• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제46권5호
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• pp.504-512
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• 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the indoor to outdoor ratio (I/O ratio) of time activity patterns affecting PM_2.5 concentrations in homes in Korea through a simulation. Methods: The time activity patterns of homemakers were analyzed based on the 'Time-Use Survey' data of the National Statistical Office in 2014. From September 30 to October 2, 2019, the experimenter lived in multifamily housing located in Guro-gu, Seoul. The I/O ratio of PM_2.5 concentration was measured by installing sensor-based instruments. Results: The average indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations during the three days were 33.1±48.9 and 45.9±25.3 ㎍/㎥, respectively. The average I/O ratio was 0.75±0.60. The indoor concentration tended to increase when PM_2.5 source activity such cooking and cleaning was present and outdoor PM_2.5 was supplied through ventilation. Conclusions: This study could be used as basic data for estimating indoor PM_2.5 concentrations with personal activity pattern and weather conditions using outdoor concentrations.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제58권8호
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• pp.29.1-29.10
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• 2016

Background: It is known that large dogs who are fed lamb and rice diets are at increased risk to develop taurine-deficiency-induced dilated cardiomyopathy. Since dogs obligatorily conjugate bile acids (BA) with taurine, we determined whether rice bran (RB) or other fibers (cellulose; CL, beet pulp; BP) would affect BA excretion and/or the taurine status of dogs. Results: Eighteen medium/large mixed-breed dogs were given purified diets containing CL, BP, or RB for 12 weeks. Taurine concentrations in plasma and whole blood were significantly decreased at week 12. The BP group, compared to the CL or RB groups, showed significantly lower taurine concentrations in plasma ($6.5{\pm}0.5$ vs $20.4{\pm}3.9$ and $13.1{\pm}2.0{\mu}mol/L$, respectively, P < 0.01, $mean{\pm}SEM$) and in whole blood ($79{\pm}10$ vs $143{\pm}14$ and $127{\pm}14{\mu}mol/L$, respectively, P < 0.01), lower apparent protein digestibility ($81.9{\pm}0.6$ vs $88.8{\pm}0.6$ and $88.1{\pm}1.2%$, respectively, P < 0.01), and higher BA excretions ($5.6{\pm}0.1$ vs $3.4{\pm}0.5$ and $3.4{\pm}0.4{\mu}mol/g$ feces, respectively, P < 0.05) at week 12. Conclusions: These results do not support the hypothesis that RB is likely to be a primary cause of lamb meal and rice diets, increasing the risk of taurine deficiency in large dogs. However these indicate that BP may contribute to a decrease taurine status in dogs by increasing excretion of fecal BA and decreasing protein digestibility, thus decreasing the bioavailability of sulfur amino acids, the precursors of taurine.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제10권1호
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• pp.47-53
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• 2019

Background: Despite growing concern over occupational exposure to particulate matter (PM) such as grain dust and diesel exhaust, information about the exposure level and health implications among workers in small-scale milling enterprises in developing countries like Nigeria has not been adequately documented. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of exposure to grain dust and diesel exhaust and effect on lung function among grain millers in food markets in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. Methods: The study adopted descriptive cross-sectional design with a comparative approach. Sixteen grain milling shops each were randomly selected from two major food markets in Ibadan metropolis for indoor $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ monitoring. Seventy-two respondents each were proportionately selected from grain millers and shop owners for forced expiratory volume in one second and peak expiratory flow rate tests. Results: The $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations for both market locations ranged between 1,269.3 and $651.7{\mu}g/m^3$, while $PM_{10}$ concentrations were between 1,048.2 and $818.1{\mu}g/m^3$. The recorded concentrations exceeded the World Health Organization guideline limit of $50{\mu}g/m^3$ and $25{\mu}g/m^3$ for $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$, respectively. As compared with control group (2.1 L), significantly lower forced expiratory volume in one second value (1.61 L) was observed among the exposed group (p < 0.05). Likewise, significantly lower peak expiratory flow rate value (186.7 L/min) was recorded among the exposed group than the control group (269.51 L/min) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Exposure to grain dust and diesel exhaust accentuated respiratory disorders with declines in lung functions amongst grain millers. Improved milling practices and engaging cleaner milling facilities should be adopted to minimize exposure and related hazards.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제44권1호
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• pp.98-105
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• 2018

Objectives: In Mongolian housing, they use coal as a fuel for indoor heating and cooking. The combustion of coal releases particulate matter, which can affect indoor air quality. The purpose of this study was to analyze the concentrations of indoor $PM_{2.5}$ in winter time dwellings in ger town. Methods: In this study, indoor $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations, temperature and humidity in houses were measured by a real-time PM monitor, while the time activity patterns of the residents were also observed. Results: The correlation between factors that may affect the indoor air quality was analyzed.The indoor $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations were $178.4{\pm}152.7{\mu}g/m^3$ (n=37). Five types of indoor $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations have been classified, which were associated with indoor activity. The stove type, fuel types and indoor activities such as cleaning, cooking and opening the stoves were not significantly associated with indoor $PM_{2.5}$ levels. Conclusions: Further study is needed to determine the effect of stove type through 24hours of indoor air quality monitoring.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제48권2호
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• pp.59-65
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• 2022

Background: Since people move through microenvironments rather than staying in one place, they may be exposed to both indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the exposure level of each sub-population group and evaluate the contribution rate of the major microenvironments. Methods: Exposure scenarios for sub-population groups were constructed on the basis of a 2019 Time-Use survey and the previous literature. A total of five population groups were classified and researchers wearing MicroPEM simulated monitoring PM_2.5 exposure concentrations in real-time over three days. The exposure contribution for each microenvironment were evaluated by multiplying the inhalation rate and the PM_2.5 exposure concentration levels. Results: Mean PM_2.5 concentrations were 33.0 ㎍/m³ and 22.5 ㎍/m³ in Guro-gu and Wonju, respectively. When the exposure was calculated considering each inhalation rate and concentration, the home showed the highest exposure contribution rate for PM_2.5. As for preschool children, it was 90.8% in Guro-gu, 94.1% in Wonju. For students it was 65.3% and 67.3%. For housewives it was 98.2% and 95.8%, and 59.5% and 91.7% for office workers. Both regions had higher exposure to PM_2.5 among the elderly compared to other populations, and their PM_2.5 exposure contribution rates were 98.3% and 94.1% at home for Guro-gu and Wonju, respectively. Conclusions: The exposure contribution rate could be dependent on time spent in microenvironments. Notably, the contribution rate of exposure to PM_2.5 at home was the highest because most people spend the longest time at home. Therefore, microenvironments such as home with a higher contribution rate of exposure to PM_2.5 could be managed to upgrade public health.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제47권3호
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• pp.267-278
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• 2021

Objectives: Using atmospheric dispersion representative models (AERMOD and CALPUFF), the emissions characteristics of each model were compared and analyzed in ready-mixed concrete manufacturing facilities that generate a large amount of particulate matter (PM-10, PM-2.5). Methods: The target facilities were the ready-mixed concrete manufacturing facilities (Siheung RMC, Goyang RMC, Ganggin RMC) and modeling for each facility was performed by dividing it into construction and operation times. The predicted points for each target facility were selected as 8-12ea (Siheung RMC 10, Goyang RMC 8, and Gangjin RMC 12ea) based on an area within a two-kilometer radius of each project district. The terrain input data was SRTM-3 (January-December 2019). The meteorological input data was divided into surface weather and upper layer weather data, and weather data near the same facility as the target facility was used. The predicted results were presented as a 24-hour average concentration and an annual average concentration. Results: First, overall, CALPUFF showed a tendency to predict higher concentrations than AERMOD. Second, there was almost no difference in the concentration between the two models in non-complex terrain such as in mountainous areas, but in complex terrain, CALPUFF predicted higher concentrations than AERMOD. This is believed to be because CALPUFF better reflected topographic characteristics. Third, both CALPUFF and AERMOD predicted lower concentrations during operation (85.2-99.7%) than during construction, and annual average concentrations (76.4-99.9%) lower than those at 24 hours. Fourth, in the ready-mixed concrete manufacturing facility, PM-10 concentration (about 40 ㎍/m³) was predicted to be higher than PM-2.5 (about 24 ㎍/m³). Conclusions: In complex terrain such as mountainous areas, CALPUFF predicted higher concentrations than AERMOD, which is thought to be because CALPUFF better reflected topographic characteristics. In the future, it is recommended that CALPUFF be used in complex terrain and AERMOD be used in other areas to save modeling time. In a ready-mixed concrete facility, PM-10, which has a relatively large particle size, is generated more than PM-2.5 due to the raw materials used and manufacturing characteristics.

• 한국학교보건학회지
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.29-40
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• 2010

Purpose: The purposes of this study were: (a) to assess indoor air quality such as $PM_{10}$, $CO_2$ concentrations in child daycare centers, (b) to compare the levels with each standard, and (c) to identify teachers' awareness of indoor air quality in child care centers. Methods: Data were obtained from seventeen child daycare centers and ninety-eight teachers in a district of Seoul, from April 3 to May 12, 2009. Collected data were analyzed by SAS 8.2, and descriptive statistics, $x^2$ test, student t-test, Pearson correlation analysis, and Spearman rank correlation were used. Results: The mean of $PM_{10}$ and $CO_2$ level were $50.3{\mu}g/m^3$ and 792.1ppm. Sixteen child daycare centers (94.2%) met the guidelines of the $PM_{10}$ level, so did thirteen child daycare centers (76.5%) in the $CO_2$ level. $CO_2$ levels were significantly low in child daycare centers using air cleaners than those do not using them (t=-6.03, p<.001). Types of child daycare centers were significantly correlated to the levels of $CO_2$, which public child daycare centers were low in $CO_2$ levels than those of private child daycare centers (t=-2.54, p=.013). There was no significant correlation between teachers' awareness and management attitude of indoor air quality while teachers' awareness of indoor air quality significantly raised the frequency of carpet cleaning. Methods of cleaning routines were significantly correlated with $PM_{10}$, and $CO_2$ levels. Conclusion: The $PM_{10}$ and $CO_2$ concentrations in child daycare centers were satisfactory. Those conditions are affected by general characteristics of child daycare centers and teachers' attitude regarding management of indoor air quality.

• 분석과학
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• 제18권3호
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• pp.241-249
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• 2005

기기 중성자방사화분석법을 이용하여 대전시 도로변 대기분진(PM2.5)을 대상으로 As, Mn, Se, V, Zn 등의 독성금속을 포함하여 약 30여종의 미량성분을 분석하였다. 도로변 PM 2.5내 미량성분들의 농도는 자연적 발생원에 기인한 원소가 높게 나타났으며, 특히 K과 Fe이 671과 $653ng/m^3$으로 높은 농도를 보였다. 반면, Lu과 Dy는 0.01과 $0.04ng/m^3$으로 가장 낮은 농도를 보여 최대농도와 최소농도 간에는 $10^5$ 이상으로 차이가 벌어져 있음을 알 수 있었다. PM2.5와 미량성분간의 상관분석 결과, 도로변 지역에서 발생되는 PM2.5는 토양기원의 미량성분과 더 큰 상관을 보였다. 인자분석결과, 연구대상지역의 오염원은 재비산된 토양입자, 화석연료의 연소, 자동차 배기가스, 삼원촉매장치, 해염입자, 재련공장 등으로 확인되었다. 그리고 부화계수분석의 결과는 인자분석으로부터 발견된 사실과 부합함을 알 수 있었다.

• Membrane and Water Treatment
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• 제9권4호
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• pp.255-262
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• 2018

This study attempted to evaluate the process of self-forming dynamic membrane formation on mesh filter in membrane bioreactor with a two-stage method of batch (agitation) and continues (aeration) stage at different sludge concentrations. Four concentrations of activated sludge including $6{\pm}0.4$, $8{\pm}0.5$, $10{\pm}0.3$, $14{\pm}0.3g/L$ were used to demonstrate the optimal concentration of sludge for treating municipal wastewater and reducing fouling in dynamic membrane bioreactor. The formation time and effluent turbidity were decreased in the batch stage when increasing the activated sludge concentration. The minimum values of formation time and effluent turbidity were 14 min and 43 NTU for the optimum mixed liqueur suspended solids of $8{\pm}0.5g/L$, respectively. To improve operational condition and fouling reduction in the aeration stage, critical fluxes were measured for all concentrations by flux-step method. With increasing the sludge concentration, the relevant critical fluxes reduced. The optimum subcritical flux of $30L/m^2/h$ was applied as operating flux in the second stage. The maximum COD removal efficiency of 98% was achieved by the concentration of $8{\pm}0.5g/L$. Compressibility index of self-forming dynamic membrane and transmembrane pressure trend remained somewhat constant until the optimal concentration of $8{\pm}0.5g/L$ and thereafter they increased steeply.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• 제28권
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• pp.7.1-7.9
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• 2013

Objectives We investigated the particle mass size distribution and chemical properties of air pollution particulate matter (PM) in the urban area and its capacity to induce cytotoxicity in human bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells. Methods To characterize the mass size distributions and chemical concentrations associated with urban PM, PM samples were collected by a 10-stage Micro-Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor close to nearby traffic in an urban area from December 2007 to December 2009. PM samples for in vitro cytotoxicity testing were collected by a mini-volume air sampler with $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ inlets. Results The PM size distributions were bi-modal, peaking at 0.18 to 0.32 and 1.8 to $3.2{\mu}m$. The mass concentrations of the metals in fine particles (0.1 to $1.8{\mu}m$) accounted for 45.6 to 80.4% of the mass concentrations of metals in $PM_{10}$. The mass proportions of fine particles of the pollutants related to traffic emission, lead (80.4%), cadmium (69.0%), and chromium (63.8%) were higher than those of other metals. Iron was the dominant transition metal in the particles, accounting for 64.3% of the $PM_{10}$ mass in all the samples. We observed PM concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects on BEAS-2B cells. Conclusions We found that exposure to $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$ from a nearby traffic area induced significant increases in protein expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8). The cell death rate and release of cytokines in response to the $PM_{2.5}$ treatment were higher than those with $PM_{10}$. The combined results support the hypothesis that ultrafine particles from vehicular sources can induce inflammatory responses related to environmental respiratory injury.