• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.59 no.4
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• pp.548-556
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• 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the applicability of lignocellulosic fiber and coconut shell activated carbon (CSA) for the production of a particulate matter (PM)-reducing air-filter as raw materials to solve the environmental problems of non-woven fabrics. CSA had a good potential to use as a raw material of air-filter for reducing volatile organic compounds as well as noxious metals, and reduction capability of the CSA was 5 times higher than that of wood fiber. Natural adhesives formulated with proteinaceous wastes mostly were applied successfully to fabricate air-filters with the shape of fiberboard. The air-filter fabricated with the minimum target density of 200 kg/m³ and the maximum CSA-content of 40 wt% in fiberboard had a good manageable strength. However, the fiberboard filters was required to make vent-holes for improving an air-permeability of the filters. Size of the CSA particles was adjusted to greater than 2 mesh with the consideration of strength and formability of the fiberboard. Three-layers fiberboard that only wood fiber and the mixture of wood fiber and CSA were formed in the surface and middle layers, respectively, was determined to the optimal condition for the production of air-filters. In addition, traditional Korean paper handmade from mulberry trees (TKP) showed a good PM-reducing property as an air-filter. It is concluded that air-filtering set composed of fiberboard with vent-holes and TKP instead of conventional air-filters made with non-woven fabrics can be used as a filter for reducing the concentrations of PM, VOC and noxious metals existed in indoor and outdoor spaces.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.76-86
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• 2014

Purpose: The objective of this study was to measure emissions of gases (ammonia ($NH_3$), hydrogen sulfide ($H_2S$) and carbon dioxide ($CO_2$)), volatile organic compounds (VOC) and odor from two shallow pit pig nursery rooms. Gas and odor reduction practices for swine operations based on the literature were also discussed. Methods: This study was conducted for 60 days at a commercial swine nursery facility which consisted of four identical rooms with mechanical ventilations. Two rooms (room 1 (R1) and room 2 (R2)) with different pig numbers and ventilation rates were used in this study. The pig manure from both the R1 and R2 were characterized. Indoor/outdoor temperatures, ventilation rates/duration, $NH_3$, $H_2S$, $CO_2$, and VOC concentrations of the ventilation air were measured periodically (3-5 times/week). Odor concentrations of the ventilations were measured two times on two days. Three different types of gas and odor reduction practices (diet control, chemical method, and biological method) were discussed in this study. Results: The volatile solids to total solids ratio (VS/TS) and crude protein (CP) value of pig manure indicated the pig manure had high potential for gas and odor emissions. The $NH_3$, $H_2S$, $CO_2$ and VOC concentrations were measured in the ranges of 1.0-13.3, 0.1-5.7, 1600-3000 and 0.0-1.83 ppm, respectively. The $NH_3$ concentrations were found significantly higher than $H_2S$ concentrations for both rooms. The odor concentrations were measured in the range of $2853-4432OU_E/m^3$. There was significant difference in odor concentrations between the two rooms which was due to difference in pig numbers and ventilation duration. The literature studies showed that simultaneous use of dietary control and biofiltration practices will be more effective and environmentally friendly for gas and odor reductions from pig barns. Conclusions: The gas and odor concentrations measured in the ventilation air from the pig rooms indicate an acute need for using gas and odor mitigation technologies. Adopting diet control and biofiltration practices simultaneously could be the best option for mitigating gas and odor emissions from pig barns.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.41-46
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• 2010

The purpose of this study is to assess the level of fungi concentration in the university laboratories in Seoul, Korea, and to investigate factors contributing to these concentrations. The samples were taken from three spots in each laboratory; the top of sink, the center of laboratory, and the front of ventilation system, i.e fume hood at the chemical laboratory and clean bench/biosafety cabinet at the microbial laboratory. Air samples were collected using the single-stage Anderson sampler (Quick Take 30) at a flow rate of 28.3 l/min for 5 min on nutrient media in Petri-dishes located on the impactor. Fifty-two air samples were collected from 19 different laboratories (13 microbiology laboratories, 6 chemistry laboratories) in the university, and concentrations of airborne fungi showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between microbiology and chemistry laboratory, and also no significant difference at three locations (sink, center, front of ventilation system) in microbiology and chemistry laboratories. Average concentrations of fungi in 19 laboratories ranged from 7 to 459 cfu/$m^3$, with an overall Geometric Mean of 52 cfu/$m^3$. Airborne fungi concentrations of 6 samples (12 %) exceeded 150 cfu/$m^3$, the guideline of WHO. The ratios of Indoor/Outdoor for airborne fungi ranged from 0.2 to 4.8 (mean = 1.6). Related factors were measured such as relative humidity, temperature, and laboratory area. Temperature and laboratory area showed no significant relations to concentrations of airborne fungi except for relative humidity in the laboratory Concentrations of fungi were significant different (p<0.01) between rainy or cloudy and sunny. However, there was no significant difference between general ventilation and nongeneral ventilation.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.73-84
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• 2009

The stone Buddha and Shrine of Unjusa temple (Korean Treasure No. 797) at Hwasun formed in Koryo Dynasty is unique style which faces each other the back parts of south and north within the stone Shrine. The stone Buddha and Shrine is highly evaluated in historical, artistic and academic respects. But, the stone properties have been exposed in the open system various aspects of degradations weathered for a long time without specific protective facilities. To inquire into relative deterioration and environmental factor, air temperature and relative humidity of the stone Buddha and Shrine were monitored for a year of the indoor and outdoor, respectively. As a result, the temperature shows increase and decrease according to the seasons in the tendency to clear. While the relative humidity is high to keep all four seasons. Highly relative humidity environment induces dew condensation on the interior of stone Buddha and Shrine. The dew condensation is recorded at the spring, summer and winter season. The summer season is double the total of spring and winter season. In the case of summer, dew condensation is long time continued due to high temperature and relative humidity that is kept by more than nearly 100%. There is progress towards chemical weathering throughout dissolve rock properties and alteration on the rock surface. In the case of winter, dew condensation is not kept for a long time as summer. In the winter, which showing a below zero may add physical weathering throughout moisture that happen by dew condensation to repeat freezing and thawing. Therefore, the reduction plan of the relative humidity effect on dew condensation should be prepared.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.249-258
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• 2015

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the correlations between the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) and cytokines among elementary school children in an industrial city, Ulsan, South Korea, and to identify major environmental risk factors associated with AR prevalence. Methods: We conducted a case-control study in June 2009 and February 2010 in order to evaluate the relationship between AR and related cytokines. Data on physician-treated prevalence over the past 12 months and potential risk factors for AR were compiled through a questionnaire from a survey of 339 schoolchildren living in different urban environments. Logistic regression analysis was carried out with propensity score matched data (n=180) to assess the influences of cytokines (IL-13, IL-33, IL-4 and IL-5) on AR prevalence and to determine which environmental factors affected AR. Results: In univariate analysis, the AR prevalence was influenced by family history of AR (mother and siblings), environmental factors (odor condition and irritated symptoms of air pollution), and indoor allergens (D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus). The t-test demonstrated that eosinophils, Immunoglobulin E (IgE), and interleukins (IL-13 and IL-5) were statistically significantly different according to treatment of allergic rhinitis over the preceeding 12 months. The results of the multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a statistically significant association between several factors (such as irritated symptoms of air pollution (OR 4.075, CI 1.735-9.568), IL-13 (OR 0.825, CI 0.734-0.928), odor condition (OR 2.409, CI 0.908-6.389), and AR history of siblings (OR 2.217, CI 0.999-4.921)) and the prevalence of AR was found after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion: These results suggest that AR prevalence is significantly associated with cytokine level, genetic background, and outdoor environmental factors. Although living in a polluted area and genetic background can contribute to an increased risk of childhood AR, cytokine level should be considered as an important factor in the treatment of AR in the last 12 months.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.41-50
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• 2022

Recently, research on carbon adsorbents has been active as an interest in improving the environment such as indoor and outdoor air quality. Considering that causative substances deteriorate the air quality are basically volatile organic compounds, it is important to improve the hydrophobicity of the carbon materials for better removal efficiency. This study presents a method for improving hydrophobicity of carbon and a measurement of the hydrophobicity. Generally, methods of improving the hydrophobicity of carbon materials are heat treatment, acid/alkali treatment, coating and immersion with hydrophobic materials. However, it collapses the pore structure and reduces the adsorption capacity. Therefore, this study briefly introduce not only the general method for improving carbon materials' hydrophobicity but also the method for converting the precursor of the material is briefly introduced. Futhermore, this study introduces a analytical technique used to determine hydrophobic modification or not, and aims to enhance the understanding of carbon materials.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.64 no.6
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• pp.327-333
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• 2020

Performance of a portable GC that can be utilized for the real time determination of volatile organic compounds in air was evaluated. It employs purified/compressed ambient air as the carrier gas eliminating the need for high pressure gas tanks. The compact system with dimensions of 35 × 26 × 15 ㎤ and weight of 5 kg is powered by either a 24 V DC external adapter or battery pack. Chromatograms of the mixture sample including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and oxylene at concentrations of 1 ppmv and 20 ppmv represent a good reproducibility: 3.79% and 0.48% relative standard deviations (RSDs) for peak area variations; 0.40% and 0.08% RSDs for retention times. The method detection limit was 0.09 ppmv. A 30 m long, 0.28 mm I.D. column operated at an optimal condition yielded a peak capacity of 61 with good resolution for a 10 min isothermal analysis. The relative standard deviations (RSD) of the peak area variations and retention times during consecutive measurements over 27 h were less than 2.4%RSD and 0.5%RSD, respectively. Thus, this instrument makes it suitable for continuous and field analysis of low-concentration VOC mixtures in the indoor/outdoor environment as well as the spillage accident of hazardous chemicals.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.97-105
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• 2010

A quantitative single particle analytical technique, denoted low-Z particle electron probe X-ray microanalysis (low-Z particle EPMA), was applied to characterize particulate matters collected at two underground subway stations, Jegidong and Yangje stations, in Seoul, Korea. To clearly identify the source of the indoor aerosols in the subway stations, four sets of samples were collected at four different locations within the subway stations: in the tunnel; at the platform; near the ticket office; nearby outdoors. Aerosol samples collected on stages 2 and 3 ($D_p$: $10-2.5\;{\mu}m$ and $2.5-1.0\;{\mu}m$, respectively) in a 3-stage Dekati $PM_{10}$ impactor were investigated. Samples were collected during summertime in 2009. The major chemical species observed in the subway particle samples were Fe-containing, carbonaceous, and soil-derived particles, and secondary aerosols such as nitrates and sulfates. Among them, Fe-containing particles were the most popular. The tunnel samples contained 85-88% of Fe-containing particles, with the abundance of Fe-containing particles decreasing as the distances of sampling locations from the tunnel increased. The Fe-containing subway particles were generated mainly from mechanical wear and friction processes at rail-wheel-brake interfaces. Carbonaceous, soil-derived, and secondary nitrate and/or sulfate particles observed in the underground subway particles likely flowed in from the outdoor environment by human activities and the air-exchange between the subway system and the outdoors. In addition, since the platform screen doors (PSDs) limit air-mixing between the tunnel and the platform, samples collected at the platform at the Yangjae station (with PSDs) showed a marked decrease in the relative abundances of Fe-containing particles compared to the Jegidong station (without PSDs).

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.288-296
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• 2019

Radiation cooling has used ceilings or floors as cooling surfaces. In such cases, to avoid moisture condensation on the surface, the surface temperature needs be higher than the dew point temperature or an additional dehumidifier is added. In this study, with a goal for residential application, intentional moisture condensation on the cooling surface was attempted, which increased the cooling capacity and improved the indoor comfortness. This method included two separate refrigeration cycles - convection-type dehumidifying cycle and the panel cooling cycle. Test results on the panel cooling cycle showed that, at the standard outdoor ($35^{\circ}C/24^{\circ}C$) and indoor ($27^{\circ}C/19.5^{\circ}C$) condition, the refrigerant flow rate was 8.8 kg/h, condensation temperature was $51^{\circ}C$, evaporation temperature was $8.8^{\circ}C$, cooling capacity was 376 W and COP was 1.75. Furthermore, the panel temperature was uniform within $1^{\circ}C$ (between $13^{\circ}C$ and $14^{\circ}C$). As the relative humidity decreased, the cooling capacity decreased. However, the power consumption remained approximately constant. In the convection-type dehumidification cycle, the refrigerant flow rate was 21.1 kg/h, condensation temperature was $61^{\circ}C$, evaporation temperature was $5.0^{\circ}C$, cooling capacity was 949 W and COP was 2.11 at the standard air condition. When both the radiation panel cooling and the dehumidification cycle operated simultaneously, the cooling capacity of the radiation panel cycle was 333 W and that of the dehumidification cycle was 894 W, and the COP was 1.89. As the fan flow rate decreased, both the cooling capacity of the radiation panel and the dehumidification cycle decreased, with that of the dehumidification cycle decreasing at a higher rate. Finally, a possible control logic depending on the change of the cooling load was proposed based on the results of the present study.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.30 no.2 s.57
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• pp.356-368
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• 1997

In effort to determine whether aircraft noise can have health effects such as hearing loss, hypertension and psychological stress, a total of 111 male professors and administrative officers working a college near a military airport in Korea(exposed group) and a total of 168 males and 112 females matched by age groups(control groups) were analyzed. Personal noise exposure and indoor and outdoor sound level of jet aircraft noise were measured at the exposed are3. And pure tone, air conduction test and measurement of blood pressure were given to the exposed(males) and matched control groups (males and females). BEPSI(Brief Encounter Psychological Instrument) and psychological response to aircraft noise were examined for the exposed group. The noise dosimetry results revealed time-weighted averages(TWAs) that ranged from 61 to 68 dBA. However the levels encountered during taking off jet airplanes reached 126 dBA for two half minutes time period. Th, audiometric, test showed that mean values of HTL(hearing threshold level) in exposed group at every frequency(500, 1,000, 2,000, 4,000, and 8,000 Hz were much lower than them of male and female control groups. And in old age groups, interaction of age and noise was observed at 8,000 Hz in both ears(p<0.05). Conclusively, aircraft noise does not appear to induce hearing loss directly in high frequency, but may decreased hearing threshold level by interaction of aging process and noise exposure. However, difference of mean values of exposed and control groups on blood pressure was not significantly. In psychological test, annoyance was the most severe psychological response to noise in exposed group, but mean value of BEPSI was not correlated with job duration in exposed group.