• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.146-158
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• 2010

In order to evaluate the characteristics of sediments and pollution by organic matter and metallic elements in intertidal sediments along the southwestern coast of Korea, we measured various geochemical parameters, including the mean grain size (Mz), water content (WC), ignition loss (IL), chemical oxygen demand (COD), acid volatile sulfide (AVS), and metallic elements (Al, Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Mn, Hg, As), in intertidal surface sediments. The Mz of the surface sediments ranged from 2.1 to 8.3$\phi$, indicating that the surface sediments consist of various sedimentary facies, such as sand, slightly gravelly mud, sandy mud, and silt. The IL and COD in surface sediment ranged from 0.8 to 5.5% (mean $2.9\pm1.2%$) and from 3.9 to $13.8\;mgO_2/g{\cdot}dry$ (mean $8.5\pm2.6\;mgO_2/g{\cdot}dry$), respectively, which were lower than the values for surface sediment in areas near fish and shellfish farms or industrial complexes. No AVS was detected at any sampling station, despite various sedimentary facies. Most of metallic elements in surface sediments showed relatively good positive correlations with Mz and IL, which imply that the concentrations of metallic elements are mainly controlled by grain size and the organic matter content. The concentrations of metallic elements, except As, at some stations were considerably lower than those in the Sediment Quality Guideline (Effect Range Low, ERL) proposed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States. Similarly, the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) class indicated that pollution by metallic elements in intertidal surface sediment, except As, was moderate or non-existent. Our results imply that the intertidal surface sediments along the southwestern coast of Korea are not polluted by organic matter and metallic elements and are healthy for benthic organisms.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.930-940
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• 2013

We evaluated contamination with organic matter and trace metals by analyzing grain size, ignition loss (IL), chemical oxygen demand (COD), acid volatile sulfide (AVS), and trace metals (Al, Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr, Mn, Hg, and As) in surface sediments at 28 stations around the Geum River estuary in July 2008. The surface sediments in the estuary were mainly composed of coarse sediment (sand and muddy sand), with mean grain size (Mz) ranging between $2-4{\O}$. The high concentrations of IL, COD, and trace metals were mainly found at stations in front of the Gusan outer port and industrial complex, and near the Seocheon coast with relatively fine sediments. In addition, the concentrations of IL and all trace metals, except Pb and As, showed good positive correlations with Mz, indicating that the concentrations of organic matter and trace metals were mainly dependent on sediment grain size. The concentrations of COD, AVS, and trace metals in most sediments did not exceed the sediment quality guideline (SQGs). Although the sediments in the study region are not polluted with organic matter and trace metals, there are many point sources of pollutants, such as Gusan port and industrial complex, Janghang refinery, and a thermoelectric power plant around the Geum River estuary. Thus, the management of coastal environments through periodic monitoring of organic matter and trace metals is required in the future.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.393-398
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• 2012

We investigated the changes in chemical properties of paddy field soils at 300 different sampling sites containing 4 topography in Jeonbuk province, Korea. The soil samples were collected 43.0% from local valley and fans, 39.3% from fluvio-marine deposits, 15.0% from alluvial plains, and 2.7% from diluvium sites. The optimal values of soil properties in the total soil samples were as follows: 65.3% of total samples in soil pH value, 48.3% of total samples in cation exchange capacity (CEC) value, and 22.3% of total samples in available phosphorus content, whereas the deficient values of soil properties were 63.3% of total samples in soil organic matter (SOM) content, 75.7% of total samples in available silicate content, and 61.3%, 51.0%, and 59.3% of total samples in exchangeable $K^+$, $Ca^{2+}$, and $Mg^{2+}$ concentrations, respectively. There were different soil types in the paddy fields: that is, 34.4% immature paddy and 33.6% sandy paddy in the local valley and fans, 57.8% sandy paddy in the alluvial plains, 47.4% normal paddy in the fluvio-marine deposits, and 75.7% immature paddy in the diluvium. Soil textures were also different: 53.5% loam in the local valley and fans, 37.8% sandy loam in the alluvial plains, and 55.1% silty loam in the fluvio-marine deposits. Soil pH and SOM contents were not different among the different topographical sampling sites. However, the mean value of available phosphorus content, 224 mg $kg^{-1}$, was exceeded optimal values in the diluvium. The contents of exchangeable cations were optimal in all the sites, except exchangeable $Ca^{2+}$ contents in the local valley and fans. The contents of available silicate ranged between 112 and 127 mg $kg^{-1}$ in all the sites, which were lower than optimal value. In addition, soil pH values were proportionally correlated to the order of available silicate, exchangeable $Ca^{2+}$, $Mg^{2+}$, $Na^+$, CEC, and exchangeable $K^+$. The contents of SOM were proportionally correlated to the order of CEC, available $P_2O_5$, exchangeable $Ca^{2+}$, and available silicate. The contents of heavy metals, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, were only 10% of the threshold levels of the metals, and As content was about 20 to 30% of the threshold level.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.141-153
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• 2012

Samples collected from six tomato farms(A, B, C : soil culture, D, E, F : Nutriculture) located in Gyeongsangnam-do were tested for the analyses of biological(sanitary indications, major foodborne pathogens, fungi), chemical(heavy metals, pesticides) and physical hazards. The highest levels of total bacteria(7.5 log CFU/g) and coliforms(5.0 log CFU/g) in soil culture farms were higher than those of nutriculture farms(total bacteria: 2.5 log CFU/mL, coliforms: 0.6 log CFU/mL). In crops and personal hygiene soil culture farms showed a slightly higher contamination levels. From all farms, the levels of fungi in soil farms were higher than those of nutrient solution. In case of major pathogens, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus were detected in all sample with the exception of nutrient solution. Meantime, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, E.coli O157 and Salmonella spp. were not detected. For airborne bacteria, soilculture farms showed less contamination than nutriculture farms. A piece of glass and can was confirmed asphysical hazards. Heavy metal(Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Hg, Zn, Ni and As) and pesticide residues as chemical hazards were detected, but their levels were lower than the regulation limit. These results demonstrate that potential hazards on harvesting stage of tomato fam were exposed. Therefore, proper management is needed to prevent biological hazards due to cross-contamination, while physical and chemical hazards were in appropriate levels based on GAP criteria.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.248-252
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• 2012

To evaluate the possibility of water plant wastes in composting for agricultural recycling, Phragmites communis (PHRCO), Typha orientalis (TYHOR) and Zizania latifolia (ZIZLA) were used as a compost materials. In composting basin, cumulative oxygen consumptions of the compost used by water plant wastes were rapidly increased at the early stage and slightly decreased in around 15 days. Cumulative oxygen consumptions under different water plant wastes were higher in the order of TYHOR > ZIZLA > PHRCO. Temperature changes during composting process were rapidly increased at the early stage and then slowly decreased to $30{\sim}40^{\circ}C$. The maximum temperatures were higher in the order of ZIZLA ($72.2^{\circ}C$ at 11 days after starting composting) > TYHOR ($70.2^{\circ}C$ at 10 days after starting composting) > PHRCO ($66.5^{\circ}C$ at 7 days after starting composting). Oxygen consumptions at maximum temperature were higher in the order of TYHOR ($12,485mg\;O_2\;kg^{-1}$) > ZIZLA ($12,400mg\;O_2\;kg^{-1}$) > PHRCO ($9,340mg\;O_2\;kg^{-1}$). Organic matter contents, moisture contents and OM/N rates in the compost ranged 39.5~44.8%, 29.6~35.6% and 27.9~32.9, respectively. Considering that water plant waste can supply some of the nutrient requirements of crops and is a valuable fertilizer.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.137-146
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• 2007

This study was conducted to determine fertilizer nutrient and pollutant production of Holstein dairy cattle by estimating manure characteristics. The moisture content of feces was 83.9% and 95.1% for urine. The pH of feces and urine were in the ranges of 7.0～7.4 and 7.5～7.8, respectively. The average BOD5, COD, SS, T-N, T-P concentrations of the dairy feces were 18,294, 52,765, 102,889, 2,575, and 457mg/ℓ, respectively. Dairy urine showed lower levels of BOD5(5,455mg/ℓ), COD(8,089mg/ℓ), SS(593mg/ℓ), T-N(3,401mg/l), and T-P(13mg/ℓ) than feces. The total daily produced pollutant amounts of a dairy cow were 924.1g(Milking cow), 538.8g(Dry cow), 284.4g(Heifer) of BOD5, 2,336.5g (Milking cow), 1,651.8g(Dry cow), 734.1g(Heifer) of COD and 4,210.1g(Milking cow), 2,417.1g(Dry cow), 1,629.1g(Heifer) of SS and 194.8g(Milking cow), 96.4g(Dry cow), 58.3g(Heifer) of T-N and 24.0g(Milking cow), 10.2g(Dry cow), 6.1g(Heifer) of T-P. The calculated amount of pollutants produced by a 450kg dairy cow for one year were 181.3kg of BOD5, 492.5kg of COD, 899.9kg of SS, 36.0kg of T-N and 4.1kg of T-P. The total yearly estimated pollutant production from all head(497,261) of dairy cattle in Korea is 90,149 tons of BOD5, 244,890 tons of COD, 447,491 tons of SS, 17,898 tons of T-N and 2,008 tons of T-P. The fertilizer nutrient concentrations of dairy feces was 0.26% N, 0.1% P2O5 and 0.14% K2O. Urine was found to contain 0.34% N, 0.003% of P2O5 and 0.31% K2O. The total daily fertilizer nutrients produced by dairy cattle were 197.4g (Milking cow), 97.4g(Dry cow), and 57.9g(Heifer) of Nitrogen, 54.2g(Milking cow), 22.2g(Dry cow), and 14.2g(Heifer) of P2O5 and 110.8g(Milking cow), 80.4g (Dry cow), and 39.5g(Heifer) of K2O. The total yearly estimated fertilizer nutrient produced by a 450kg dairy animal is 36.2kg of N, 8.8kg of P2O5, 24.6kg of K2O. The estimated yearly fertilizer nutrient production from all dairy cattle in Korea is 18,000 tons of N, 4,397 tons of P2O5, 12,206 tons of K2O. Dairy manure contains useful trace minerals for crops, such as CaO and MgO, which are contained in similar levels to commercial compost being sold in the domestic market. Concentrations of harmful trace minerals, such as As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, met the Korea compost standard regulations, with some of these minerals being in undetected amounts.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.106-117
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• 2006

We measured the concentrations of organic matter and metallic elements (Al, Fe, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb and Hg) in the surface sediments of Masan Harbor (in the southern sea, Korea) to evaluate the geochemical characters of sediment and the pollutions by organic matter and metallic elements. The mean grain size of the surface sediments in the study area ranged from $5.6{\phi}$ to $7.8{\phi}$, indicating silt sediment. The water content of the surface sediments exceeded 60% except at some stations. The contents of ignition loss (IL), total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) ranged from 7.2-14.3%, 1.2-3.2%, and 0.10-0.28%, respectively. Based on the C/N ratios, the organic matter in the surface sediments of Masan Harbor may originate from terrigenous sources including fluvial inputs (mainly sewage in urban areas). The chemical oxygen demand (COD) and acid volatile sulfide (AVS) ranged from $11.3-29.9\;mgO_2/g\;dry$ and 0.20-4.47 mgS/g dry, respectively, and low concentrations were observed near a shipping route. In addition, the concentrations of metallic elements showed large spatial variations in Masan Harbor and the distributions of metallic elements were also comparable to those of organic matter. This implies that the distributions of organic matter and metallic elements in the surface sediments of Masan Harbor are mainly controlled by biogenic matter and artificial action (mainly dredging). In addition, we calculated the enrichment facto. (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) in order to evaluate pollution by metallic elements. The enrichment of metallic elements relative to Al was three to eighteen times higher at the study sites, compared to levels in the Earth's crust except for Fe, Ni and Mn. In addition, the Igeo class indicated that the surface sediments in the study area were moderately to strongly polluted in terms of metallic elements.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.31 no.5 s.86
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• pp.349-359
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• 2005

In this study, we focused on the geographical and the meterological conditions, the atmospheric examination, the soil contents and compositions in order to establish cultural properties conservation plan in Gyeongju and its surroundings. Also, the transport route with environmental contaminants in Ulsan and Pohang was examined. The results could be summarized as follows ; Air pollutant and environmental contaminant was transported by two types of winds. One is induced by local winds, the other is induced by synoptic winds. Air contaminant transported from coastal regions to inland regions were associated with wind velocity. Gyeongju had good atmospheric conditions, i.e. $SO_2\;0.009{\sim}0.011ppm,\;CO\;0.6{\sim}0.8ppm,\;NO_2\;0.015{\sim}0.020ppm,\;O_3\;0.017{\sim}0.032ppm,\;PM_{10}\;46{\sim}62{\mu}g/m^3\;and\;Pb\;0.034{\sim}0.060{\mu}g/m^3$, which was below environmental air qualify standards and was little lower than those of Pohang and Ulsan. However, Ulsan and Pohang city are located on south-east coast and have many industrial facilities. Hence, air pollution problems become serious issues in Ulsan, Pohang, Busan, Daegu and other cities due to the emission of air pollutants from the various industrial facilities, incinerator and power plants, etc. The soil of Gyeongju had heavy metals conditions, i.e. $Cd\;0.01{\sim}0.08mg/kg,\;Cu\;N.D{\sim}2.39mg/kg,\;As\;N.D{\sim}0.07mg/kg,\;Hg\;N.D{\sim}0.15mg/kg,\;Pb\;0.49{\sim}1.39mg/kg,\;Cr^{+6}\;0.02{\sim}0.42mg/kg,\;Fe\;0.74{\sim}1.55mg/kg,\;Mn\;0.11{\sim}0.49mg/kg\;and\;Zn\;1.11{\sim}3.56mg/kg$. However, pH value of soil had range of $4.12{\sim}7.45$. The results showed that high pH concentration of soil could occur due to air pollution diffusion and environmental contaminant transport at Ulsan and Pohang city.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.295-304
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• 2003

The Dukpyung and the Chubu areas were selected to investigate the migration and enrichment of arsenic and other toxic elements in soils and crop plants in areas covered with black shales. Rock and soil samples digested in 4-acid solution (HCI+HNO$_3$+HF+HC1O$_4$) were analyzed fer arsenic and other heavy metals by ICP-AES and ICP-MS, and plant samples by INAA. Mean concentration of As in Okchon black shale is higher than those of both world average values of shale and black shale. Especially high concentration of 23.2 mg/kg As is found in black shale from the Dukpyung area. Mean concentration of As is highly elevated in agricultural soils from the Duk-pyung (28.2 mg/kg) and the Chubu areas (32.6 mg/kg). Arsenic is highly elevated in rice stalks and leaves from the Dukpyung (1.14 mg/kg) and the Chubu areas (1.35 mg/kg). The biological absorption coefficient (BAC) of As in plant species decreases in the order of rice leaves>com leaves>red pepper>soybean leaves=sesame leaves>corn stalks>corn grains.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.348-354
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• 2013

BACKGROUND: Globally, concern about emerging infectious diseases of livestock is growing. For the disposal of the animal carcass, it is necessary to recycle the carcass into an agriculturally usable product. The objective of this study was to investigate the composting conditions of liquid by-product obtained from degradation of animal carcass. METHODS AND RESULTS: Optimum conditions of liquid fertilizer were investigated using different microorganisms, pHs, and volumes of microorganisms (Lactobacillus rhamnosus+Pichia deserticola). Based on the results from the optimum conditions, compost maturity and quality of liquid fertilizer were evaluated for 112 days. The compost maturity of liquid fertilizer were higher in the order of LP(Lactobacillus rhamnosus + Pichia deserticola) > BC(Bacillus cereus) > BS(Bacillus subtilis). The optimum condition under different volumes of LP was injection of 0.5 mL/100 mL. The compost maturity under different pHs were higher in the order of pH 7 > $$5{\geq_-}9{\frac{._-}{.}}11$$. The liquid by-product at 56 days after composting was completely decomposed. The concentrations of T-N, T-P and $K_2O$ in liquid fertilizer at 56 days were 0.94, 0.17 and 3.78%, respectively, and the sum of those concentrations was 4.89%. CONCLUSION(S): Liquid fertilizer of by-product using pig carcass was decomposed with optimum conditions(LP, pH 7, injection of 0.5 mL/100 mL) in 56 days after composting, and was suitable for official standard of commercial fertilizer.