• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.67-81
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• 2016

In order to examine the variation characteristics of chemical compositions in accordance with the different meteorological conditions, $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ were collected at Gosan site of Jeju Island in 2014, and then their ionic and elemental species were analyzed. The concentrations of nss-$SO{_4}^{2-}$ and $NH_4{^+}$ were respectively 4.3 and 3.3 times higher in fine particle mode ($PM_{2.5}$) compared to coarse particle mode ($PM_{10-2.5}$), however $NO_3{^-}$ concentration was 1.6 times higher in coarse mode compared to fine particle mode. During Asian dust days, the concentrations of nss-$Ca^{2+}$ and $NO_3{^-}$ increased highly as 7.7 and 4.5 times in coarse particle mode, and 3.0 and 4.9 times higher in fine particles, respectively. Especially, the concentrations of the crustal species (Al, Fe, Ca, K, Mn, Ba, Sr, etc.) indicated a noticeable increase during the Asian dust days. For the haze days, the concentrations of secondary pollutants increased 2.2~2.7 and 2.9~6.0 times in coarse and fine particles, respectively, and they were 0.8~1.1 and 1.8~2.4 times, respectively, during the mist days. The aerosols were acidified largely by sulfuric and nitric acids, and neutralized mainly by ammonia in fine particle mode during the haze days, but neutralized by calcium carbonate in coarse particle mode during the Asian dust days. The clustered back trajectory analysis showed that the concentrations of nss-$SO{_4}^{2-}$, $NO_3{^-}$, and $NH_4{^+}$ were relatively high when the inflow pathway of air mass was from the southern part of China.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.281-287
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• 2012

Aerosol concentrations at the CC-Lag site in the Teshio Experimental Forest increased from winter to spring and sometimes showed extremely high values associated with Kosa and/or forest-fire events. The range and mean of the mass concentrations of aerosol chemical species were as follows: total particulate mass, 1.2-29, 5.0; elemental carbon, 0.061-2.2, 0.43; organic carbon, 0.059-3.5, 0.79; and sulfate, 0.12-6.2, 1.8 ${\mu}g/m^3$. The total masses of the deposited particles on hybrid larch and on bamboo leaves were approximately 35 and 30 ${\mu}g/cm^2$, respectively. The amounts of soil particles on the leaves were 6 ${\mu}g/cm^2$ for the upper part of hybrid larch, 2 ${\mu}g/cm^2$ for the lower part of hybrid larch, and 1 ${\mu}g/cm^2$ for Sasa bamboo leaves. The amounts of deposited black carbon were 2.3 ${\mu}g/cm^2$ for the upper part of hybrid larch, 0.6 ${\mu}g/cm^2$ for the lower part of hybrid larch, and 0.2 ${\mu}g/cm^2$ for Sasa bamboo leaves. Half of the total deposited particular mass was attached on the hybrid larch; however, most of the total deposited mass was adhered on the Sasa bamboo leaves. Regardless of the species, there tend to be more deposited particles on the leaves in the upper part than in the lower part, with only a few meters height difference. Comparing the composition of the deposited particles to that of the atmospheric aerosols without any size cut, the fractions of water-soluble material sulfate and sea salt in the deposited aerosols were about one tenth and one hundredth lower than that in the aerosols, respectively. On the basis of the measured concentration and the deposited amount on leaves, the deposition velocity of black carbon was estimated to be approximately 0.5 cm/s.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.675-688
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• 2007

To characterize organic and elemental carbon (OC and EC), and water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) contents, daily $PM_{2.5}$ measurements were performed in August 2006 (summer) and Jan $11{\sim}Feb$ 12 2007 (winter) at an urban site of Gwangju. Daily size-segregated aerosol samples were also collected for WSOC analysis. No clear seasonal variations in EC and WSOC concentrations were observed, while seasonal differences in OC concentration, and OC/EC and WSOC/EC ratios were shown. The WSOC/OC ratio showed higher value in summer (0.56) than in winter (0.40), reflecting the greater enhancement of secondary WSOC formation at the site in summer. Secondary WSOC concentrations estimated using EC tracer method were in the range $0.0{\sim}2.1\;{\mu}g/m^3$ (average $0.42\;{\mu}g/m^3$) and $0.0{\sim}1.1\;{\mu}g/m^3\;(0.24\;{\mu}g/m^3)$, respectively, accounting for $0{\sim}51.6%$ (average 16.8%) and $0{\sim}52.5%$ (average 13.1 %) of the measured WSOC concentrations in summer and winter. Sometimes higher WSOC/OC ratio in winter than that in summer could be attributed to two reasons. One is that the stable atmospheric condition often appears in winter, and the prolonged residence time would strengthen atmospheric oxidation of volatile organic compounds. The other is that decrease of ambient temperature in winter would enhance the condensation of volatile secondary WSOC on pre-existing aerosols. In summertime, atmospheric aerosols and WSOC concentrations showed bimodal size distributions, peaking at the size ranges $0.32{\sim}0.56\;{\mu}m$ (condensation mode) and $3.2{\sim}5.6\;{\mu}m$ (coarse mode), respectively. During the wintertime, atmospheric aerosols showed a bimodal character, while WSOC concentrations showed a unimodal pattern. Size distributions of atmospheric aerosols and WSOC with a peak in the size range $0.32{\sim}0.56\;{\mu}m$ were observed for most of the measurement periods. On January 17, however, atmospheric aerosols and WOSC exhibited size distributions with modal peaks in the size range $1.0{\sim}1.8\;{\mu}m$, suggesting that the aerosol particles collected on that day could be expected to be more aged, i.e, longer residence time, than the aerosols at other sampling periods.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.449-460
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• 2014

Since the emergence of domestically produced automobiles in 1964, the number of automobiles in circulation in South Korea has increased constantly. With this rapidly increasing number of automobiles, automobile-induced environmental pollution has become an issue of great concern, especially with regard to air pollution. Of the carbon composites contained in automobile exhaust gas, PAHs are known to be carcinogenic and highly deleterious to humans and thus need to be urgently mitigated. To address this issue of PAHs, this study was conducted to estimate qualitative of particulate PAHs contained in carbon composites in automobile exhaust gas, by capturing all particulate matter discharged from the latter. To allow for differentiated analyses, the automobiles investigated were divided into 4 groups: gasoline vehicle, motocycle, diesel vehicle, and LPG vehicle. Samples were analyzed using two methods. First, in-depth analysis was performed on organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) composites with analysis parameters, using the Thermal Optical Transmittance Method (NIOSH 5040). Second, for the examination of particulate PAHs, GC/MSD was used to analyze the 16 PAH species specified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The analyses yielded the findings that diesel vehicles had the highest mass concentration ($2,007{\mu}g/m^3$), followed by motocycle ($1,066{\mu}g/m^3$), LPG vehicle ($392{\mu}g/m^3$), and gasoline vehicles ($270{\mu}g/m^3$). The highest carbon concentrations in total particulate matter by vehicle weight were produced from LPG vehicle (79.8%), followed by gasoline vehicle (77.4%), motocycle (69.8%), and diesel vehicle (59.1%).

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.283-295
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• 2017

It is crucial to measure meteorological elements in relation to the biodeterioration of building cultural heritages. The Beopjusa and Seonamsa temples located respectively in Chungbuk and Jeonnam provinces, Korea, exhibit biological damage to the building cultural heritages and cause noticeable climatic differences. To compare biodeterioration environments of the abovementioned temples, 10 meteorological elements were observed, and particulate matter (TSP) was collected at each location. Furthermore, a correlation analysis was conducted between meteorological elements, and between meteorological elements and TSP. The local meteorology at Beopjusa temple characteristically showcased high total horizontal radiation, UV radiation, evaporation, wind speed, and TSP concentration, whereas, that at Seonamsa temple showcased high temperature, humidity, dew point temperature, air pressure, precipitation and number of days with precipitation. An elemental analysis of TSP revealed the presence of sae-salts at Seonamsa temple, and compared to that of Beopjusa temple, the monthly frequencies of biogenic aerosol and Fe-containing particles were higher. The correlation analysis showed that wind speed and humidity were major meteorological factors at Beopjusa and Seonamsa temples, respectively. Subsequently, the characteristics of the local meteorology at Seonamsa temple are expected to affect the biological damage of the building cultural heritages, which is favorable for the growth of various organisms.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.180-186
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• 2017

Objectives: The purposes of this study were to compare the surface resistance of cassettes according to the material, and to evaluate the wall deposition of carbon nanotubes(CNTs) by electrostatic loss in the inner wall of the cassette. Methods: Surface resistance was measured for three types of cassettes(25 mm polypropylene conductive cowl, 25 mm and 37 mm clear styrene cassettes) with a surface resistance meter. Also, electrostatic wall loss was measured at different weights of CNTs depending on the cassette. CNTs were laid on a weight dish with the cassette for five minutes to provide sufficient time to attach on the wall. Wipe sampling was performed to collect CNTs deposited on the wall and elemental carbon, known as a surrogate for CNTs, was analyzed. Results: The cassette with conductive materials(18% of black carbon) showed the lowest surface resistance($<1.21{\times}10^3{\Omega}$). Cassettes made from clear polystyrene showed the relatively highest surface resistance(25 mm: $10.02{\times}10^9{\Omega}$, 37 mm: $10.59{\times}10^9{\Omega}$). This means that particles are more likely to stick to the internal wall of styrene cassettes due to electrostatic electricity. This may lead to an underestimation of the airborne concentration of CNTs. The experiment showed that EC was not detected when using a 25 mm conductive cowl cassette, while EC was detected at the internal wall of 25 mm and 37 mm polystyrene cassettes. Conclusions: This study confirms that cassettes with a conductive cowl have low surface resistance and are more appropriate for CNT sampling. In addition, this finding could be applied for other types of particulate, especially regarding electrostatic charge and sampling.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.209-222
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• 1997

The Hoenam area, up the Taecheong lake, composed mainly of low grade coal-bearing metapelites within the Ogcheon Supergroup. These coal formations are developed discontinuously several hundred meters and swelling from 10 to 300 cm along the host metapelites. Although the formations have been mined for coal, but already mined out, and the formations were higher content (mean value of 42 samples) of environmental toxic elements as As (13 ppm). Ba (1.81 wt. %), Cd (2 ppm), Cr (188 ppm), Cu (87 ppm), Mo (214 ppm), Pb (25 ppm), Sb (3 ppm), Se (12 ppm), U (55 ppm), V (2124 ppm) and Zn (234 ppm) than the host metapelites and the NASC. The Al, Ti, Mg, K and Na contents in stream sediments derived from the Hando and Bugook mine area were highly concentrations than the samples from the Samseongjeil mine area. The mean value (wt. %) of Fe (10.07), Mn (0.15), Ca (0.84), P (0.18) and Ba (0.77) influenced by the Samseongjeil mine were higher than the other mine drainage sediments. The mean content (ppm) of environmental toxic elements in drainage sediments from the Samseongjeil mine were taken As (2083), Cu (447), Mo (202), Ni (720), Pb (42), U (250), V (1070) and Zn (2632), which are extremely high concentrations against NASC and EPA. Characteristics of elemental behavior and dispersion of the all toxic elements are the same as increased with increasing U, V, and Cu. Rare earth elements in the sediments are enriched with LREE (La, Ce and Nd) from the drainage on strong concentration of toxic elements. The pH of stream water is neutral, but pH of the sediments ranged from 4.92 to 6.93 (mean 6.22), those are slightly acid in the Hando mine area. Major elements in the host rocks at the Hoenam area are mostly depleted especially Ca, excepting Ti and Ba, normalized with NASC. The sediments were highly enriched of Ti, Fe, Mg, Mn and Ba, but depleted of Al, K, Ca, Na and P on the basis of host rocks and NASC. Minor and environmental toxic elements in the host rocks were strongly enriched all elements (As, Cd, Mo, Se, D, V and Zn), excepting Co, Ni and Sr. Enrichment index (mean value) about toxic elements (As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) of the sediments in this area have taken 41.35 (Hando mine drainage; 2.73, Samseongjeil mine drainage; 113.14 and Bugook mine drainage; 8.19), those are seriously contaminated by environmental toxic elements.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.563-574
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• 2007

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a recently developed analytical technique that is based upon the measurement of emission lines generated by atomic species close to the surface of the sample, thus allowing their chemical detection, identification and quantification. With powerful advantages of LIBS compared to the conventional analytical methodology, this technique can be applied in the detection of heavy metals in the field. LIBS allows the rapid analysis by avoiding laborious chemical steps. LES have already been applied for the determination of element concentration in a wide range of materials in the solid, liquid and gaseous phase with simplicity of the instrument and diversity of the analytical application. These feasibility of rapid multi elemental analysis are appealing proprieties for the in-situ analytical technique in geochemical investigation, exploration and environmental analysis. There remain still some limitations to be solved for LIBS to be applied in soil environment as an in-situ analytical technology. We would like to provide the basic principle related to the plasma formation and laser-induced breakdown of sample materials. In addition, the matrix effect, laser properties and the various factors affecting on the analytical signal of LIBS was dealt with to enhance understanding of LIBS through literature review. Ultimately, it was investigated the feasibility of LIBS application in soil environment monitoring by considering the basic idea to enhance the data quality of LIBS including the calibration method for the various effects on the analytical signal of LIBS.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.606-615
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• 2010

This study aims to identify the characteristics of soil in Mongolia, one of the major Asian dust sources that influence the Korean Peninsula. Soil particle size was analyzed and the result shows that sand (57.5~97.3%) was identified prominently in most regions, followed by silt (2.5~34.7%) and clay (0.0~7.8%). Soil pH of the covered regions were in the range 7.1~10.1, either weak alkaline or strong alkaline. Analysis of ion species in the soil samples exhibited that $Na^+$ ($91.9\;mg\;kg^{-1}$), $Cl^-$ ($65.9\;mg\;kg^{-1}$), and $Ca^{2+}$ ($53.5\;mg\;kg^{-1}$) were detected more in the soil than other species such as ${SO_4}^{2-}$ ($19.2\;mg\;kg^{-1}$), ${NO_3}^-$ ($46.6\;mg\;kg^{-1}$), ${NH_4}^+$ ($3.9\;mg\;kg^{-1}$), $K^+$ ($22.0\;mg\;kg^{-1}$), and $Mg^{2+}$ ($10.2\;mg\;kg^{-1}$). As for heavy metal content in the soil, concentrations of soil-borne metals including Fe, Al, Ca, Mg, and K tended to be high, while metals that come from manmade sources Pb, Cd, Cr, V, and Ni were remarkably low. The concentration of organic carbon (OC) was relatively high at $15.9\;{\mu}g\;mg^{-1}$, while elemental carbon (EC), directly released in the process of fossil fuel combustion, was not detected at all or found in very small amounts. The result indicates that pollution from manmade sources scarcely occurred. The analysis results from this study may contribute to improving modeling accuracy by providing input data for Asian dust prediction models, and be used as base data for determining the process of physiochemical transformation of Asian dust during long-range transport.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.28 no.10
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• pp.1038-1045
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• 2006

A series of experiments was conducted to test the compatibilities of two different techniques to determine elemental concentrations by INAA and ICP-MS based on both the NIST SRM 2783(air particulate on filter media) and the field samples for PM10. For NIST SRM the results of INAA were more accurate and precise for all target elements than those of ICP-MS. The comparative data set for PM10 samples collected in an industrial complex area showed that mean of concentration ratio, derived for the two different methods such as C(INNA/ICP-MS), were distinguished from each other: (1) Ba, Cu, K Mg, Na, and Sb: $0.9{\sim}1.1$; (2) Al, Co, Fe, and Mn: $0.8{\sim}1.2$; and (3) Se, Ti, and Zn: >1.3. When the results obtained from both methods were evaluated in terms of regression analysis, paired t-test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the results of many elements determined from PM10 samples(such as Al, Ba, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Nd, and Sb) exhibited a fairly good agreement between the two methods, despite a wide range of variation.