi}^{sat}_o$ sat was lower -0.8 MPa in Aster scaber leaves than -0.7 MPa Synurus deltoides leaves. Also the osmotic potential at incipient plasmolysis ${\Psi}^{tlp}_o$ in Aster scaber leave was -0.9 MPa. In contrast, the value of maximum bulk modulus of elasticity $E_{max}$ of Aster scaber leaves were approximately two folds higher than that of Synurus deltoides leaves. The values of the relative water content at incipient plasmolysis $RWC^{tlp}$ are all above 90% showing that the function of osmoregulation is somewhat better, and Vo/DW, Vt/DW, Ns/DW of Synurus deltoides leaves were approximately 1~2 times higher than that of Aster scaber leaves. Thus, responses to water relations of Aster scaber and Synurus deltoides such as ${\Psi}^{sat}_o$, ${\Psi}^{tlp}_o$, $E_{max}$, ${\Psi}_{P,max}$, $RWC^{tl}$ were shown that the Aster scaber leaves was slightly higher drought-tolerance than Synurus deltoides leaves. However, in both of Aster scaber and Synurus deltoides, occurring incipient plasmolysis at the high water content, have a relatively lower drought-tolerance property indicating that growth of these plants are cultivated appropriate in high moisture soil sites.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.783-789
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• 2011

Recently, auto-thermal thermophilic aerobic digestion (ATAD) has a great attention for destruction of wasted sludge biomass in wastewater treatment plant. Reduction of sludge concentration has been successfully achieved with pilot scale ATAD and ceramic filtration process in field condition. However, high concentration of COD, total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) was observed in filtrate, which should be treated before recirculation of filtrate to biological wastewater treatment plant. This study was focused on removal of nitrogen and phosphorus contained in the filtrate of ATAD, using struvite crystallization method. The effect of operational and environmental parameters (such as, N, P and Mg ion concentration and molar ratio, pH, reaction time, agitation strength, seed dosage, and reaction temperature) on the treatment of TN and TP with struvite crystallization were evaluated. Magnesium (as $MgCl_26H_2O$) and phosphorus (as $K_2HPO_4$) ions were, if necessary, added to increase nitrogen removal efficiency by the crystal formation. Average concentration of $NH_4^+-N$ and $PO_4^{3-}-P$ of the filtrate were 1716.5 mg/L and 325.5 mg/L, respectively. Relationship between removal efficiencies of nitrogen and phosphorus and molar ratios of $Mg^{2+}$ and $PO_4^{3-}-P$ to $NH_4^+-N$ was examined. Crystal formation and nitrogen removal efficiencies were significantly increased as increasing molar ratios of magnesium and phosphorus to nitrogen. As molar ratio of $Mg^{2+}:PO_4^{3-}-P:NH_4^+-N$ were maintained to 2 : 1 : 1 and 2 : 2 : 1, removal efficiencies of nitrogen and phosphorus were 71.6% and 99.9%, and 93.8% and 98.6%, respectively. However, the effect of reaction time, mixing intensity, seed dose and temperature on the struvite crystallization reaction was not significant, comparing to those of molar ratios. Settled sludge volume after struvite crystallization was observed to be reduced with increase of seed dose and to be increased at high temperature.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.449-457
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• 2010

This study investigated the effects of three kinds of water extract mixtures each with different ratios of A. capillaris, C. sinensis, S. chinensis, and V. coloratum on laying performance, egg quality, blood characteristics, and egg storage stability in laying hens. One hundred and sixty 35-wk-old laying hens (Hy-line brown) were divided into four groups of 10 birds each replicated times four. The treatments involved a basal diet (C, control) or diets containing three kinds of water extract mixtures at 200 ppm (T1, water extract mixture A; T2, water extract mixture B; T3, water extract mixture C). The egg production rate, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio were significantly improved in all treatments compared to those of control (p<0.05). Haugh unit and egg yolk color in all treated groups were significantly improved in comparison with control (p<0.05), but no significant differences were observed for egg shell quality. The content of total cholesterol in blood serum was significantly decreased in all treatments compared to that of control (p<0.05). The blood biochemical parameters of liver and kidney damage were significantly decreased in all treatments compared to those of control (p<0.05). Total antioxidant activity in the blood serum of all treated groups was increased as well. The Haugh unit and malondialdehyde content in the egg yolk during storage were significantly decreased in all treated groups compared to control (p<0.05). Consequently, the dietary supplementation of water extract mixtures of A. capillaris, C. sinensis, S. chinensis, and V. coloratum improved laying performance and egg quality but decreased egg quality deterioration with increased storage. These results suggest that medicinal plant extracts could be used as a feed additive in feed for laying hens.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.398-409
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• 2018

Organic farming practices including loach based ecosystem-farming have been demonstrated to be effective in conjunction with rice farming to increase yield and quality. This new form of farming combines agriculture and fishery and is quickly developing into a new industry. The current study investigated the effect of rice-fish mixed farming system on the vegetation-diversity function. Vegetation within the four study sites was surveyed and analyzed based on plant taxonomy. The vegetation survey demonstrated that 127 taxa of 38 families, 100 genera, 107 species, and 20 varieties occurred within the study sites. A total of 15 plant species taxa occurred in the rice-fish mixed paddy fields with a fish habitat and did not occur in the conventional paddy field lacking fish habitat. This difference is thought to arise from differences in moisture requirements for vegetation. Life form analysis demonstrated differences in hemicryptophytes, therophytes, and hydrophytes according to fish habitat. The naturalized plants identified were also determined to be species widely distributed throughout Korea. Frequency analysis demonstrated that the rice-fish mixed paddy fields with a fish habitat had a high ratio of both obligate and facultative wetland plants relative to the conventional paddy field. Based on the study results, it is likely that vegetation-diversity will increase with environment diversity. However, no statistical significance was observed according to paddy types. Future research should aim to identify additional environmental factors, including the existence of fish habitat, habitat area, depth of fish habitat, hydrological parameters, water quality, and paddy soil environment, to enhance vegetation-diversity and biocultural diversity.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.23-30
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• 2021

Hemistepta lyrata Bunge (HL) has been used as a folk remedy to treat cancer, inflammation, bleeding, hemorrhoids and fever, and leaves and young shoots have been used as famine food. Nevertheless, the biological activities and underlying mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effects remain unclear. In this study, it was undertaken to explore the functions of the aerial part of HL as a suppressor of inflammation by using RAW 264.7 cells. As immune response parameters, the productions of as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cytokines such tumor necrotic factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 were evaluated. Although the release of TNF-α remained unchanged in HL-treated RAW 264.7 cells, the productions of NO, PGE2 and IL-6 were significantly increased at concentrations with no cytotoxicity. Furthermore, HL significantly attenuated the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway including decreasing the phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases. Collectively, this study provides evidence that HL inhibits the production of major pro-inflammatory molecules in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells via suppression of ERK and P38 MAPK signaling pathways. These findings suggest that the beneficial therapeutic effects of HL may be attributed partly to its ability to modulate immune functions in macrophages.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.66 no.2
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• pp.171-181
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• 2021

The purposes of this study were to determine how changes in temperature affect germination rates and growth of hulled and dehulled barley, malting barley, and naked oat plants, and to measure chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency, and secondary compounds (total phenol, total flavonoid, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity) in plants grown at 13℃ or 25℃). Various types of barley seeds were collected from areas with ideal conditions for barley cultivation, hereinafter referred to as IA, and also from areas where barley cultivation is more difficult due to lower temperatures, hereinafter referred to as LTA. Seeds were tested for seed vigor. While there were significant differences in the electrical conductivity values between seeds collected from certain specific areas, no significant differences were evident between IA and LTA seeds, regardless of the type of barley seed. When plants were grown at 25℃, there were no significant differences in germination rates, plant height, root length and shoot fresh weight between plants originating from IA and LTA. However, there were differences in the measured parameters of some specific seeds. Similarly, under the low temperature condition of 13℃, no differences in the emergence rate, plant height, and shoot fresh weight were evident between plants originating from IA or LTA, regardless of the type of barley. However, there were differences between some specific seeds. One parameter that did vary significantly was the emergence date. Hulled barley and malting barley emerged 5 days after sowing, whereas naked oats emerged 7 days after sowing. There were no differences in the chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficacy, regardless of the type of barley. There were no significant differences in total phenol, total flavonoid content, and DPPH radical scavenging activity between plants originating from IA and LTA, regardless of the type of barley. However, there were differences between some specific seeds. In particular, for malting barley the total flavonoid content differed in the order of Gangjin > Changwon > Haenam = Jeonju > Naju. The results indicate that crop growth, yield and content of secondary compounds in various types of barley may be affected by climate change.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.67-76
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• 2022

This study aimed to determine the photosynthesis and growth characteristics of Peucedanum japonicum T. grown under aquaponics in a plant factory (AP) by comparing those grown under hydroponic cultivation system (HP). The AP system raised 30 fishes at a density of 10.6 kg·m^-3 in a 367.5 L tank, and at HP, nutrient solution was controlled with EC 1.3 dS·m^-1 and pH 6.5. The pH level ranged from 4.0 to 7.1 for the AP system and 4.0 to 7.4 for the HP system. The pH level in the AP began to decrease with an increase in nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N) and lasted bellower than pH 5.5 for 15-67 DAT. It was found that ammonium nitrogen (NH₄-N) continued to increase even under low pH conditions. EC was maintained at 1.3 to 1.5 dS·m^-1 in both systems. The concentration of major mineral elements in the fish tank was higher than that of the hydroponics, except for K and Mg. There was no significant difference in the photosynthesis characteristics, but the PIABS parameters were 30.4% lower in the AP compared to the HP at the 34DAT and 12.0% lower at the 74DAT. There was no significant difference in the growth characteristics, but the petiole length was 56% longer in the leaf grown under the AP system. While there was no significant difference in the fresh and dry weights of leaf and root, the leaf area ratio was 36.43% higher in the AP system. All the integrated results suggest that aquaponics is a highly-sustainable farming to safely produce food by recycling agricultural by-products, and to produce Peucedanum japonicum as much as hydroponics under a proper fish density and pH level.