• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.480-490
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• 2001

The soil-air exchange processes of Hg were investigated from the Hari area of Kang Hwa Island during the late March 2001. In the course of our study, we determined the concentration gradients of Hg and combined these gradient data with micrometeorological components to derive its fluxes. Results of our study indicate that the concentration levels of Hg in the study area are notably lower than those typically found in urbanized areas of Korea. However, the computed fluxes were seen to be significantly larger for relatively remote areas, reaching over 200 ng/m$^2$/hr. Comparison of environmental conditions shows that the concentrations of most pollutant species including NO$_X$ and PM were significantly higher during emission, while meteorological conditions were characterized by high temperature and low humidity. Results of correlation analysis also indicate that such pollutants as hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and PM generally exhibit strong positive correlations with Hg-related parameters during emission events, while such relationships were reversed during dry deposition events. The results of our present study suggest the possibility that the concentrations and fluxes of total gaseous Hg observed during deposition events can be influenced by the processes that are also important for the fine, rather than coarse, size fraction of particles.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.31 no.4 s.85
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• pp.301-308
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to characterize mass concentration of $PM_{10}\;to,\;PM_{2.5}$ and metallic composition using Minivol Portable Sampler from May 2003 to May 2004 in metropolitan city, Seoul. Annual average concentration of $PM_{10}$ were $57.67({\pm}28.20)\;{\mu}g/m^3\;and\;PM_{2.5},\;were\;42.06({\pm}20.23)\;{\mu}g/m^3$. The concentration was the highest in winter because persistent thermal inversion and in spring, particulate matter concentration was high because of yellow-sand events. The average $PM_{2.5}/PM_{10}$ ratio was 0.73. This indicated $PM_{2.5}$ fraction played a significant role in air pollution. The atmospheric metallic elements in the $PM_{10},PM_{2.5}$ came different emission sources such as soil, traffic, industry and resuspended particles. The results showed that average $PM_{10}$ composition order as Fe>Zn>Pb>Cu>Mn. The metallic elements Zn and Fe were the largest composition in the $PM_{2.5}$

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.570-578
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• 2003

Background : Ambient particles during Asian dust events are usually sized less than $10{\mu}m$, known to be associated with the adverse effects on the general populations. But, there has been no considerable evidence linking these particles to the adverse effects on airways. The objectives of this study was to investigate the possible adverse effects of Asian dust events on respiratory function and symptoms in subjects with bronchial asthma. Patients and Methods : From march to June 2002, Asthmatic patients who were diagnosed with bronchial challenge test or bronchodilator response were enrolled. We divided them into three groups; mild, moderate, and severe, according to the severity. Subjects with other organ insufficiency such as heart, kidney, liver, and malignancy were excluded. All patients completed twice daily diaries and recorded peak flow rate, respiratory symptom, and daily activity. Daily and hourly mean pollutant levels of particulate matter < $10{\mu}m$ in diameter($PM_{10}$), nitrogen dioxide($NO_2$), sulphur dioxide($SO_2$), ozone($O_3$) and carbon monoxide(CO) were measured at the 10 different monitoring sites. Results : Dust events occured 14 times during the study period. Daily averages of 4 air pollutant were measured with an increased level of $PM_{10}$, decreased level of $NO_2$ and $SO_2$, and no change in CO during dust days compared to those during control days. An increase in $PM_{10}$ concentration was associated with an increase of subjects with PEF variability of >20% (p<0.05), night time symptom(p<0.05), and a decrease in mean PEF (p<0.05), which were calculated by the longitudinal data analysis. Otherwise, there was no association between $PM_{10}$ level and bronchodialtor inhaler, and daytime respiratory symptoms. Conclusion : This study shows evidence that ambient air pollution, especially $PM_{10}$, during Asian dust events, could be one of the many aggravating factors at least in patients with airway diseases. This data can be used as a primary source to set up a new policy on air environmental control and to evaluate the safety of air pollution index. We also expect that this research will help identify precise components of dust, which are more linked to the adverse effects.