Changes in Concentration from Major Cities and Provinces in Korea: A Case Study from 1998 to 2003

The concentrations of sulfur dioxide ($SO_{2}$) were measured from seven major cities and nine provinces in Korea for the period covering 1998 to 2003. Its concentration data were analyzed to explore the possible influences of spatial and temporal factors on the $SO_{2}$ distribution characteristics. Examination of spatial trends of $SO_{2}$ distribution and behavior indicated several interesting features. Although its annual trends appeared to be affected by the changes in the surrounding environmental conditions (e.g., regulation on the use of S-containing fuels), the seasonal trends indicated a cyclic and systematic pattern that may be characterized as: a gradual decrease in concentrations across winter, spring, fall, and summer. The results showed the generally enhanced mean concentrations of $SO_{2}$ from Ulsan, Busan, and Daegu with 12.8, 10.1, and 8.80 ppb, respectively. On the other hand, notably reduced $SO_{2}$ concentrations were seen from Gwangju and Jeju sites with its mean values of 5.43 and 3.88 ppb, respectively. The overall results of our study indicate that a decrease in $SO_{2}$ concentration levels continued through time, while its spatial distribution appears to be affected most sensitively by such factor as city scale and industrial activities.