• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.285-295
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• 2001

We developed a CASE-II water model that will enable the simulation of remote sensing reflectance($R_{rs}$) at the coastal waters for the retrieval of suspended sediments (SS) concentrations from satellite imagery. The model has six components which are: water, chlorophyll, dissolved organic matter (DOM), non-chlorophyllous particles (NC), heterotrophic microorganisms and an unknown component, possibly represented by bubbles or other particulates unrelated to the five first components. We measured $R_{rs}$, concentration of SS and chlorophyll, and absorption of DOM during our field campaigns in Korea. In addition, we generated $R_{rs}$ from different concentrations of SS and chlorophyll, and various absorptions of DOM by random number functions to create a large database to test the model. We assimilated both the computer generated parameters as well as the in-situ measurements in order to reconstruct the reflectance spectra. We validated the model by comparing model-reconstructed spectra with observed spectra. The estimated $R_{rs}$ spectra were used to (1) evaluate the performance of four wavelengths and wavelengths ratios for accurate retrieval of SS. 2) identify the optimum band for SS retrieval, and 3) assess the influence of the SS on the chlorophyll algorithm. The results indicate that single bands at longer wavelengths in visible better results than commonly used channel ratios. The wavelength of 625nm is suggested as a new and optimal wavelength for SS retrieval. Because this wavelength is not available from SeaWiFS, 555nm is offered as an alternative. The presence of SS in coastal areas can lead to overestimation chlorophyll concentrations greater than 20-500%.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.153-157
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• 2001

The relationship between SPM (Suspended Particulate Matter) and fungal spore in the air was investigated in Seosan, a rural county of Korea, in spring of 2000. SPM concentrations in the air were $199.8\mu{g}\;m^{-3}$, in the 1st Yellow Sand Period (March, 23-24), $249.4\mu{g}\;m^{-3}$ in the 2nd Yellow Sand Period (April, 7-9) and $98.9\mu{g}\;m^{-3}$ in the Non Yellow Sand Period (May, 12-16), respectively. Although there was somewhat difference in total SPM concentration between the two Yellow Sand Periods, majority of the total SPM were composed of $5\mu{m}$ sized coarse particles over the two periods. However, fine particles sized about $1\mu{m}$and coarse particles sized about $5-6\mu{m}$ ultimately showed peaks, which was within typical bimodal pattern at the graph of SPM size distribution in the Non Yellow Sand Period. Four mold genera grown from airborne fungal spores were finally identified in full-grown colonies at the SPM samples during the Yellow Sand Periods. These genera were Fusarium, Aspergillus, Penicillium and Basipetospora.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.593-604
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• 2017

The suspended particulate matter(PM) was measured in subway tunnel of Seoul Line 1 to 9 in order to evaluate the pollution degree and characteristics of the PM in the subway tunnel. Also, to analyze the effect of outdoor aerosol concentration on the PM concentration of subway tunnels, the ambient PM concentration around the subway station was extracted by spatial analysis using $PM_{10}$ data of Seoul air pollution monitoring network. Finally, in order to understand pollution pattern in the Seoul subway tunnels, cluster analysis was performed based on input data set such as PM levels in tunnel, tunnel depth, length, curvature radius, outdoor ambient air pollution levels and so on. The average concentration of $PM_{10}$, $PM_{2.5}$, and $PM_1$ on subway tunnels were $98.0{\pm}37.4$, $78.4{\pm}28.7$, and $56.9{\pm}19.2{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively. As a result of the cluster analysis, tunnels from Seoul subway Line-1 to Line-9 were classified into five classes, and the concentrations and physical properties of the tunnels were compared. This study can provide a method to reduce PM concentration in tunnel for each pollution pattern and provide basic information about air quality control in Seoul subway tunnel.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.51-58
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• 1999

To investigate the distribution of nutritive salts and organic compounds in six stations at the coastal area of East Sea, environmental factors, nutritive salts, organic matters and chlorophyll were analysed four times from July 1994 to April 1995. The value of BOD in Ulsan Chuyongam was the highest among 6 stations. The concentration of nutritive salts was generally high through the investigation period near Pohang and Ulsan Chuyongam. From the value of dissolved nutrient salts, the Chuyongam area seemed to be under hyper-eutrophication and the Changsengpo area under eutrophication. Suspended particulate matter (SPM) of 3~10${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ in size was distributed up to 70% of total volume. The amounts of SPM and particulate organic matter (POM) were considerably high in Pohang and Ulsan, which seemed to be resulted from the input of pollutants of cities and factories nearby.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.416-426
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• 2019

Objectives: In recent years, transboundary air pollution from mainland East Asia has led to growing concerns about air pollution in Japan. Air pollution is reportedly associated with the exacerbation of respiratory diseases. In this study, we assessed the effects of air pollution on respiratory symptoms and the health status of participants with and without chronic respiratory diseases. Methods: Participants (n=2753) with and without chronic respiratory diseases who visited healthcare facilities in Japan during February from 2010 to 2015 filled out a self-report questionnaire regarding their symptoms and perceived health status. Participants were followed up during April-May and June-July. Results: Oxidant concentrations were associated with respiratory symptoms, overall health, and quality of life (QoL). Suspended particulate matter (SPM) and particulate matter <$2.5{\mu}m$ levels were associated with physical fitness; SPM was also associated with QoL. Recent experience of an Asian sand dust event had a significant effect on allergic symptoms, change in health, and QoL. Conclusions: Respiratory symptoms were more strongly affected by oxidants than by other pollutants. Significant associations of air pollutants were found with a comprehensive range of items related to perceived health status, including overall health and QoL. Although the effects of air pollutants on respiratory symptoms and health status were more apparent among patients with respiratory diseases, the adverse effects of air pollutants were significant even among participants without such conditions.

• Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.47-54
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• 2012

This study analyzed influence factors and the correlation among pollutants which affect occurrence of leaked pollution based on the long-term runoff flow and water quality investigation results to understand the characteristics of highway rainfall runoff pollution load. According to the result of correlation analysis on TSS (Total Suspended Solid) concentration, anteceded dry days, rainfall intensity, traffic volume and etc. as major influence factors of highway rainfall runoff pollution loads, the correlations were weak or scarce in most items. These results might be attributed that runoff pollutant concentration changes vary severely on changes of rainfall intensity and rainfall duration within rainfall and it is affected by disturbances of vehicles and street cleaning and etc. as characteristics of the highway. While Cu, Fe and Zn which are discharged with high concentrations out of heavy metals showed high correlation with particulate matter, organic matter(COD), nutrient(TN, TP), Ni and Pb showed relatively low correlation in a correlation evaluation by pollutant. Significant correlation with traffic volumes was not shown and TSS concentration even decreased in accordance with increase of the traffic volume. In the comparison with precedent studies, it was considered necessary additional analysis of the effects of rainfall section analysis, road type, disturbances of surface contaminants by vehicles, rainfall and climate conditions, surrounding terrains etc.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.175-184
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• 2013

Organic carbon and total nitrogen stable isotope ratios of suspended materials were determined at 3 stations (from Mongtan Bridge to Youngsan river estuary barrage) (n=6, each) from November 2008 to August 2009, in order to understand the origin of particulate organic matter at the Estuary of Youngsan River. Allochthonous organic matter, ammonia-N and silicate were increased after heavy rain (in August). Carbon isotope ratios were significantly different between stations in November and August, and it was possible to determine the origin of organic matter. The heavier nitrogen isotope ratios, as well as higher phosphate concentrations, were found in November than other sampling times. Livestock wastewater and farmland input was likely the main causes of these high values. In addition, YS3 station, the nearest site to estuary barrage, appears to be affected by a substantial amount of livestock wastewater and farmland input, considering that nitrogen isotope ratios were heavier than those at the upper sites. These results suggest that the analysis of stable isotope ratios is a simple but useful tool for the determination of organic matter origin in aquatic environments.

• Journal of Environmental Analysis, Health and Toxicology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.281-291
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• 2018

Recently, long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT) from China is regarded as a major reason for elevated levels of particulate matter (PM) in Korea. However, local emissions also play an important role in PM pollution, especially in large-scale industrial cities. In this study, PM samples were collected at suburban, residential, and industrial sites in Ulsan, Korea. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals were analyzed, and a potential human health risk assessment was conducted. The concentrations of PAHs and heavy metals in total suspended particles (TSP) increased during high $PM_{10}$ episodes, and backward trajectory analysis verified the influence of LRAT from China during the high episodes. Furthermore, the concentrations of PAHs and heavy metals in $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$ at the industrial site were higher than those at the residential site. The risk assessment of PAHs and heavy metals in $PM_{2.5}$ suggested no significant health effects. The highest levels of PAHs were measured in the particle size of $0.32{\sim}0.56{\mu}m$ at the residential site, and those of heavy metals were detected in the particle size of 1.8~5.6 and $>18{\mu}m$, reflecting different major emissions sources for both groups. On the basis of this preliminary study, we are planning long-term monitoring and modeling studies to quantitatively evaluate the influence of industrial activities on the PM pollution in Ulsan.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.306-312
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• 2010

This field study was performed to evaluate the efficiency of a plasma ion-operated air cleaner in temporal reduction of airborne pollutants emitted from a pig housing facility. In the case of gaseous pollutants, the plasma ion air cleaner was not effective in reducing levels of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide, or sulfur dioxide (p>0.05). In the case of particulate pollutants, however, the air cleaner was effective in reducing levels of particulate matter ($PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_1$) by 79(${\pm}6.1$) and 78(${\pm}3.0$)%, respectively. Unlike the case of these fine particle fractions, the reduction of total suspended particles (TSP) and $PM_{10}$ following treatment was almost negligible. In the case of biological pollutants, the mean reduction efficiencies for airborne bacteria and fungi were relatively low at 22(${\pm}6.6$) and 25(${\pm}8.7$)%, respectively. Taken together, these results indicate that in terms of air pollutants released from this pig housing facility, the plasma ion air cleaner was primarily effective in reducing levels of $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_1$.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.58 no.2
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• pp.167-173
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• 2005

Background : Airborne particles during Yellow Sand phenomena are known to be associated with the respiratory disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concentration and metal component properties of Yellow Sand particles and compare with airborne microbial concentration and species in non Yellow Sand and Yellow Sand phenomena. Methods : Samplings were carried out in 2002 in Seosan, during non Yellow Sand and Yellow Sand phenomena. Samples were taken using the 8-stage Cascade impactor and metallic elements were analyzed by XRF. Those were culture on the media for bacterial and fungal culture and celline for virus. Results : The concentration of total suspended particulate matter were respectively $80.2{\mu}g/m^3$, $40.3{\mu}g/m^3$ in non Yellow Sand and Yellow Sand phenomena. The concentration of metallic elements such as Ca, Fe, Cu and Zn in Yellow Sand phenomena were higher than its in non Yellow Sand. Two bacteria, Bacillus species and Staphylococcus were grown in two periods. In both periods, several fungal spores(Mucor species, Cladosporum, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Alternaria species) were identified. The differences of bacteria and fungus species not observed in Yellow Sand and non Yellow Sand. Any viruses were not isolated in between both periods. Conclusions : The concentration of total suspended particulate matter and some metallic elements in Yellow Sand phenomena were higher than its in non Yellow Sand. The difference of bacteria and fungus species was not observed in non Yellow Sand and Yellow Sand phenomena.