• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.317-330
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• 2022

Recently, the policy regarding climate change in Korea and overseas has been to promote the utilization of forest biomass to achieve net zero emissions. In addition, with the implementation of the unused forest biomass system in 2018, the size of the Korean market for manufacturing wood pellets and wood chips using unused forest biomass is rapidly expanding. Therefore, it is necessary to estimate the total amount of unused forest biomass that can be used as an energy source and to identify the capacity that can be continuously produced annually. In this study, we estimated the actual forest area that can be produced of logging residue and the potential amount of unused forest biomass resources based on GT (green ton). Using a forest functions classification map (1 : 25,000), 5th digital forest type map (1 : 25,000), and digital elevation model (DEM), the forest area with a slope of 30° or less and mountain ridges of 70% or less was estimated based on production forest and IV age class or more. The total forest area where unused forest biomass can be produced was estimated to be 1,453,047 ha. Based on GT, the total amount of unused forest biomass potential resources in Korea was estimated to be 117,741,436 tons. By forest type, coniferous forests were estimated to be 48,513,580 tons (41.2%), broad-leaved forests 27,419,391 tons (23.3%), and mixed forests 41,808,465 tons (35.5%). Data from this research analysis can be used as basic data to estimate commercial use of unused forest biomass.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.686-693
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• 2000

Biomass yield, nutritive value and nutrient utilization efficiency of different genera of duckweed (DW, Lemnaceae) under the same nutritional and management conditions were studied. Three genera of DW namely: Lemna perpusilla, Spirodela polyrhiza and Woljfia arrhiza, were cultivated in 18 plastic sinks each of $59{\times}54{\times}35cm^3$ size. Each sink contained approximately 80 L of water and was charged once with 6.648 kg of anaerobically fermented cow dung effluent. The seed rate for Spirodela, Lemna and Wolffia were 600, 400 and $600g/m^2$ respectively. Duckweed were harvested at 48 hours intervals. Media total N concentration for Lemna and Wolffia gradually increased with time. Growth of duckweed was measured by subtracting the inoculum from the total biomass production. Growth of Spirodela ceased within 4 days but Lemna and Wolffia continue to grow up to 34 days. Bio-mass yield was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Wolffia (906 kg/ha/d) than Lemna (631 kg/ha/d). Dry matter (DM) yield was very similar in Lemna (14.80 kg/ha/d) and Wolffia (14.57 kg/ha/d). The N content was non-significant higher in Lemna (5.45%) than Wolffia (5.00%) and Spirodela (4.6%). The crude protein (CP, $N{\times}6.25$) yield was non-significantly higher in Lemna (4.83 kg/ha/d) than Wolffia (4.32 kg/ha/d). The acid detergent fibre (ADF) content was the highest in Wolffia (28.59%), followed by Spirodela (19.47%) and Lemna (12.39%). Utilization efficiency of CP was 273 and 314% respectively for Wolffia and Lemna. However, similar efficiency values for Spirodela was only 1.5%. Considering the bio-mass yield, nutritive value and nutrient utilization efficiency, production performance of DW were in the order of Lemna>Wolffia>Spirodela under the present experimental conditions.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.2199-2206
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• 2012

Background: Our objective was to evaluate the MTHFR C677T-A1298C polymorphisms in patients with breast cancer and in individuals with no history of cancer, to compare the levels of genetic damage and apoptosis under folic acid (FA) deficiency between patients and controls, and to assess associations with breast cancer. Methods: Genetic damage was marked by micronucleated binucleated cells (MNBN) and apoptosis was estimated by cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN). PCR-RFLP molecular analysis was carried out. Results: The results showed significant associations between the MTHFR 677TT or the combined MTHFR C677T-A1298C and breast cancer risk (OR = 2.51, CI = 0.85 to 7.37, p = 0.08; OR = 4.11, CI = 0.78 to 21.8, p < 0.001). The MNBN from the combined MTHFR C677T-A1298C was higher and the apoptosis was lower than that of the single variants (p < 0.05). At 15 to 60 nmol/L FA, the MNBN in cases with the TTAC genotype was higher than controls (p < 0.05), whereas no significant difference in apoptosis was found between the cases and controls after excluding the genetic background. Conclusions: Associations between the combined MTHFR C677T-A1298C polymorphism and breast cancer are possible from this study. A dose of 120 nmol/L FA could enhance apoptosis in cases with MTHFR C677T-A1298C. Breast cancer individuals with the TTAC genotype may be more sensitive to the genotoxic effects of FA deficiency than controls.

• KEPCO Journal on Electric Power and Energy
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.525-529
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• 2016

Biomass co-firing to existing thermal power plants is one of the most economical and efficient way to reduce $CO_2$ emission from the plant. There are several methods of co-firing and it can be categorized into (1) Parallel co-firing, (2) Indirect co-firing, and (3) Direct co-firing. Parallel co-firing is the most expensive way to high-ratio co-firing because it requires biomass dedicated boiler. Direct co-firing is widely used because it does not need high capital cost compared with the other two methods. Regarding the direct co-firing, it can be classified into three methods- Method 1 does not need retrofit of the facilities because it uses existing coal mills for pulverizing biomass fuels. In this case high-ratio co-firing cannot be achieved because of poor grindability of biomass fuels. Method 2 needs biomass-dedicated mills and revision of fuel streams for the combustion system, and Method 3 needs additional retrofit of the boiler as well as biomass mills. It can achieve highest share of the biomass co-firing compared with other two methods. In Korea, many coal power plants have been adopting Method 1 for coping with RPS(Renewable portfolio standards). Higher co-firing ratio (> 5% thermal share) has not been considered in Korean power plants due to policy of limitation in biomass co-firing for securing REC(Renewable Energy Certificate). On the other hand, higher-share co-firing of biomass is widely used in Europe and US using biomass dedicated mills, following their policy to enhance utilization of renewable energy in those countries. Technical problems which can be caused by increasing share of the biomass in coal power plants are summarized and discussed in this report. $CO_2$ abatement will become more and more critical issues for coal power plants since Paris agreement(2015) and demand of higher share of biomass in the coal power plants will be rapidly increased in Korea as well. Torrefaction of the biomass can be one of the best options because torrefied biomass has higher heating value and grindability than other biomass fuels. Perspective of the biomass torrefaction for co-firing is discussed, and economic feasibility of biomass torrefaction will be crucial for implementation of this technology.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.321-334
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• 2017

Process surveillance within agricultural biogas plants (BGPs) was concurrently studied by high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and an optimized quantitative microscopic fingerprinting (QMF) technique. In contrast to 16S rRNA gene amplicons, digitalized microscopy is a rapid and cost-effective method that facilitates enumeration and morphological differentiation of the most significant groups of methanogens regarding their shape and characteristic autofluorescent factor 420. Moreover, the fluorescence signal mirrors cell vitality. In this study, four different BGPs were investigated. The results indicated stable process performance in the mesophilic BGPs and in the thermophilic reactor. Bacterial subcommunity characterization revealed significant differences between the four BGPs. Most remarkably, the genera Defluviitoga and Halocella dominated the thermophilic bacterial subcommunity, whereas members of another taxon, Syntrophaceticus, were found to be abundant in the mesophilic BGP. The domain Archaea was dominated by the genus Methanoculleus in all four BGPs, followed by Methanosaeta in BGP1 and BGP3. In contrast, Methanothermobacter members were highly abundant in the thermophilic BGP4. Furthermore, a high consistency between the sequencing approach and the QMF method was shown, especially for the thermophilic BGP. The differences elucidated that using this biphasic approach for mesophilic BGPs provided novel insights regarding disaggregated single cells of Methanosarcina and Methanosaeta species. Both dominated the archaeal subcommunity and replaced coccoid Methanoculleus members belonging to the same group of Methanomicrobiales that have been frequently observed in similar BGPs. This work demonstrates that combining QMF and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing is a complementary strategy to describe archaeal community structures within biogas processes.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.561-579
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• 2014

This research estimates the necessity of a better governance plan on the purpose of fulfillment energy recovery by building resource recycling system for biomass resources and waste resources that derive from agricultural and mountain village areas. The utilization of new renewable energy technology which uses waste and biomass sources diverse as variety of resources, collecting method, operator etc. and is structurally complicated the formation of policy is also very difficult. There is failure because of the problems which occurs from the policy led by government. Biomass Town Development Project should be made through the central government and the local government integrated support system and should be formed a consultative group in order to process the project mutually with these two department including the experts from the related areas. This consultative group, while government organizations carry out the hub function of strategic knowledge management, should carry out the control tower function to be able to be net working transfer the information with the cooperation of private and government so vitalize the communication area among the related actors. And to be able to increase the participation rate of the local people the consistent and various educations should be given so a smooth business promotion progress will be desired through the change of perception and coactive participation of people.

• New & Renewable Energy
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.145-174
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• 2024

Addressing climate change necessitates evidence-based policies grounded in science. The use of forest biomass for energy production is based on a broad scientific consensus at the international level. However, some environmental groups in South Korea are opposing this system of energy production. Through this study, the authors aim to reduce unnecessary confusion and foster an atmosphere conducive to meaningful evidence-based policies. We have classified the issue into eight categories: biological carbon cycle, carbon debt, nature-based solutions, air emissions, cascading principles and sustainability certification, forest environmental impacts, climate change litigation, and the behavior of environmental groups and public perception. Consequently, the following key points were derived: (1) the actions of some environmental groups seem to follow a similar pattern to denialist behavior that denies climate change and climate science; (2) the quality of evidence for campaigns that oppose the use of forest biomass for energy production is low, with a tendency to overgeneralize information, high uncertainty, and difficulty in finding new claims.; (3) most of the public believes that forest biomass energy is necessary, and the governments of major countries are aware of its importance. Significantly, Forest biomass for energy is based on an overwhelming level of scientific consensus recognized internationally.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.252-260
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• 2011

BACKGROUND: Currently, national biomass inventory are being established for efficient management of the potential energy sources. Among the various types of biomass, agricultural wastes are considered to take the biggest portion of the total annual biomass generated in Korea, implying its importance. However, the currently estimated amount is not reliable because the old reference data are still used to estimate total annual amount of agricultural wastes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Therefore, to provide reliable estimation data, a correct conversion factor obtained by taking into account the current situation is required. For this, the current study was conducted to provide the conversion factors for each representative 8 crop through a field cultivation study. Also conversion factors for 18 crops were calculated using the average amount of each crop produced during 2004 and 2008, subsequently; total amount of agricultural wastes generated in 2009 was estimated using these conversion factors. The total biomass of rice straw and rice husk generated in 2009 were 6.5 and 1.1 million tons, respectively, which consist 75% of the total agricultural based wastes, while the total biomass of pepper shoots and apple pruning twigs were 1.0 and 0.6 million tons, respectively. Despite the high amount of rice-based biomass, their applicability for bio-energy production is low due to conventional utilization of these materials for animal feeds and beds for animal husbandry. In addition to exact estimation of the total biomass, temporal variations in both generated amount and the type of agricultural biomass materials are also important for efficient utilization; fruit pruning twigs (January to March); barley-, been-, and mustard-related waste materials (April to June); rice-related waste (September to October). CONCLUSION(s): Such information provided in this study can be used to establish a master plan for efficient utilization of the agricultural wastes on purpose of bio-energy production.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.558-564
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• 2010

Cleaning up the landfill soil by phytoremediation in association with biomass production and utilization of biosolid as a soil amendment will be an attractive green technology. In order to examine this integrated green technology, in the current study of pot trial, heavy metal removal rate and biomass production were determined following cultivation of three different plant species in the landfill soil incorporated with biosolid at two different levels (25 ton $ha^{-1}$ and 50 ton $ha^{-1}$). Among the three plant species including Indian mustard (Brassica juncea), giant sunflower (Helianthus giganteus. L), and giant cane (Arundo donax. L), sunflower appeared to produce the largest biomass yield (19.2 ton $ha^{-1}$) and the produced amounts were magnificently increased with biosolid treatment compared to the control (no biosoild treatment). The increased production associated with biosolid treatment was common for other plant species and this was attributed to the biosolid originated nutrients as well as the improved soil physical properties due to the organic matter from biosolid. The elevated heavy metals in soil which was originated from the incorporated biosolid were Cu and Zn. Based on the phytoavailable amount of heavy metals from biosolid, the removed amount by plant shoots were 95% and 165% for Cu and Zn, respectively, when sunflower was grown. This indicated that mitigation of heavy metal accumulation in soils achieved by the removal of metal through sunflower cultivation enables the successive treatment of biosolid to soils. Moreover, sunflower showed heavy metal stabilization ability in the rhizosphere resulting in alleviation of metal release to ground water.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.33 no.6 s.134
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• pp.71-78
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• 2005

For the utilization of chestnut inner bark as forest biomass, this studies have been carried out cleary investigated about phenolic compounds from the diethyl ether solubles and ethyl acetate solubles of hot water extract from chestnut inner bark. 3 compound were isolated and their structures were identified by spectroscopic methods. They were known compounds, 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 3,4,5-trihydrixybenzoic acid and catechin. Electron donating ability (EDA) of 3 compounds were investigated. Gallic acid and catechin were found to higher EDA than control, ascorbic acid and $\alpha$-tocopherol in 10 ppm, and especially gallic acid has very higher EDA, 21 times than ascorbic acid. This gallic acid of chemical structure were substituted with free phenolic hydroxyl groups at meta and para position. It was supposed that phenolic hydroxyl groups in chemical structure was a EDA factor.