• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.651-666
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• 2013

This study introduces a novel approach to the differentiation of two phenomena, Asian Dust and haze, which are extremely difficult to distinguish based solely on comparisons of PM10 concentration, through use of the Optical Particle Counter (OPC), which simultaneously generates PM10, PM2.5 and PM1.0 concentration. In the case of Asian Dust, PM10 concentration rose to the exclusion of PM2.5 and PM1.0 concentration. The relative ratios of PM2.5 and PM1.0 concentration versus PM10 concentration were below 40%, which is consistent with the conclusion that Asian Dust, as a prime example of the coarse-particle phenomenon, only impacts PM10 concentration, not PM2.5 and PM1.0 concentration. In contrast, PM10, PM2.5 and PM1.0 concentration simultaneously increased with haze. The relative ratios of PM2.5 and PM1.0 concentration versus PM10 concentration were generally above 70%. In this case, PM1.0 concentration varies because a haze event consists of secondary aerosol in the fine-mode, and the relative ratios of PM10 and PM2.5 concentration remain intact as these values already subsume PM1.0 concentration. The sequential shift of the peaks in PM10, PM2.5 and PM1.0 concentrations also serve to individually track the transport of coarse-mode versus fine-mode aerosols. The distinction in the relative ratios of PM2.5 and PM1.0 concentration versus PM10 concentration in an Asian Dust versus a haze event, when collected on a national or global scale using OPC monitoring networks, provides realistic information on outbreaks and transport of Asian Dust and haze.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.157-167
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• 2017

Millions of People die every year from diseases caused by exposure to outdoor air pollution. Especially, one of the most severe types of air pollution is fine particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5). South Korea also has been suffered from severe PM. This paper analyzes regional risks induced by PM10 and PM2.5 that have affected domestic area of Korea during 2014~2016.3Q. We investigated daily maxima of PM10 and PM2.5 data observed on 284 stations in South Korea, and found extremely high outlier. We employed extreme value distributions to fit the PM10 and PM2.5 data, but a single distribution did not fit the data well. For theses reasons, we implemented extreme mixture models such as the generalized Pareto distribution(GPD) with the normal, the gamma, the Weibull and the log-normal, respectively. Next, we divided the whole area into 16 regions and analyzed characteristics of PM risks by developing the FN-curves. Finally, we estimated 1-month, 1-quater, half year, 1-year and 3-years period return levels, respectively. The severity rankings of PM10 and PM2.5 concentration turned out to be different from region to region. The capital area revealed the worst PM risk in all seasons. The reason for high PM risk even in the yellow dust free season (Jun. ~ Sep.) can be inferred from the concentration of factories in this area. Gwangju showed the highest return level of PM2.5, even if the return level of PM10 was relatively low. This phenomenon implies that we should investigate chemical mechanisms for making PM2.5 in the vicinity of Gwangju area. On the other hand, Gyeongbuk and Ulsan exposed relatively high PM10 risk and low PM2.5 risk. This indicates that the management policy of PM risk in the west side should be different from that in the east side. The results of this research may provide insights for managing regional risks induced by PM10 and PM2.5 in South Korea.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Environmental Toocicology Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.169-169
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• 2002

The mobilizable amount of transition metals is a fraction of the total amount of the metal from urban particulate matter. Although the fraction is small, some metals (Fe, Cu) are the major participants in a reaction that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage various biomolecules. Damaging effects of the metals can be measured by the single strand breakage (SSB) of X174 RFI DNA or the carbonyl formation of protein. In another study, we have shown that more metals are mobilized by PM2.5 than by PM10 in general. DNA SSB of >20% for PM2.5 and >15% for PM10 was observed in the presence of chelator (EDTA or citrate)/reductant (ascorbate), compared to the control (<3%) only with the chelator. The carbonyl formation by both PMs was very similar in the presence of the chelator, regardless of the kind of proteins. Compared to the control in the absence of chelator/reductant, 3.3 times and 4.9 times more carbonyl formation for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively, was obtained with BSA in the presence of chelator/reductant, showing that PM10 induced 33% more damage than PM2.5. However, 4.8 times and 1.9 times more carbonyl formation for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively, was observed with lysozyme in the presence of chelator/reductant, showing that PM2.5 induced 250% more damage than PM10. Although different proteins showed different sensitivities toward ROS, all these results indicate that the degrees of the oxidation of or damage to the biomolecules by the mobilized metals were higher with PM2.5 than with PM10. Therefore, it is expected that more metals mobilized from PM2.5 than from PM10, more damage to the biomolecules by PM2.5 than by PM10. We suggest that when the toxicity of the dust particle is considered, the particle size as well as the mobilizable fraction of the metal should be considered in place of the total amounts.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.251-264
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• 2017

Recently, Jeollabuk-do has been reported as a province where the $PM_{10}$concentration is one of the highest levels in South Korea. To explore the characteristics and origins of the $PM_{10}$in Jeollabuk-do, we present one of the first long-term datasets including a statistical analysis of $PM_{10}$concentrations obtained from six cities in the province from 2010 to 2015. During the entire periods, the mean hourly $PM_{10}$concentration was $49.3{\mu}g/m^3$, which correspond to the annual ambient air quality standards for $PM_{10}$in South Korea, and the annual $PM_{10}$concentration of each city showed a similarity in year-to-year variations. In the monthly variation of $PM_{10}$, the $PM_{10}$concentrations showed a maximum value in May that was one of the top levels among the provinces of Korea while the concentrations were dramatically decreased in August showing one of the lowest levels among the provinces in Korea. For the diurnal variation of $PM_{10}$, the $PM_{10}$concentration was enhanced during the rush hours together with gaseous species of $NO_2$, and CO. When the high concentrations of $PM_{10}$were observed (the highest 10% of the $PM_{10}$mass contribution), temperature and relative humidity were low. Using HYSPLIT backward trajectories and cluster analysis for the high $PM_{10}$concentrations, we found that the pollution plumes were transported mainly from China.

• Particle and aerosol research
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.79-90
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• 2019

It is important to control fine particles in children care centers, elementary schools, elderly care facilities and so on where vulnerable children and the aged stay during most of their time. This study has investigated $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$ concentrations in two classrooms equipped with an air cleaner and two air cleaners, respectively and they were compared to those in a classroom without an air cleaner as well as those outdoors. Eight air cleaners which have various clean air delivery rates (CADRs) between 9.9 and $21.3m^3/min$ were tested in classrooms in two elementary schools in Seoul. Average $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$ were $7.3{\pm}0.7$ and $45.5{\pm}4.1{\mu}g/m^3$ in classrooms equipped with an air cleaner and $4.2{\pm}0.6$ and $24.6{\pm}2.5{\mu}g/m^3$ in classrooms with two air cleaners, whereas they were $22.1{\pm}2.6$ and $109.1{\pm}9.6{\mu}g/m^3$ in classrooms without an air cleaner and $36.9{\pm}5.1$ and $74.1{\pm}10.6{\mu}g/m^3$ outdoors, respectively. $PM_{2.5}$ in classrooms could be reduced effectively by using an air cleaner or two air cleaners, because $PM_{2.5}$ was mainly infiltrated from outdoors, however $PM_{10}$ could not because $PM_{10}$ was mainly caused indoors by students' activities. Air cleaners were more effective for removal of $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$ in classrooms with a high airtightness than those in classrooms with a relatively low one. Average $CO_2$ in classrooms was about 1500 to 2000 ppm for class hours dependent on the student number per a classroom, which was about 1.5 to 2 times higher than the standard, regardless of the use of air cleaner.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.387-395
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• 2011

Purpose: This study measured the burden of disease in Korea related to outdoor air pollution using disability-adjusted life year (DALY). Materials and Methods: As a risk factor of outdoor air pollution, particulate matter with a diameter less than 10 ${\mu}m$($PM_{10}$) was used. First, $PM_{10}$-related diseases and their relative risk (RR) were selected by means of a literature review. Second, population attributable fractions were computed by using formulae including RR and population exposure to $PM_{10}$. Third, DALYs of $PM_{10}$-related diseases in Korea were estimated. Finally, the attributable burden of disease due to $PM_{10}$ was measured as the sum of the products that multiplied the DALYs of $PM_{10}$-related diseases by their population attributable fractions. Results: The disease burden of PM10 was 6.9 DALY per 1,000 persons in 2007. The attributable burden of $PM_{10}$ was 2.68 for lung cancer, 2.41 for COPD, 0.62 for ischemic heart disease, 0.61 for pneumonia, 0.55 for asthma, and 0.03 for preterm. Conclusions: This study showed the environmental burden of disease of $PM_{10}$ and burden of $PM_{10}$-related disease through objective data. It also suggested that active efforts are needed to continuously measure and reduce the burden of environmental diseases in Korea.

• Particle and aerosol research
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.97-104
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• 2017

In order to characterize atmospheric aerosols in Chungcheong area, black carbon concentration, which is known to be closely related to global warming, was measured and compared with $PM_{10}$, $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations and various meteorological parameters such as wind velocity and wind direction. Multi Angle Absorption Photometer (MAAP), a filter-based equipment, was used for the black carbon measurement, and the $PM_{10}$, $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations, wind velocity and wind direction were provided by the local monitoring stations. Black carbon concentration was monitored to be high in spring and winter but low in fall. $PM_{10}$ concentration was observed to be high when westerly wind was strong.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.39-46
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• 2005

This study was performed to investigate the concentration of $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ in inside train and platform of subway 1, 2, 4 and 5 in Seoul, KOREA. $PM_{10}$, $PM_{2.5}$, temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide were monitored using Portable Aerosol Spectrometer at afternoon (between 13:00 and 16:00). The concentrations of $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ in inside train were monitored to be higher than those measured in platform. In addition, $PM_{10}$ concentration in both platform and inside train were found to be greatly higher than range of from 35 ${\mu}g/m^3$ to 81${\mu}g/m^3$ in ambient air reported by Ministry of Environment. This study found that there were many inside train in subway 1, 2, 4 line where exceeded 150 ${\mu}g/m^3$ of Korean PM10 standard. The average percentage that exceeded PM10 standard was 83.3% in line 1, 37.9% in line 2 and 63.1% in line 4, respectively. In particular, most of inside train in subway line 1 were over PM10 limit. PM2.5 concentration ranged from 77.7 ${\mu}g/m^3$ to 158.2 ${\mu}g/m^3$, which were found to be greatly higher than ambient air PM2.5 standard promulgated by United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) (24 hours arithmatic mean : 65 ${\mu}g/m^3$, year average : 15 ${\mu}g/m^3$). The percentage of $PM_{2.5}$ in $PM_{10}$ was 86.2% in platform, 81.7% in inside train, 80.2% in underground and 90.2% in ground. These results indicated that fine particles ($PM_{2.5}$) accounted for most of $PM_{10}$.

• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.647-654
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• 2020

Background and objective: Particulate matter (PM) is one of the serious environmental problems and threatens human health. Plants can clean the air by removing PM from the atmosphere. This study was carried out to investigate the PM removal efficiency of 12 species of woody plants. Methods: Actinidia arguta, Dendropanax morbiferus, Fraxinus rhynchophylla, Parthenocissus tricuspidata, Pittosporum tobira, Rhaphiolepis indica, Rhapis, Salix integra, Salix koreensis, Schisandra chinensis, Viburnum odoratissimum var. awabuki, and Vitis coignetiae were used as plant material. Six 15 cm (D) pots were placed in an acrylic chamber of 800 (D) × 800 (W) × 1000 (H) mm. The LED panel was used as a light source. The reduction of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 for 300 minutes after the injection of PM was automatically measured. Results: The leaf area and the amount of PM in the chamber showed a negative correlation. 12 species of plants were compared by dividing the plants into 3 groups according to their characteristics: vines, trees, and shrubs and small trees. In the vine plant group, the averages of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were 7.917%, 8.796%, and 30.275%, respectively. In the shrubs and small trees group, the average of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were 10.142%, 11.133%, and 36.448%, respectively. In the trees group, the average of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were 11.475%, 12.892%, and 40.421%, respectively. When the initial concentration was 100%, PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 of Viburnum odoratissimum var. awabuki with the largest leaf area were 5.6%, 6.3%, and 21.0% after 5 hours, respectively, the best results among 12 species of plants. Conclusion: The vine plant group was more effective in removing PM than the other two groups. In the tree groups, the fact that the leaf development was relatively inactive at a plant height of 30 cm was considered to have an effect on the removal of particulate matter.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.32-45
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• 2016

The anthropogenic aerosols originated from the pollutant emissions in the eastern part of China and dust emitted in northwestern China in Yellow sand regions are subsequently transported via eastward wind to the Korean peninsula and then these aerosols induce high $PM_{10}$ concentrations in Korean peninsula. In order to estimate air quality considering anthropogenic and dust emissions, Comprehensive Air-quality Model with extension (CAMx) was applied to simulate $PM_{10}$ concentration. The predicted $PM_{10}$ concentrations without/with dust emissions were compared with observations at ambient air quality monitoring sites in China and Korea for 2008. The predicted $PM_{10}$ concentrations with dust emissions could depict the variation of measured $PM_{10}$ especially during Yellow sand events in Korea. The comparisons also showed that predicted $PM_{10}$ concentrations without dust emissions were under-predicted while predictions of $PM_{10}$ concentrations with dust emission were in good agreement with observations. This implied that dust emissions from desert and barren soil in southern Mongolia and northern China minimized the discrepancies in the $PM_{10}$ predictions in East Asia. The effect of dust emission on annual $PM_{10}$ concentrations in Korea Peninsula for year 2008 was $5{\sim}10{\mu}g/m^3$, which were about 20% of observed annual $PM_{10}$ concentrations.