• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.121-130
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• 2010

Metals and sulfate can be considerably dissolved at low pH condition in the acid mine drainage(AMD) and it would make an environmental problems. There are only few of acid mine drainage treatment systems in Korea which are operating, but these still have an effect on the surrounding stream. In this study, quantification of indicator microorganisms was conducted to judge the environmental impact of AMD on microflora by quantitative real-time PCR in the drainage samples of four mines and the water samples of each surrounding stream. Two species of iron reducing bacteria(Rhodoferax ferrireducens T118 and Acidiphilium cryptum JF-5) were selected for indicator bacteria based on 16S rRNA cloning analysis, and sulfate reducing bacteria(Desulfosporosinus orientus), iron and sulfur oxidizing bacteria(Acidothiobacillus ferrooxidans) and iron oxidizing bacteria(Leptosprillum ferrooxidans) were included into indicator since these were found in the previous studies on the mining area. Thereafter, the comparative analysis of four mines were established by the microbiological variation index and it was determined that the biological environment effect of AMD is highest in Samtan mine which doesn t contain treatment system by the value.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.75-80
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• 2007

This study evaluated groundwater quality around an uncontrolled landfill in W sity, Korea, which was monitored for about two years (2005-2006). Parameters of concern include redox-sensitive indicators such as pH, DO, EC, ORP, DOC (dissolved organic carbon), NH3, NO3 and SO4. About 10 years have elapsed after closing dumping of municipal wastes in the landfill. Leachates showed widely varying concentrations in COD(136${\sim}$263 mg/L), T-N(121${\sim}$186 mg/L), and NH3-N(14${\sim}$369 mg/L). Groundwater at the immediate downgradient of the landfill showed weakly acidic pH condition but very high levels of EC (3,000-4,000 ${\mu}S/cm$), which indicated that the groundwater was largely affected by the landfill leachate. Cl, a conservative ion, showed over 200 mg/L at the landfill border, but a gradually decreasing level with distance from the landfill, representing dispersion and dilution (natural attenuation) due to mixing with surrounding groundwater and replenished rainwater. Redox potential showed negative value at the landfill border but it increased up to 350 mV at downgradient wells, which indicated conversion of redox condition from reducing oxic ones. Ammonia, was largely enriched at most of the monitoring wells and its level greatly exceeded drinking water standard. In summary, all the parameters evidenced occurrence of natural attenuation with distance and with time but further monitoring is still required.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.330-342
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• 2008

A comprehensive quality survey for PCDDs/PCDFs and coplanar PCBs as well as heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) in sediments has been investigated in August 2006, Korea. Monitoring was undertaken at five streams representing different surrounding environments throughout Juwang and Gapyeong streams (reference sites), Jungrang stream (dense population site), Ansan stream (mixed small population and industrial site), and Siheung stream (heavy industrial site). The levels of heavy metal in samples were found to be significantly higher in sediment from Siheung stream compared to those of other stream sites. The heavy metal concentrations (dry weight basis) in sediment from Siheung stream were as follows; Cd (3.7 ${\mu}g$/g), Pb (1,295 ${\mu}g$/g), Cu (713.4 ${\mu}g$/g) and Zn (358.1 ${\mu}g$/g). Among 12 coplanar PCBs and 17 PCDDs/PCDFs selected as target compounds in this study, PCB (IUPAC no. 118) and OCDD were the most abundant congeners found in all sediment samples, followed by 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD, OCDF and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8HpCDF as well as PCB (IUPAC no. 105). These results were shown to be in the same trend as the sediment samples of other countries. The levels of PCDDs/PCDFs/coplanar PCBs in sediment samples were expressed as concentrations and WHO- TEQ values. The PCDDs/PCDFs/coplanar PCBs concentrations and their WHO-TEQ values in sediment from Siheung stream were remarkably high. The levels detected were 788.16 pg/g and 36.080 pg WHO-TEQ/g dry weight for PCDDs/ PCDFs and 314 pg/g and 0.4189 pg WHO-TEQ/g dry weight for coplanar PCBs, respectively, beyond the safety level of sediment value 20 pg WHO-TEQ/g. Sediment samples of the five streams were also monitored by sensitive biomarkers using insect immune responses: hemocyte-spreading behavior and immune-associated enzyme activities of phospholipase A$_2$ (PLA$_2$) and phenoloxidase. Organic extracts of Siheung and Jungrang sediments significantly interfered with the hemocytespreading behavior, whereas those of Ansan, Gapyeong, and Juwang did not. These organic extracts did not inhibit the PLA$_2$ and phenoloxidase activities. However, phenoloxidase was highly susceptible to exposure to aqueous extracts in all site sediments. In comparison, PLA$_2$ activities of the hemocytes were significantly inhibited only by aqueous extracts of Siheung, Jungrang, and Gapyeong sediments, but not by those of Ansan and Juwang. Despite some disparity between bioand chemical monitoring results, the biomarkers can be recommended as a device warning the contamination of biohazard environmental chemicals because of a fast and inexpensive detection method.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.373-378
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• 2011

Our aim was to investigate the genotoxicity of ambient air in the Krak$\acute{o}$w area after Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) accident and compare with results from Chernobyl fallout. For the detection of ambient air genotoxicity the technique for screening gene mutation frequency in somatic cells of the $Tradescantia$ stamen hairs ($Trad$-SH assay) was used. Since 11th of March 2011 (Fukushima NPP accident), several pots containing at least 15 shoots of bioindicating plants were exposed to ambient air at 2 sites in the Krak$\acute{o}$w surrounding area, one in the city center, and about 100 pots in a control site (in the glasshouse of the Institute of Nuclear Physics) Continuous screening of mutations was performed. Progenies of 371,090 cells exposed were analyzed. Mutation frequency obtained in the first 10 days has shown a mean control level (GMF*100=$0.06{\pm}0.01$). At scoring period related to influence of a potential Fukushima fallout, a significant increase of gene mutation frequencies above the control level was observed at each site in the range, 0.10~0.33 depending on the location, (mean value for all sites GMF*100=$0.19{\pm}0.05$) that was associated with a strong expression of toxic effects. In the reported studies following the Chernobyl NPP accident monitoring $in$ $situ$ of the ambient air genotoxicity was performed in the period since April $29^{th}$ till June $3^{rd}$ 1986 also with Trad-SH bioindicator. In general, mutation frequency increases due to Chernobyl fallout(GMF*100=$0.43{\pm}0.02$) were corresponding to fluctuation of radioactivity in the air reported from physical measures, and to published reports about increase in chromosome aberration levels. Although, recent data obtained from monitoring of the ambient air quality in the Krak$\acute{o}$w and surroundings are lower when compared to results reported after Chernobyl NPP accident, though results express a significant increase above the control level and also are corresponding with increased air radioactivity reported from physical measurements. Statistically significant in comparison to control increase in gene mutation rates and more prolonged than that after Chernobyl fallout increase of GMF was observed during the period following the Fukushima NPP failure.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.248-260
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• 2009

With regard to oversea mineral resources development, recent trend has been changed from a simple capital investment to a direct development of the resources. In relation to the stability of a slope in large open-pit coal mine, groundwater system was investigated and the validity of horizontal drainage hole was evaluated in Pasir coal mine, Indonesia. In this work, various field tests were carried out for a characterization of groundwater system, which included in-situ permeability measurement, tracer test and monitoring of groundwater levels. Especially, the influence of SM river on the characteristics of the groundwater flow system was mainly inspected. For the permeability measurement, Guelph permeameter was employed, and was found that sandstone was more permeable than mudstone and coal seam. From a comparison of lithological structure and the results of groundwater level monitoring, sandstone and thin coal seam with fractures were found to be a main channel for groundwater flow. In the results of tracer tests, the effect of SM river on the groundwater system depends on the geological structure of its base. To identify the effect of horizontal drainage holes, 2-D groundwater modeling was performed. Four different cases were tested, which are different from the length of drainage hole and the existence of pond on top of the slope. To enhance the drainage effect and slope stability, the drainage hole should be drilled to the depth of coal seam layer, which provides a main pathway of groundwater flow and embedded by sandstone. For this purpose, correct identification of surrounding geology should be preceded.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.273-281
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• 2010

Concentration of antibiotics including a tetracycline group (TCs) of tetracycline (TC), chlortetracycline (CTC), and oxytetracycline (OTC), a sulfonamide group (SAs) of sulfamethoxazole (SMX), sulfathiazole (STZ), and sulfamethazine (SMT), an ionophore group (IPs) of lasalocid (LSL), monensin (MNS), and salinomycin (SLM), and a macrolide group (MLs) of tylosin (TYL) was determined from samples collected from the agricultural soil, stream water, and sediment. For the agricultural soil samples, the concentration of TCs had the highest value among all tested antibiotic's groups due to its high accumulation rate on the surface soils. The lower concentrations of SAs in the agricultural soils may be resulted from its lower usage and lower distribution coefficient (Kd) compared to TCs. The concentration of TCs in stream water was significantly increased through June to September. It would be likely due to soil loss during an intensive rainfall event and a reduction of water level after the monsoon season. A significant amount of TCs in the sediment was also detected due to its accumulation from runoff, which occurred by complexation of divalent cations, ion exchange, and hydrogen bonding among humic acid molecules. To ensure environmental or human safety, continuous monitoring of antibiotics residues in surrounding ecosystems and systematic approach to the occurrence mechanism of antibiotic resistant bacteria are required.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Groundwater Environment
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.27-36
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• 1996

The Nanji landfill is one of the biggest uncontrolled landfill in terms of its size and scale in the world. Because the landfill was constructed on the very vulnerable alluvial deposit installing no pollution control systems such as bottom liner and leachate collection systems, it has caused a serious adverse effect to near-by groundwater and surface water systems. A through remedial investigation comprising plume detection and site-characterization was performed to design the remedial measure. As a part the investigation, comprehensive water quality study was conducted, using ten existing observation wells and one bundle type monitoring well, to determine the contaminant indicators for the plume delineation and to define the vertical and horizontal variation of specific contaminants via distances from the landfill. The results clearly shows that EC and temperature are a good pollution indicators and the vertical concentrations of specific contaminants measured in the fully screened wells are 20 to 90% more than those measured at the same depth in bundle type well which is located just 2 m apart. This paper presents a cost effective monitoring and sampling method to define the contaminant plume and obtain a basic data for leachate control measures.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.251-260
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• 2016

Groundwater flow due to hydraulic gradients across a geologic barrier surrounding a dam reservoir can cause swamps or wetlands to form on the downstream side of the dam, thereby restricting land use. The difference in head between the reservoir level and the downstream groundwater level creates a hydraulic gradient, allowing water to flow through the geologic barrier. We constructed a drainage system at the Daecheong dam to study the effects on groundwater levels and soil moisture contents. The drainage system consisted of a buried screened pipe spanning a depth of 1-1.5 m below a land surface. Groundwater levels were monitored at several monitoring wells before and after the drainage system was installed. Most well sites recorded a decline in groundwater level on the order of 1 m. The high-elevated site (monitoring well W1) close to the reservoir showed a significant decline in groundwater level of more than 2 m, likely due to rapid discharge by the drainage system. Soil moisture contents were also analyzed and found to have decreased after the installation of the drainage system, even considering standard deviations in the soil moisture contents. We conclude that the drainage system effectively lowered groundwater levels on the downstream side of the dam. Furthermore, we emphasize that water seepage analyses are critical to embankment dam design and construction, especially in areas where downstream land use is of interest.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.307-317
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• 2011

Ground beetle fauna of Mt. Bangtaesan in Inje-gun, Gangwon-do was investigated from June to October in 2010. Ground beetles were collected by pitfall trapping. A total of 34 species of 18 genera belonging to 7 families were identified from 1,041 collected ground beetles. Species richness was high in Pterostichinae (15 species, 44.1%), Carabinae (7 species, 20.6%), Harpalinae (4 species, 11.8%), Nebriinae (3 species, 8.8%) and others (5 species, 14.7%). Dominant species were Synuchus spp. (260 individuals, 25.0%), Aulonocarabus semiopacus (218 individuals, 20.9%), and Pterostichus audax (205 individuals, 19.7%) in order. Korean endemic species were collected 564 individuals belonging to 10 species. By principal component analysis (PCA), species distribution and abundance of ground beetles were different depending on habitat characteristics of vegetation, surrounding environment and feeding habitat. Carabinae and Pterostichinae which live in the forest were preferred in hardwoods and coniferous in the Bangtansan Natural Recreation Forest, while Callistinae and Harpalinae were collected in forest adjacent to grasslands. Overall, differences of habitat environments within forest are important factors associated with distribution of ground beetles. This result will provide useful informations with establishment of conservation program and long-term monitoring against environmental change within mountain by using ground beetles.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.763-771
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• 2010

The rapid increase of wildlife passage installation since the late 2000s was aimed to reduce roadkill caused by habitat fragmentation and losses related to road construction, but wildlife-vehicle collisions are now still occurred even near the wildlife passage area. This is the reason that the effectiveness of wildlife passage have not been evaluated in combination with absence of monitoring data and management strategy of the wildlife passage. The AHP method are used, in this study, to identify the evaluation factors affecting the effectiveness of the present 367 wildlife passages in a mitigation measures to reduce road effects on wildlife species. Ten evaluation factors are derived from third levels in the AHP analysis. Priority setting to identify appropriate management strategies in first level is selected among four second levels on facility, environment, wildlife species and management tool. The AHP analysis suggested that neighboring environments are the most important factor at the second level, and passage structure, harmony with natural surroundings, wildlife occurrence and monitoring of the passage are also important factors at the third levels. In summary, effective measurements of wildlife passage management is based on managing the passage with neighboring topography and natural surrounding. This is useful to establish wildlife passage management strategy in order to reduce the negative effects of roads on wildlife species.