• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.294-299
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• 2002

PM (Particulate Matter) samples contained fungal spores were collected in the ambient air of Seosan, west Korea, in springtime of 2000 and 2001. PM concentrations were $199.8\mu{g}\;m^{-3}$ in the 1st Asian Dust Storm period (March, 23 ~ 24) and $249.4\mu{g}\;m^{-3}$ in the 2nd period (April, 7~9), 2000. Compared with the concentrations in 2000, relatively low PM concentration ($157.3\mu{g}\;m^{-3}$ ) was measured in the Asian Dust Storm period (April, 24 ~ 20) of 2001. Although there were somewhat differences for the total PM concentrations among the three periods, majorities of the PM were composed of coarse particles sized about 5 ~ 6 $\mu{m}$ over the periods of the two years. Diverse molds grown from fungal aerosols were observed in the PM samples and identified at the genus level. All the genera, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Basipetospora, Epicoccum and Monotospora are hyphomycetes in the division Fungi imperfecti (Deuteromycota). Especially, morphologically more diversified mycelia of hyphomycetes were grown on the fine PM sample (1.1 ~ 2.1 $\mu{m}$) than coarse PM samples in the periods of 2000. Furthermore, some molds were grown on even the background PM sample less than 0.43 $\mu{m}$ in the period of 2001. It was thought that some kinds of ultra fine sized fungal spores were transported by the Asian Dust Storm and suspended in the ambient air of study area during the events.

• Particle and aerosol research
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.57-65
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• 2019

Recently, there has been much research on the effect of fine dust on human body with increasing interest in the fine dust. Thermal power plant, which is considered as one of the main sources of fine dust, is reported to be responsible for 14% of the total amount of domestic fine dust in the Republic of Korea. Therefore, dust collecting devices in the thermal power plant need to be improved. In this study, the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) was considered to substitute for a mist eliminator used in flue gas desulfurization facility. By considering real situation in the flue gas desulfurization facility, the collection efficiency of the ESP was evaluated by using the sprayed limestone slurry particles. The collection efficiency of the ESP was higher than that of the mist eliminator, showing the possibility of replacing the mist eliminator with the ESP in flue gas desulfurization facility.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.207-222
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• 2018

In this study, light absorption of carbonaceous species in $PM_{2.5}$ was investigated using a dual-spot 7-wavelength Aethalometer(model AE33) with 1-min time interval between January 01 and September 30, 2017 at an urban site of Gwangju. During the study period, two Asian dust (AD) events occurred in April (AD I) and May (AD II), respectively, during which light absorption in total suspended particles was observed. Black carbon (BC) was the dominant light absorbing aerosol component at all wavelengths over the study period. Light absorption coefficients by aerosol particles were found to have 2.7~3.3 times higher at 370 nm than at 880 nm. This would be attributed to light absorbing organic aerosols, which is called brown carbon (BrC), as well as BC as absorbing agents of aerosol particles. Monthly average absorption ${{\AA}}ngstr{\ddot{o}}m$ exponent ($AAE_{370-950nm}$) calculated over wavelength range of 370~950 nm ranged from 1.10 to 1.35, which was lower than the $AAE_{370-520nm}$ values ranging from 1.19~1.68 that was enhanced due to the presence of BrC. The estimated $AAE_{370-660nm}$ of BrC ranged from 2.2 to 7.5 with an average of 4.22, which was fairly consistent to the values reported by previous studies. The BrC absorption at 370 nm contributed 10.4~28.4% to the total aerosol absorption, with higher contribution in winter and spring and lower in summer. Average $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations were $108{\pm}36$ and $24{\pm}14{\mu}g/m^3$ during AD I, respectively, and $164{\pm}66$ and $43{\pm}26{\mu}g/m^3$ during AD II, respectively, implying the greater contribution of local pollution and/or regional pollution to $PM_{2.5}$ during the AD II. BC concentration and aerosol light absorption at 370 nm were relatively high in AD II, compared to those in AD I. Strong spectral dependence of aerosol light absorption was clearly found during the two AD events. $AAE_{370-660nm}$ of both light absorbing organic aerosols and dust particles during the AD I and II was $4.8{\pm}0.5$ and $6.2{\pm}0.7$, respectively. Higher AAE value during the AD II could be attributed to mixed enhanced urban pollution and dust aerosols. Absorption contribution by the light absorbing organic and dust aerosols estimated at 370 nm to the total light absorption was approximately 19% before and after the AD events, but it increased to 32.9~35.0% during the AD events. In conclusion, results from this study support enhancement of the aerosol light absorption due to Asian dust particles observed at the site.

• Resources Recycling
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.9-16
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• 1994

In this study, the grinding and wet cyclone process of the dust for the effective separation of high purity iron powder and iron oxide were investigated. The results obtained in this study can be summarized as follows: 1. By applying the wet cyclone technique for the iron powder(+200 mesh) produced from EC dust of the Kwangyang 2nd steel making factory, the iron powder of high content more than 99.76% of Fe was obtained with 47.66% yield at grinding time of 5 minutes by attritor. 2. The particle size distribution of the iron powder recovered from converter dust is quite simillar with the iron powder of sweden Hoganas Co.(W40.24, W40.29, W40.37, W40.37OX). 3. By using iron powder, copper ions are all adsorbed and removed in any concentration ranges of copper sulfate solution(Cu:100, 200, 300, 600 ppm).

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.163-169
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• 2017

Objectives: This study was conducted toestimate quartz concentrations and contents in the airborne respirable dust from various industries. Methods: A total of 818 samples were collected from 174 industries. Respirable dust samples were collected using a cyclone equipped with a 37 mm, $5{\mu}m$ pore size PVC filter. The quartz concentrations were identified using the intensity of the absorption peak of quartz at $799cm^{-1}$ by Fourie Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy(FTIR). Results: The respective geometric means for quartz concentrations in the respirable dust were 0.0050, 0.0049, 0.0025, and $0.0019mg/m^3$ in foundries, ceramics, construction, and cement/stone. The geometric mean of quartz contents analyzed by FTIR were respectively 3.43, 1.99, 1.04, and 0.82% for ceramics, foundries, cement/stone, and construction. The rate of exceeding the Korean Occupational Exposure Limit($0.05mg/m^3$) was 2.03%, but rate of exceeding the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist(ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value($0.025mg/m^3$) was 7.12%. Conclusions: Given that foundries had a higher quartz concentration, there is a need to reduce respirable dust, such as through wet operation. In order to protect the health of workers exposed to mineral dust, it is necessary to actively consider strengthening the Korean Occupational Exposure Limit.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.31 no.2 s.83
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• pp.120-126
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• 2005

To assess exposure of allergy patients to a biological environment, measurements were made of levels of airborne bacteria and fungi, house dust endotoxin and mite allergens in homes of 7 allergy patients and 12 healthy families. Concentrations of airborne total bacteria and the ratio of indoor and outdoor concentrations(I/O) in allergy patient's homes were high compared to non-allergy houses. But no significant differences could be shown for the concentration of spores of viable fungi and staphylococcus in indoor air between the homes of allergic patients and healthy families. The results of investigation on house dust mites, Dermatophagoids farinae were detected in all mattress samples and the levels in the allergy patient's homes were generally high, with individual measurements exceeding $2{\mu}g/g$ dust found in $30\%$ samples. In contrast with, Dermatophagoids pteronyssinus were detected in only $60\%$ samples and the concentrations were very low. The levels of endotoxin in dust samples collected from the allergy patient's home mattresses were higher than those of control houses. There was a positive correlation between the endotoxin levels and the house dust mite allergens.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Manufacturing Process Engineers
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.177-185
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• 2018

There is a need to study dust separator screens with good drainage efficiency while effectively filtering suspended solids and other contaminants entering the intake pumping station, the drainage pumping station and the mediation pumping station, the cooling water inlet of the power plant, and the like. In this paper, Numerical studies were conducted for the optimal design of the dust separator screen using the Coanda effect. The shape of the dust separator screen is important, such as the right curvature radius $R_1$ at the top of the dust separator screen and the left curvature radius $R_2$ at the top, h is the height difference and shape between the screen and the accelerating plate, and ${\theta}$ is the inclination angle of the screen. A total of 4 shape factors were set and the effects of Coanda and drainage performance of each element were compared and analyzed, the optimum length and size of each shape element were derived by classifying the shape elements into direct and indirect influences. Finally, it was possible to effectively filter foreign matter by narrowing the screen spacing, and the drainage performance was analyzed and optimized through numerical studies of dust separator screen.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.52-58
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• 2022

Background: Few studies have evaluated the exposure to phthalates via inhalation of floor dust in children's living areas. Objectives: This study evaluated the concentration and exposure level of phthalates emitted from indoor floor dust in children's living areas. Methods: This study utilized the results of a survey conducted by the Ministry of Environment in 2019. Indoor dust was collected from 150 households with children aged 3~7 and 67 daycare centers or local children's centers by using vacuum cleaners. It was analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Six types of phthalates were analyzed: Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), Di-N-octyl phthalate (DNOP), Diisononyl phthalate (DINP), Di -isodecyl phthalate (DIDP). Results: The medians of DEHP concentrations were 1,028 and 1,937 mg/kg in homes and daycare centers, respectively. The median and maximum values of daily intake were calculated by applying the median and 95th percentile values (the upper 5% of the total concentration) in dust measured in the homes. The DEHP median value was 1.6 ㎍/kg/bw/day, and a maximum A value of 7.8 ㎍/kg/bw/day was calculated. When the childcare center values were applied, the median daily intake of DEHP was 3.1 ㎍/kg/bw/day and the maximum value was 29.2 ㎍/kg/bw/day. As a result of calculating the daily intake by integrating the values of home and childcare facilities, the median and maximum values of daily intake were 1.9 and 10.9 ㎍/kg/bw/day, respectively. Conclusions: This study derives phthalate concentrations among the floor dust in homes and childcare facilities where children mainly spend time, and suggests their intake of phthalates through this. In particular, it was newly suggested that the phthalate concentrations in homes and childcare facilities are different, resulting in differences in intake.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.67-77
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• 1983

To investigate the an air pollution by particulate matter and its dispersion, a cement plant produceing portland cement 600,000 ton/year and its vicinity were surveyed from Obtober, 1980 to April, 1983. The survey was mainly focused on main stack emmission rate of the cement plant and particle size distribution in the dust, dustfall and total suspended particulate concentration in the area by month and distance from the stack. The results of the study were as follows; 1. The main stack emission rate was surveyed before and after the spray tower was additionally installed to the original E.P bag filter. Before the spray tower installed, the main stack emission rate was higher ($0.64g/Nm^3$) than the emission standard of Korean Environmental Preservation Law's ($0.59g/Nm^3$, amended to $0.4g/Nm^3$ on April 1983), but after the spray tower was installed, its main stack emission rate was markedly decreased to the standard ($0.43g/Nm^3$). 2. $2{\sim}3{\mu}m$ of the particle size was the largest portion (20.8%) of the dust particulate from the main stack and 50% of the frequency distribution was $1.5{\mu}m$ of the size. Most particle size was below $10{\mu}m$. 3. The spray tower reduced the dustfall to $37.81{\sim}9.76\;ton/km^2/month$ while dustfall appeared at $45.29-15.45ton/km^2/month$, in the vicinity of plant before spray tower installed 4. Mean concentrations of total suspended particulate for 24 hours of the various stations were determined in $20.6-200.0{\mu}g/m^3$, 3 stations of tham were higher than the value of Harry and William's arthmetic average standard $130{\mu}g/m^3$. 5. Linear regression between dustfall [X] and total suspended particulate[Y] concentration was an equation, Y=4.024X+11.479.[r=0.91] 6. During the whole seasons in the opposite area 100m apart from the omission source the prevailing wind direction was with estimated more than $30ton/km^2/month$, and the concentration of total suspended particulate for 24 hours averaging time was more than $140{\mu}g/m^3$ in the same area and direction. 7. Assuming the wind direction were constant through the day dustfalls for a day were estimated at $13.40ton/km^2/day,\;10.79ton/km^2/day$ and $4.55ton/km^2/day$ at various distances of 100m, 500m and 1,500m from the emission source respectively. 8. In the simutalion of dustfall and suspended dust by area, Gaussian dispersion model modified by size distribution of particulate matter was not applicated since the emission of dust were from multi sources other them stack. From the above results, it could be applied that the dispersion of dust from the cement plant is estimated and regulated for the purpose of environmental protection.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.179-190
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• 1992

This study was carried out to characterize sources of atmospheric total suspended particulates (TSP) in urban and sub--urban areas of metropolitan taegu. The sources were tentatively identified by a multivariate technique, i.e. principal component analysis (PCA), and the source contributions to the atmospheric concentrations of TSP were further estimated by stepwise multiple regression analysis. A total of 5 sources was identified in the urban area of Taegu (soil dust resuspension, fuel combustion, secondary aerosol, traffic related aerosol, and refuge burning), while 4 sources were found to be significant in the sub--urban area as following: fuel combustion/secondary aerosol, soil dust resuspension, traffic related aerosol, and wood/agricultural burning. The largest contributor to the atmospheric TSP appeared to be the soil dust resuspension in both areas. The source apportionment of the extractable organic matter (EOM) was also carried out for the Taegu data. The EOM was determined with respect to the solvent polarity, i.e. cyclohexane (non-polar), dichloromethane (semi--polar), and acetone (polar). In addition, the source profiles for the TSP in Taegu area were estimated using a PCA-based algorithm, and the validity was evaluated tentatively by comparing the data in the literature.