• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.39 no.6 s.181
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• pp.689-697
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• 2006

Distribution and speciation of arsenic in water resources was investigated in the Ulsan mine area. In 62% of uoundwater samples from the mine area, total As concentrations exceeded 0.05 mg/l, the Korean Drinking Water Standard. As(V) was the major type in groundwater with minor As(III). Arsenic species appeared to be in transition stages following redox changes after exposure to the air through the monitoring wells. In areas around the mine, the mine and Cheongog spring appeared to be the sources of arsenic contamination of water resources. The spring showed 0.345 mg/1-As, as much as seven times of the Korean standard. Groundwater and stream samples showed As-concentrations greater than 0.05 mg/l in 30% and 33% samples, respectively, and 60 and 67% of samples exceeded 0.01 mg/l of WHO guideline, respectively. Again, As(V) was a dominant species, however, several samples had As(III) in appreciable levels. In one stream sample, organic species including DMA and AsB were detected in low levels, probably resulted from transformation or related biogeochemical processes.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.133-160
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• 1973

1. Introduction Community medicine with the concept of comprehensive medical care and an ideal medical care delivery system not only for an individual or family but for the whole community has emerged. In April 1970, the Presbyterian Medical Center started a hospital based community health service project in order to improve the health of the people in rural areas. Prior to commencing a comprehensive medical care system, a family survey was needed. The major objective of this survey was to obtain information concerning the people and their environment so as to be able to plan and implement a comprehensive medical care program in Soyang-Myun. 2. Survey Method An interview using a family record form was carried out for each household. This family record form was designed to get information about demography, family planning, environmental sanitation and vital statistics. Prior to beginning, the members of the survey team were trained in interviewing techniques for three days. The team consisted of a public health nurse, four nurse-aides, a sanitarian and four health extension workers who are working in our project, The survey was carried out during the period November 1971 to March 1972. 3. Project area 1) Population of Soyang-Myun was 11,668; male, 5,962 and female, 5,706. Sex ratio: 104.5. 2) Households : 1,858 3) Family size: The average household consisted of 6.3 persons. 4) Educational level of householder a. Illiterate 13% b. No schooling but able to read 10% c. Preschool children 19% d. Primary school 47% e. Middle school 7% f. High school 3% g. College or University 1% 5) Occupational distribution of householders a. Farmer 67% b. Laborer 13% c. Office worker 4% d. Merchant 4% e. Industrial worker 2% f. Unemployed 8% g. Miscellaneous 2% 6) Religious affiliation a. No religion 74% b. Buddhist 12% c. Protestant 10% d. Catholic 4% 4. Survey results Living Environment : a. Home ownership 95% b. Kinds of roofing Straw-thatched house 84% Tile-roofed house 10% Slate-roofed house 5% Other 1% c. Floor space Less than 6 pyong 10% 6-10 pyong 53% 11-15 pyong 24% 16-20 pyong 9% More than 20 pyong 4% d. Radio ownership 80% Environmental Sanitation : a. the source of drinking water public well 49% private well 30% drainage water 9% steam water 8% well pump 3% water distribution system 1% b. Distance between well and toilet more than 16meters 38% 6-10 meter 31% 11-15 meters 14% Less than 6 meters 17% c. The status of well management Bad 72% Fair 26% Good 2% d. General sanitary state of house Bad 37% Fair 51% Good 12% e. House drainage system had no house drainage. 77% Family Planning : a. 24% of the people have used contraceptives, but 12% ceased to use them. 76% have never used contraceptives. b. used methods 1oop 68% oral pill 16% vasectomy 4% condom 1% tubal ligation 1% two or more methods 10% Maternal Health : a. The number of conceptions of housewives under 50 years of age. 11 times 26% 6 times 11% 5 times 11% 4 times 9% b. The place of delivery own house 88% hospital 1% others 11% Treatment of general sickness : a. The place of treatment Soyang Health Center 31% Hospital (private or otherwise) 26% Pharmacy 14% Herb medicine 5% Private care 5% No treatment 12% Miscellaneous 7% b. Usual causes of diseases Unknown 46% Tuberculosis 29% Neuralgia 8% CVA 3% Bronchitis 3% Others 11%

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.14 no.6 s.67
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• pp.891-894
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• 2004

The effect of pipe materials on biofilm communities were investigated by CLPP (community level physiology profile) using Biolog GN plates. Heterotrophic bacterial concentrations were $10^4\;-\;10^6\;CFU/cm^2$ and there was no differences between galvanized iron and carbon steel. Average optical density of Biolog plate was similar between two pipe materials. However, CLPP was different according to the type of pipe materials and exposed times to tap water, and CLPP was independent of bacterial concentration. This represents the differences of bacterial communities with pipes and water contact times.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.58-65
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• 2021

Background: The evaluation of skyshine distribution, release of airborne radioactive nuclides, and soil activation and groundwater migration were required for radiological assessment of the impact on the environment surrounding In-Flight (IF)-system facility of the RAON (Rare isotope Accelerator complex for ON-line experiment) accelerator complex. Materials and Methods: Monte Carlo simulation by MCNPX code was used for evaluation of skyshine and activation analysis for air and soil. The concentration model was applied in the estimation of the groundwater migration of radionuclides in soil. Results and Discussion: The skyshine dose rates at 1 km from the facility were evaluated as 1.62 × 10^-3 μSv·hr^-1. The annual releases of ³H and ¹⁴C were calculated as 9.62 × 10^-5 mg and 1.19 × 10^-1 mg, respectively. The concentrations of ³H and ²²Na in drinking water were estimated as 1.22 × 10^-1 Bq·cm^-3 and 8.25 × 10^-3 Bq·cm^-3, respectively. Conclusion: Radiological assessment of environmental impact on the IF-facility of RAON was performed through evaluation of skyshine dose distribution, evaluation of annual emission of long-lived radionuclides in the air and estimation of soil activation and groundwater migration of radionuclides. As a result, much lower exposure than the limit value for the public, 1 mSv·yr^-1, is expected during operation of the IF-facility.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.215-234
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• 2002

Groundwater Dam is one of the reliable techniques to get huge amount of groundwater abstraction for municipal, agricultural, drinking, industrial water supply system. It can be a major technique to solve water shortage problems when it based on the sufficient watershed, proper topology, and adequate aquifer distribution and pollution control, Groundwater Dam had initiated its construction by RDC(former KARICO) in early eighties in Korea and 4 of it in total were added more until late eighty. However, this technique has shrunken its application due to gradually decreased yield rate after sever years of construction. After we studied several existing sites precisely, we concluded that the main reason of decreasing yield rate was come form engineering roughness on construction in early nineties. Theoretically, the technique itself seemed to be little detectives however, there were a little application in the fields in Korea. With the recent advance in engineering fields, those defects in construction would be no longer obstacle to construct underground wall and the technique could be a one of major ground water production technique in the future. It is essential to study following items thoroughly before select the appropriate site. The topography and the site of the underground wall, aquifer distribution, the specific technique for wall construction to block groundwater flow effectively and strict quality control during construction are critical. The surface and ground water monitoring data should be collected. Sustainability of the Groundwater Dam with huge groundwater abstraction in long term should be based on the long-term water balance analysis for each site. The water quality, environmental effect analysis and maintenance achedule should be also analyzed and planned in prior. It is suggested that the two consecutive underground wall in the coastal area to prevent seawater intrusion beneath a single wall.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.946-953
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• 2002

Bisphenol A [2, 2 bis (4-hydoxyphenyl) propane; BPA] is a widely used endocrine disruptors and has estrogenic: activities. Although interests on biological effect of BPA are rising, evidences of its effect on immune system are lacking. We investigated that the effect of BPA on immune parameters to postulate the mechanism, and BPA interruptions between neuroendocrine and immune system. BPA was administrated to mice by p.o. (as a drinking water) dose on 0.015, 1.5 and 30 mg/ml for 4 weeks. The BPA treatment did not result in any change in body weight, spleen weight and distribution of lymphocyte subpopulation collected from spleen. BPA induced prolactin production in spleen, and exposure of SPA increased the activity of splenocyte proliferation in response to Con A (p<0.001). The production of a strong Th-1 type cytokine ($IFN-{\gamma}$) was induced while Th-2 type (IL-4) was suppressed by SPA treatment. These were consistent with RT-PCR results of transcription factor GATA-3 and IRF-1. These findings suggested that stimulation of prolactin production by estrogenic effects of SPA would affect cytokine profiles, and lead to imbalanced cellular immune response. In addition, we could speculate that prolactin and cytokine is important mediator involved in network between neuroendocrine and immune system by BPA.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.106-112
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• 2011

This study developed preliminary assessment methodology for priority listing of soil and groundwater contamination sources, considering source characteristics, local environments and risk receptors. Source characteristics were evaluated by scoring relative risk of contamination sources. Local environments were evaluated by scoring annual rainfall, hydraulic conductivity of aquifer, and annual groundwater use. Risk receptors were evaluated by scoring local population, direct distance to surface water, direct distance to drinking-water wells. Scores of each parameter were allocated by analysing distribution of parameter values obtained from government databases. Distributed scores of source characteristics local environments: risk receptors were 12 : 12 : 12. The preliminary assessment scored 0 to 36 for each soil and groundwater sources. Inventory of soil and groundwater sources consisted of 7 categories. This study applied the preliminary assessment methodology to Manan-Gu, Anyang City, Korea. The number of car repair and washing facility was the largest in the contamination source inventory. Petroleum storage facilities showed the highest assessment score. The preliminary assessment methodology also indicated that Anyang-Dong was the priority section among Anyang-Dong, Suksu-Dong, Bakdal-Dong. This study is the first trial for relative ranking soil and groundwater contamination sources by considering source and local characteristics. Therefore, further researches and revision of the preliminary assessment methodology need to be pursued for various applications.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.115-119
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• 2005

As the regulations on DBPs are tightened, many water treatment plants (WTPs) in Korea have already introduced or will introduce enhanced coagulation, alternative disinfectants and advanced treatments such as ozonization and granular activated carbon to improve drinking water qualify. After a phenol leakage accident at the Nakdong-River in 1991, 26 WIPs in Korea introduced carbon dioxide generators, but there has been no accumulation of significant operating data. This research summarizes things that should be considered for the introduction of carbon dioxide disinfection process to WTPs based on one year operation data from A WTP that has had high concentration of DBP during a specific period in the summer. The removal efficiency of DBP was $30{\sim}40%$, but those of 2-MIB, Geosmin were less than 10%. The generation rate of $ClO_2$ by-products such as chlorite and chlorate were $70{\sim}100%$ of input dosage, but the ratios increased over time. At the same time, strong chlorine odors may be produced in the distribution system when $ClO_2$ was used with $Cl_2$ as a result of reaction between the chlorite and residual chlorine.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.381-397
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• 2021

Off-flavor materials (geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB)) produced by microorganisms, such as, cyanobacteria and actinomycetes, cause freshwater use problems worldwide. Due to unpleasant taste and odor, these microorganisms have raised issues especially in drinking water resources. Recently, there has been increasing concern about 2-MIB and causal cyanobacteria, namely, Pseudanabaena, in Korea. However, material production and ecological dynamics remain largely unexplored. This study reviewed the distribution of Pseudanabaena, its species diversity, and the research trend of molecular ecology related to 2-MIB production in Korea. Based on published literature, we found that seven species of Pseudanabaena which include P. mucicola, P. limnetica, P. redekei, P. catenata, P. galeata, P. yagii, and P. cinerea appeared to occur in a variety of Korean water systems. All of these Pseudanabaena species were found in the North-Han River system (Lakes Soyang, Chuncheon, Uiam, and Paldang). Some of these species were also detected in other watersheds, but the precise species diversity was not identified. Species belonging to the Pseudanabaena genus are hard to classify through general microscopic alpha taxonomy, due to their very small cell size and similar morphological characters. Moreover, the potential of 2-MIB production cannot be detected by microscopic observation. Combining molecular ecological techniques, such as, environmental genomic materials (eDNA, eRNA) analyses to conventional methods could be useful to better understand the off-flavor material production and dynamics, thereby providing more efficient management strategies of freshwater systems.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.189-201
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• 1999

Lead (Pb) is ubiquitous in the urban environment and is a well-known toxic element. It may cause adverse health effects on hematopoietic system, peripheral and central nervous systems, kidney functions, and others. In recent decades, lead concentration in blood has been widely used one of indicators for lead exposure and risk evaluation. In this study, we determined the blood-lead levels in general populations of Korea, and investigated the relationship among blood-lead levels, sociobehavioral factors, and lead concentrations in the contacted environments such as ambient air, drinking water, and foods. The study subjects consisted of volunteers who had lived in the residential or industrial area in Korea. Information about gender, age, living area, occupation, smoking, heat system, and dietary habits, etc was collected using a self-reported questionnaires. The lead concentrations of environments were collected by literature search to the study area. Participated subjects in industrial area were 726 and their blood-lead levels were 8.58 $\mu\textrm{g}$/dl for males and 6.26 $\mu\textrm{g}$/dl for female in average. The other subjects in residential area were 317 and their blood-lead levels were 4.58 $\mu\textrm{g}$/dl for males and 3.49 $\mu\textrm{g}$/dl for female in average. The distribution of blood-lead level in the industrial subjects was well fitted to the log -normal distribution and that in the residential subjects was well fitted to the normal distribution. Blood-lead levels in both area were affected by gender, smoking habit, age and residence duration except age in industrial area and residence duration in residential area. It was identified that 30% of blood-lead level was contributed from the inhalation of ambient air in the industrial area, and 8.4% of blood-lead level was from that in the residential area. from this study, it would be suggested for the health risk assessment and management of lead pollution concerns in urban, industrial and rural areas.