• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.797-801
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• 2020

Most of irradiated graphite that should be disposed comes from moderators and reflectors of nuclear power plants. The quantity of irradiated graphite could be higher in the future if high-temperature reactors (HTRs) will be deployed. In this case noteworthy quantities of fuel pebbles containing semi-graphitic carbonaceous material should be added to the already existing 250,000 tons of irradiated graphite. Industry graphite is largely used in industrial applications for its high thermal and electrical conductivity and thermal and chemical resistance, making it a valuable material. Irradiated graphite constitutes a waste management challenge owing to the presence of long-lived radionuclides, such as ¹⁴C and ³⁶Cl. In the ENEA Nuclear Material Characterization Laboratory it has been successfully designed a procedure based on the exfoliation process organic solvent assisted, with the purpose of investigate the possibility of achieving graphite significantly less toxic that could be recycled for other purpose [1]. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the possibility of the scalability from laboratory to industrial dimensions of the exfoliation process and provide the prototype of a chemical plant for the treatment of irradiated graphite.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.43-50
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• 2018

Objectives: This study was performed to observe the toxicological changes caused by a single exposure to benzo[a]pyrene. Methods: Based on the results of a preliminary study, 300 mg/kg was set as the middle dose. A highest dose of 2,000 mg/kg and a lowest dose of 50 mg/kg were selected based on GHS guidelines. Benzo[a]pyrene was orally administered once to female and male SD rats at dose levels of 50, 300, and 2,000 mg/kg(body weight). All animals were monitored daily for clinical signs and mortality over 14 days. Hematological and biochemical values were examined as well. Results: There were neither dead animals nor significant changes in body weights during the experimental period. In addition, no differences were found between the control and treated groups in clinical sign, hematology, serum biochemical, and histopathological analysis. Conclusion: Compared with the control group, we could not detect any toxic alteration in all treated groups. These studies indicate that the acute toxicity of benzo[a]pyrene is relatively low.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.10-17
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• 2022

Currently, in Korea, lower and upper tier qualifying quantities of the 97 substances requiring preparation for accidents have been designated. The information on the submission of chemical accident prevention management plan varies depending on whether the handling volume is above or below the lower or upper qualifying quantity. Because the criteria of the lower and upper qualifying quantities of substance requiring preparation for accidents are not stipulated in the Chemical Substances Control Act, this study attempted to establish a criterion through significance verification. In addition, the study investigated whether these qualifying quantities are related to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), toxic concentration endpoint, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Finally, by comparing the risk categorization of the GHS, endpoint, and NFPA, it was evaluated whether the circulation-volume-based risk categorization of the substance requiring preparation for accidents that are in the top 13 is appropriate. The qualifying quantities of benzene, toluene, and sulfuric acid needed to be adjusted upward, while those of methyl alcohol and ammonia were adjusted downward from the current qualifying quantities. It is required to establish a quantified criterion that fully reflects the domestic situations in Korea and various indicators such as toxicity, physicochemical properties, and circulation volume for the qualified criterion of hazardous chemical substances. The study is expected to be helpful in establishing an efficient system by systematizing the criterion for qualifying quantity.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.359-369
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• 2017

Water distribution systems supply drinking water to consumers' taps. Internal corrosion of metallic pipe used in drinking water distribution systems has reduced water quality and led to increased levels of toxic heavy metals such as lead, copper and nickel. These problems have been experienced to varying degrees by water utilities in many countries. North America has successfully managed and controlled pipe corrosion and corrosive water in water distribution system based on various policies, regulations and rules. Practical and engineering guidelines for evaluation of pipe corrosion and determination of treatment options are also provided to assist drinking water supplies. In addition, the corrosion mechanism in water distribution systems, such as the complex effects of physical and chemical parameters on the corrosion pipes has been improved to accurately predict corrosion rates of metallic pipes in actual water distribution systems. This paper reviews various regulations, policy statement, and treatment produces on controlling corrosion in drinking water distribution systems in US and Canada and then offers suggestion for management of corrosive water and pipe corrosion in drinking water distribution system in Korea.

• Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.259-268
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• 2019

One of the most effective methods to consistently ensure the safety of a tap water supply can be achieved by application of a comprehensive risk assessment and risk management approach for drinking water supply systems. This approach can be termed water safety plans(WSP) which recommended by WHO(world health organization) and IWA(international water association). For the introduction of WSP into Korea, 150 hazards were identified all steps in drinking water supply from catchment to consumer and risk assessment tool based on frequency and consequence of hazards were developed. Then, developed risk assessment tool by this research was implemented at a water treatment plant($Q=25,000m^3/d$) to verify its applicability, and several amendments were recommended; classification of water source should be changed from groundwater to stream to strengthen water quality monitoring contaminants and frequencies; installation of aquarium to monitor intrusion of toxic substances into raw water; relocation or new installation on-line water quality analyzers for efficient water quality monitoring; change of chlorination chemical from solid phase($Ca(OCl)_2$) to liquid phase(NaOCl) to improve soundness of chlorination. It was also meaningful to propose hazards and risk assessment tool appropriate for Korea drinking water supply systems through this research which has been inconsistent among water treatment authorities.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.49-57
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• 2016

Aqueous ammonia is widely used in household cleaners, fertilizers and denitrification process. It is usually treated in concentrations from 10 % to 30 %, and release accidents have occurred frequently. In this study, we developed a simplified estimating method and equation to calculate threat zone easily in case of emergency due to release accident of aqueous ammonia. We calculated the consequence distance for toxic endpoints of aqueous ammonia(concentration 10 % ~ 30 %) at different puddle areas($1m^2{\sim}500m^2$) using the ALOHA program. Based on the result, we analyzed the relationship between concentration and puddle area with the threat zone and created the equation.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.367-373
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• 2013

Objectives: Employee exposure record refers to a record containing information about environmental (workplace) monitoring or measuring of a toxic substance or harmful physical agent. The aims of this study were to examine problems related to exposure records and provide some amendments to the Korean Industrial Safety & Health Act for the effective management of chemical substances under the law. Methods: This study performed a literature search and review on legal provisions related to exposure records of a number of different countries, including Korea, the USA, Japan, EU, Germany, and the UK. They were compared and investigated and the amendment of articles was suggested. Results: The results of this study were provided as suggested amendments to the related act. There were a variety of ways of improvement, including a 30-year retention period and the introduction of new access methods, contents, transfer, and maintenance methods. All exposure data elements have to be standardized, including reference to a similar exposure group (SEG), sampling strategy, and circumstances of exposure (e.g., date, shift length, use of personal protective equipment, etc.). The SEGs are described by process, job, task, and environmental agent. Conclusions: This study is expected to provide for the amendment of the related act in order to ensure effective management of exposure records and is helpful for solving the cause and result of occupational disease by keeping exposure records according to the Industrial Safety & Health Act.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.43-45
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• 2007

Carbon dioxide is the fourth most abundant gas in the earth's atmosphere, and it is widely used in the chemical industry. Solid carbon dioxide is commonly known as dry ice. At low concentration, carbon dioxide appears to have little toxicological effect. At higher concentrations, however, it can produce an increased respiratory rate, tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmia, loss of consciousness, convulsion, and even death. Management of carbon dioxide poisoning requires the immediate removal of an individual from the toxic environment and administration of oxygen. It is important to know the concentration of carbon dioxide to which a patient has been exposed. We report a case of acute poisoning from solid carbon dioxide in a patient presenting with drowsiness and diminished mental capacity when she arrived in the emergency department. She recovered completely after administration of oxygen with conservative treatment.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.99-107
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• 2018

In order to design the improvement process for T-N removal, the treatment process of Suyoung, Gangbyeon, and Noxan sewage treatment plants (STP) in Busan was anlayzed. Suyoung STP shows a T-N removal efficiency of about 69.8% with MLE(Modified Ludzack ettinger) and A2O+MBR. However, it is necessary to improve the process to maintain over DO of 1 mg/L and is required to install a flow control tank to minimize the rainfall effect. Gangbyun STP shows a about 70.2% T-N removal efficiency with A2O+GFF(gravity fiber filtration). However, in order to improve T-N removal efficiency, it is needed to install MLE process to treat recycle water. Noksan STP shows a T-N removal efficiency of about 71.0% with MLE+Chemical treatment and shows stable T-N concentration in effluent. However, it is required a toxic chemical management process because bad wastewater flows into the STP, also is necessary a process improvement in order to increase internal recycling ratio. Especially, it is required a process improvement to increase HRT of nitrification tank because Suyoung and Gangbyeon STPs shows low nitrification efficiency during winter season.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.75-81
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• 2023

The significance of gas sensors has been emphasized in various industries and applications, owing to the growing significance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management in corporate operations. In particular, the monitoring of hazardous gas leakages and detection of fugitive emissions have recently garnered significant attention across several industrial sectors. As industrial workplaces evolve to ensure the safety of their working environments and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the demand for high-performance gas sensors in industrial sectors dealing with toxic substances is on the rise. However, conventional gas-sensing systems have limitations in monitoring fugitive gas leakages at both critical and subcritical concentrations in complex environments. To overcome these difficulties, recent studies in the field of gas sensors have employed techniques such as mobile robotic olfaction, remote optical sensing, chemical grid sensing, and remote acoustic sensing. This review highlights the significant progress made in various technologies that have enabled accurate and real-time mapping of gas distribution and localization of hazardous gas sources. These recent advancements in gas-sensing technology have shed light on the future role of gas-detection systems in industrial safety.