• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.68-79
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• 2018

The Ki-Jang research reactor (KJRR), a new research reactor in Korea, is being planned to fulfill multiple purposes. In this study, as an assessment of the environmental radiological impact, we characterized the atmospheric dispersion and deposition of radioactive materials released by an unexpected incident at KJRR using the weather research and forecasting-mesoscale model interface program-California Puff (WRF-MMIF-CALPUFF) model system. Based on the reproduced three-dimensional gridded meteorological data obtained during a 1-year period using WRF, the overall meteorological data predicted by WRF were in agreement with the observed data, while the predicted wind speed data were slightly overestimated at all stations. Based on the CALPUFF simulation of atmospheric dispersion (${\chi}/Q$) and deposition (D/Q) factors, relatively heavier contamination in the vicinity of KJRR was observed, and the prevailing land breeze wind in the study area resulted in relatively higher concentration and deposition in the off-shore area sectors. We also compared the dispersion characteristics between the PAVAN (atmospheric dispersion of radioactive release from nuclear power plants) and CALPUFF models. Finally, the meteorological conditions and possibility of high doses of radiation for relatively higher hourly ${\chi}/Q$ cases were examined at specific discrete receptors.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제53권1호
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• pp.244-252
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• 2021

Wind plays an important role in cases of unexpected radioactive pollutant dispersion, deciding distribution and concentration of the leaked substance. The accurate prediction of wind has been challenging in numerical weather prediction models, especially near the surface because of the complex interaction between turbulent flow and topographic effect. In this study, we investigated the characteristics of atmospheric dispersion of radioactive material (i.e. ¹³⁷Cs) according to the simulated boundary layer around the HANARO research nuclear reactor in Korea using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF)-Mesoscale Model Interface (MMIF)-California Puff (CALPUFF) model system. We examined the impacts of orographic drag on wind field, stability calculation methods, and planetary boundary layer parameterizations on the dispersion of radioactive material under a radioactive leaking scenario. We found that inclusion of the orographic drag effect in the WRF model improved the wind prediction most significantly over the complex terrain area, leading the model system to estimate the radioactive concentration near the reactor more conservatively. We also emphasized the importance of the stability calculation method and employing the skillful boundary layer parameterization to ensure more accurate low atmospheric conditions, in order to simulate more feasible spatial distribution of the radioactive dispersion in leaking scenarios.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• 제27권
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• pp.8.1-8.10
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• 2012

Objectives: The goal was to model and quantify the atmospheric concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as the result of the Hebei Spirit oil spill, and to predict whether the exposure levels were abnormally high or not. Methods: We developed a model for calculating the airborne concentration of VOCs that are produced in an oil spill accident. The model was applied to a practical situation, namely the Hebei Spirit oil spill. The accuracy of the model was verified by comparing the results with previous observation data. The concentrations were compared with the currently used air quality standards. Results: Evaporation was found to be 10- to 1,000-fold higher than the emissions produced from a surrounding industrial complex. The modeled concentrations for benzene failed to meet current labor environmental standards, and the concentration of benzene, toluene, orthometa- para-xylene were higher than the values specified by air quality standards and guideline values on the ocean. The concentrations of total VOCs were much higher than indoor environmental criteria for the entire Taean area for a few days. Conclusions: The extent of airborne exposure was clearly not the same as that for normal conditions.

• 해양환경안전학회지
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• 제23권5호
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• pp.488-496
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• 2017

선박의 오염물질 배출에 대한 규제는 최근 IMO/MEPC(국제해사기구/해양환경보호위원회)를 통해서 진행 중이다. 선박오염원에서 배출된 오염물질은 국지적인 요인에 의해서 연안지역을 비롯하여 육지로 확산될 수 있다. 인천과 같이 선박 배출 오염물질에 노출되어 있는 항구 도시에서 선박오염원 조절은 연안지역의 대기질 관리정책을 효율적으로 고안하기 위해서 반드시 필요하다. 연안지역의 대기오염물질 중 선박에 의한 NOx와 SOx의 농도는 전체 NOx와 SOx 농도의 각각 14 %와 10 %를 차지한다(NIER, 2008). 연안도시지역의 대기질은 국지적인 순환에 의존하는 오염물질의 확산 경향과 선박의 수에 영향을 받는다. 선박오염원으로부터 배출된 오염물질의 확산을 WRF(Weather Research and Forecasting model)의 기상장을 기초로 CALPUFF(California Puff model)를 사용하여 분석하였다. 그리고 연안도시지역의 대기확산모델은 정박한 선박과 입 출항하는 선박으로 나누어 각각 점오염원과 선오염원으로 구분하여 모의하였다. 선박척수 82~84척을 기준으로 NOx의 총 평균 배출량은 입 출항시 각각 6.2 g/s, 6.8 g/s이었고, SOx의 총 평균 배출량은 입 출항시 각각 3.6 g/s, 5.1 g/s 이었다. 정박 중인 선박의 NOx와 SOx에 대한 총 평균 배출량은 각각 0.77 g/s, 1.93 g/s이었다. 육풍의 영향으로 인하여 인천항으로부터 내륙으로 진행되는 오염물질의 수송이 억제되었고, 내륙의 SOx와 NOx 농도가 일시적으로 감소하는 원인이 되었다. 해풍에 의해 NOx와 SOx가 내륙으로 확산되었고, 내륙의 NOx와 SOx의 농도가 점차 증가하였다. 인천항과 인접한 지역의 오염물질의 농도는 해륙풍의 영향보다 인천항에 정박 중인 선박오염원에 의한 영향이 더욱 크게 반영되었다. 본 연구는 연안도시지역의 대기질 정책고안과 배출기준을 정하는 것에 유용할 것으로 기대된다.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.366-379
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• 2015

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess airborne particulate matter(PM) pollution and its effect on health of residents living near Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex in Daegu metropolitan region. Methods: The California Puff(CALPUFF) dispersion model, version 5.8, which can estimate the dispersion direction and range of airborn $PM_{10}$ was used to determine the possible areas affected by $PM_{10}$ pollutants emitted from Ansim briquette fuel complex. The CALPUFF modeling with 200 m grid-cell resolution was performed based on $PM_{10}$ emissions estimated from the amount of coal consumption in the fuel complex for four months in 2012. The Weather Research and Forecasting(WRF) fields were processed using CALMET to produce CALPUFF-ready meteorological inputs. Also, the distance from Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex to the residence of each environmental pneumoconiosis patient was analyzed. In addition, the affecting region of the pollutants emitted from briquette factories in Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex was determined. Results: CALPUFF modeling results showed that the highest concentrations of $PM_{10}$ were found near around the fuel complex. The modeled $PM_{10}$ distributions were characterized by significant decreases in concentration with distance from the complex. Seasonally, the highest concentration of $45{\mu}g/m^3$ was calculated in October which was mostly due to the distinct variation of amount of emission. Additional modeling with the maximum $PM_{10}$ emission of about 88 tons per year in 1986 showed that the highest concentration in October was nearly increased by 8 times than the concentration modeled with emission of 2010. As a result of medical examination and interviews for the residents in Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex and its surroundings, 8 environmental pneumoconiosis patients were found. These patients do not have occupational exposure and history. These patients have lived 0.3~1.1 km area in Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex and its surroundings. Conclusions: Airborne particles emitted from Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex can contribute to significant increase in $PM_{10}$ concentration in residential areas near around the complex. Especially, the residents near fuel complex may exposed to the pollutants emitted from the factories in Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex.