• Title/Summary/Keyword: environmental actions

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Assessing the Extent and Rate of Deforestation in the Mountainous Tropical Forest

  • Pujiono, Eko;Lee, Woo-Kyun;Kwak, Doo-Ahn;Lee, Jong-Yeol
    • Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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    • v.27 no.3
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    • pp.315-328
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    • 2011
  • Landsat data incorporated with additional bands-normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and band ratios were used to assess the extent and rate of deforestation in the Gunung Mutis Nature Reserve (GMNR), a mountainous tropical forest in Eastern of Indonesia. Hybrid classification was chosen as the classification approach. In this approach, the unsupervised classification-iterative self-organizing data analysis (ISODATA) was used to create signature files and training data set. A statistical separability measurement-transformed divergence (TD) was used to identify the combination of bands that showed the highest distinction between the land cover classes in training data set. Supervised classification-maximum likelihood classification (MLC) was performed using selected bands and the training data set. Post-classification smoothing and accuracy assessment were applied to classified image. Post-classification comparison was used to assess the extent of deforestation, of which the rate of deforestation was calculated by the formula suggested by Food Agriculture Organization (FAO). The results of two periods of deforestation assessment showed that the extent of deforestation during 1989-1999 was 720.72 ha, 0.80% of annual rate of deforestation, and its extent of deforestation during 1999-2009 was 1,059.12 ha, 1.31% of annual rate of deforestation. Such results are important for the GMNR authority to establish strategies, plans and actions for combating deforestation.

Development and Application of Carbon Emissions Estimation Methodology During the Life Cycle of Road (도로의 전과정 탄소배출량 산정방법 개발 및 적용)

  • Kwak, In-Ho;Park, Kwang-Ho;Hwang, Young-Woo;Park, Ji-Hyoung
    • Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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    • v.34 no.6
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    • pp.382-390
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    • 2012
  • Global warming has been hot issue world wide. Korea has been dealing with the global issue under the slogan of low carbon and green-growth such as setting national greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets and allocation to each industrial sector. Infrastructure construction, in which enormous social overhead capital (SOC) is input, has great role as one of the actions. Road is one of the representative infrastructure and large amount of resources is utilized in its construction, operation and maintenance stage. The estimation methodology of life cycle carbon emissions was developed and applied to a case study of highway currently under construction in this study. Also, total carbon emissions of all the highway in South Korea at present (2009) and cumulative carbon emissions from 2009 to 2020 were estimated using the results of case study.

The Development and Application of Wetland Ecology Map Program for the Study through Experience at Upo Swamp (우포늪 체험 학습을 위한 습지 생태 지도 프로그램 개발 및 적용)

  • Yang, Eun-Ju;Kim, Kee-Dae
    • Hwankyungkyoyuk
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    • v.23 no.2
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    • pp.97-112
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    • 2010
  • The study aims to comprehend the effect of the wetland ecology education on the elementary school students' changes of recognition about wetland through the wetland ecology map program. In this study, the literary research, the experimental research and the survey methods were operated. Through the literary research, the environmental factors were extracted, and the writing item of ecology map was reconstructed based on the literary research, so the experimental research was operated with the wetland ecology map program. Through four areas of test items such as the information and knowledge, values and attitudes, development and conservation, behavior and participation, and the analysis of children's study results, the effect of the wetland ecology map program on changes of recognition about wetland was verified quantitatively and qualitatively. Wetland ecology map program would be able to be an educational approach which can achieve the 'personalization of environment' setting up predictable environmental improvement goals and satisfying the needs of spatial information of the appropriate regions from the holistic perspective that students themselves plan and participate beyond a one-time experience program. Production of ecological map through continuous monitoring is expected to improve the possibility of subjective environmental actions by operating self-directed learning. Based on the conclusion of this study, we would suggest the following. For wetland ecology map program to be supplemented and utilized, the basic education of wetland should be organized in regular school curriculum, ecology map program including various teaching learning methods be prepared actively, and in future studies, studies of ecosystem-wide wetland ecology map program including animals like birds and fish are necessary.

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The Concentrations of PCBs in the Serum and Theri Predictors of Exposure n Korean Women (일부 한국 성인 여성들의 혈중 PCBs 농도 및 그 노출요인의 연구)

  • 민선영;정문호;이강숙;노영만;구정환
    • Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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    • v.26 no.2
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    • pp.97-107
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    • 2000
  • PCBs [Polychlorinated biphenyls] are halogenated aromatic compounds with the empirical formula C12H10-nCln(n=1~10), and are a mixture of possible 209 different chlorinated congeners. PCBs were widely used as dielectric fluids for capacitors, transformers, plasticizers, lubricant inks, and paint additives. once released into the environment, PCBs persist for years because they are so resistant to degradation. In addition to their high degree of lipophilicity. In 1970s, the worldwide production of PCBs seem to be still in use. The environmental load of PCBs was prohibited since 1983 in Korea. In spite of these actions, many PCBs seem to be still in use. The environmental load of PCBs will continue to be recycled through air, land, water, and the biosphere for decades to come. This study was conducted to measure the concentrations of PCBs I the serum samples of 112 women by GC/MSD(Hewlett Packard 5897 Gas Chromatography-Mass Chromatography Detector) and CG/ECD(Hewlett Packard 5890 series-II gas chromatography-Electron capture detector, U.S.A). The main results of this study were as follows; The mean and standard deviation of serum PCBs were 3.613, 0.759 ppb, respectively and median of it was 3.828 ppb. The correlation coefficients of the concentrations of 13 PCB congeners ranged from 0.7913 to 0..9985 and were significantly correlated between each items(p=0.0001). The PCB concentrations were positively associated with age(simple linear regression; R2=0.86, =0.08023, p<0.001) and with total lipids in serums(simple linear regression; R=0.7058, =0.00486, p<0.001). The age adjusted model (Y=$\beta$0+$\beta$1age+$\beta$2X) was applied for possible predictors of PCBs levels in serum. For BMI(Body Mass Index), major residential area, and fish, meat, and dairy consumption, there was no association with PCBs levels, Also there was negative association for the number of pregnancy and lactation period with PCBs levels.

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Analysis of Wave Reflection Characteristics for Bottom Proection Bio Block (해저침식방호용 바이오 블록의 파랑반사특성 분석)

  • Lee, J.W.;Kim, J.S.;Kim, H.J.;Lee, Y.H.;Lee, D.H.
    • Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Navigation and Port Research Conference
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    • 2013.06a
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    • pp.270-272
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    • 2013
  • In order to protect coastal facilities mainly from wave and current actions, the self-locking bio blocks constituting component elements of protecting structures against scouring were designed. These blocks are adapted to the sloping bottom, coastal dunes, and submerged coastal base counteracting the destructive and erosive impulse action. A series of laboratory experiments is necessary to investigate the reflection of water waves over and against a train of protruded or submerged shore structures and compare the reflecting capabilities of incident waves including wave forces. In this study the hydraulic model experiment was conducted to identify the performance of newly designed water affinity bio blocks to keep the coast slope and bottom mound from scouring by reduction of the reflection coefficient and to convince stability of the placements. Revised design of each element of blocks were also tested for field conditions. From the result of experiment, the field applicability of the developed blocks and placement is to be discussed afterward.

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Methanogenesis and Methane Oxidation in Paddy Fields under Organic Fertilization

  • Kim, Chungwoo;Walitang, Denver I.;Sa, Tongmin
    • Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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    • v.40 no.4
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    • pp.295-312
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    • 2021
  • BACKGROUND: Global warming is one of the most pressing environmental issues which concomitantly complicates global climate change. Methane emission is a balance between methanogenesis and methane consumption, both of which are driven by microbial actions in different ecosystems producing methane, one of the major greenhouse gases. Paddy fields are major sources of anthropogenic methane emissions and could be compounded by organic fertilization. METHODS AND RESULTS: Literature reviews were conducted to give an overview of the global warming conditions and to present the relationship of carbon and methane to greenhouse gas emissions, and the need to understand the underlying processes of methane emission. A more extensive review was done from studies on methane emission in paddy fields under organic fertilization with greater emphasis on long term amendments. Changes in paddy soils due to organic fertilization include alterations of the physicochemical properties and changes in biological components. There are diverse phylogenetic groups of methanogens and methane oxidizing bacteria involved in methane emission. Also, multiple factors influence methanogenesis and methane oxidation in rice paddy fields under organic fertilization and they should be greatly considered when developing mitigating steps in methane emission in paddy fields especially under long term organic fertilization. CONCLUSION(S): This review showed that organic fertilization, particularly for long term management practices, influenced both physicochemical and biological components of the paddy fields which could ultimately affect methanogenesis, methane oxidation, and methane emission. Understanding interrelated factors affecting methane emission helps create ways to mitigate their impact on global warming and climate change.

Development of an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Guide for Safely Cleaning Contaminated Machinery, Equipment, and Parts Used in the Electronics Manufacturing Process (전자산업 공정에서 사용한 부품, 기계류 세정(cleaning) 작업 안전보건 가이드)

  • Seunghee Lee;Soyeon Kim;Kyung Ehi Zoh;Yeong Woo Hwang;Kyong-Hui Lee;Kwang Jae Chung;Dong-Uk Park
    • Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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    • v.33 no.4
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    • pp.419-426
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    • 2023
  • Objectives: This study aims to develop an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) guide for the safe cleaning of contaminated machinery, equipment, and parts used in the electronics manufacturing process. Methods: A literature review, field investigations, and discussions were conducted. An initial draft of an OSH guide was developed and reviewed by experts with significant experience in maintenance work in the electronics manufacturing process in order to refine the guide. Results: Workers involved in cleaning processes with chemicals, solvents, and abrasive blasting can face exposure to a wide range of chemicals, abrasives, and noise. Identifying potential risks associated with each cleaning technique was an essential first step toward enhancing safety measures. The OSH guide comprises approximately eleven to twelve sections spanning 20-25 pages. It includes engineering and administrative protocols systematically organized to address the necessary actions before, during, and after cleaning tasks, depending on the technique. It is recommended that airline respirator masks be used in conjunction with an air purification system to ensure adherence to air quality standard "D" for atmosphere level. The use of an oil-free air compressor is advised, preferably a stationary model that does not rely on fuel sources like diesel. Conclusions: This OSH guide is designed to protect workers involved in maintenance activity in the electronics industry and aligns with global standards, such as those from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Semiconductor Equipment and Material International, ensuring a higher level of safety and compliance.

Mercury Exposure Factors among Residents in the Highly Mercury Exposed Area, Seoksan-ri, Korea (수은 고노출지역 주민의 수은노출요인과 노출량 변화에 관한 연구)

  • KIM, Dae Seon;Kwon, Young Min;Chung, Hee-Ung;CHOI, Kyunghee
    • Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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    • v.41 no.5
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    • pp.349-357
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    • 2015
  • Objectives: The 2007 Korea National Survey for Environmental Pollutants in the Human Body found the highest blood mercury levels nationwide among residents in Seoksan-ri, Goro-myeon, Gunwi-gun, Gyeonsangbuk-do. With the aim to reduce the blood mercury levels of residents in this region, we conducted this study to identify the association between mercury exposure levels and shark meat consumption. Methods: This survey was conducted with 118 participants in Seoksan-ri before the Chuseok festival and 113 residents were added afterwards. Information on participants was collected via questionnaires. Total mercury concentrations in biological samples were measured using a mercury analyzer with the gold-amalgam collection method. Results: To identify this, we conducted mercury exposure level analysis before and after the Chuseok festival and found that blood and urinary mercury levels after Chuseok (GM of $6.9{\mu}g/L$ in blood and $1.68{\mu}g/g$_cr in urine) were higher than those before (GM of $5.29{\mu}g/L$ in blood and $1.44{\mu}g/g$_cr in urine). This area maintains a custom of using shark meat as one of the ancestral rite foods, and the performance of such rites and shark meat consumption have been identified as main sources of mercury exposure. Other than this, smoking, dental amalgam treatment and residential period in the area also contributed to an increase in mercury exposure levels. On the other hand, recent consumption of oriental medicine and vaccination did not have a significant influence on mercury levels. Conclusion: The results were attributed to the local custom of consuming shark meat with high mercury concentrations during rituals taking place during the festival and ancestral rites. Given that the blood mercury levels in 23.2% of the residents exceeded the HBM II values recommended by the German Commission on Human Biological Monitoring, it is suggested that further appropriate actions and follow-up measures be taken to reduce the mercury exposure levels of the residents that exceeded the reference values.

An Interdisciplinary Approach for the Solution of Enviromental polution (環境汚染의 解決을 위한 綜合科學的 接近方法 (I))

  • Sin, Hyeon-Deok
    • Journal of Surface Science and Engineering
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    • v.12 no.3
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    • pp.207-216
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    • 1979
  • Environmental pollution or contaminations caused by various kinds of pollutants have become one of most serious problems of our time. Environ mental pollution is the unfavoralble alteration of our surroundings, through direct or indirect effects of changes in energy patterns, rediation levels, chemical and physical constitution and abundances of organisms. These changes may affect humans directly or through their supplies of water and of agicultural and other biological products, their physical objects or possessions, or their opportunities for recreation and appreciation of nature. Pollutants that meet the criteria of this definition of environmental pollution are numerous: gases (such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides) and paniculate matter (such as smoke particles, lead aerosols, and asbestos) in the atmosphere; pesticides and radioactive isotopes in the atmosphee and in waterways; sewage, organic. chemicals, and phosphates in water; solid wastes on land; excessive heating (thermal pollution) of rivers and lakes; and many others. Some of these pollutants are introduced into the environment naturally, others by human actions, and most in both ways. Our major concer is with environmental pollution resulting wholly or largely as a by-product of human activities, because these can be controlled most readily. Environmental pollution cannot be solved by science and technology alone. It should be handled by an interdisciplinary approach with combined methods of science and technology as wen as social science disciplines for the better solution of this critical problem. In this respect, introducing "Environmental Science," a new scientific approach for the solution of environmental problems, which is now widely accepted by most developed countries of the world will be very helpful for systematization of theoretical basis for a new scientific approach to environmental pollution. Environmental science is "the study of all systems of air, land, water, energy, and life that surround Man. It includes all sciences directed to the system-level of understanding of the environment, drawing especially upon such disciplines as meteorology, geophysics, oceanography, and ecology, and utilizing to the fullest knowledge and techniques developed in such fields as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and engineering as well as many social science disciplines, such as economics, such as economics, law, political science and public administration." The components of this discipline are not new, for they are drawn from existing areas of science within biology chemistry, physics, and geoscience. What is really new about environmental science, however, is it siewpoint - its orientation to global problems, its conception of the earth as a set of interlocking, interacting systems, and its interest in Man as a part of these systems.

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Information Technology and Environmental Decision-Making (정보 기술과 환경 의사 결정)

  • Woo Chung-Gyoo
    • Journal of Science and Technology Studies
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    • v.1 no.2 s.2
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    • pp.371-398
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    • 2001
  • Sciences and technologies are the sources which have formed presently highly developed civilizations and cultures and have enhanced the quality of human lives. But we see the dark sides of them as well as the bright sides, and we have the consciousness of environmental crisis and destruction of lives caused by them. Thus were are criticisms against human-tropism or technology-tropism from nature-tropism or deep ecology. However, if people would continue to have the desire of enjoying the present quality of their lives, they should try to develop and improve pro-environmental technologies. In this vein, we have the necessity of making environmental decisions and solving environmental problems by information technologies. Since the second half of the last century, 'environment' is the key word because we have the consciousness of environment strongly. As we solve human problems by making decisions of actions, we must face with environmental decisions in order to solve our environmental problems. If we have the better understanding of the nature of information and the role of information technology, and the relation of information technology and decision-making, we are able to design environmental systems and implement their optimal interfaces of environmental components. For this purpose, we are obliged to combine several useful technologies including GIS, DSS, Knowledge-based system and artificial neural networks. Therefore the developments and cooperations of these fields in environmental decision making enables us to live in the better and comfortable surrounding in the near future.

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