• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.86-96
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• 2013

The realtime monitoring of radon ($^{222}Rn$) concentrations has been carried out from Gosan site, Jeju Island for three years of 2006~2008, in order to evaluate the background level and timely variational characteristics of atmospheric radon. The mean concentration of radon measured during the studying period was $2965mBq/m^3$ with its annual mean values in the range of $2768{\sim}3124mBq/m^3$. The relative ordering of the seasonal mean concentrations was seemed to vary such as winter ($3578mBq/m^3$) > fall ($3351mBq/m^3$) > spring ($2832mBq/m^3$) > summer ($2073mBq/m^3$). The monthly mean concentrations were in the order of Jan>Feb>Oct>Nov>Dec>Mar> Sep>Apr>May>Jun>Aug>Jul, so that the highest January value ($3713mBq/m^3$) exceeded almost twice as the July minimum ($1946mBq/m^3$). The hourly concentrations in a day showed the highest level ($3356mBq/m^3$) at around 7 a.m., increasing during nighttime, while reaching the lowest ($2574mBq/m^3$) at around 3 p.m. From the backward trajectory analysis for a continental fetch of radon, the high concentrations (10%) of radon matched with the air mass moving from the Asia continent to Jeju area. In contrast, the low concentrations (10%) of radon were generally correlated with the air mass of the North Pacific Ocean. In comparison by sectional inflow pathways of air mass, the radon concentrations were relatively high from the north China and the Korean peninsula.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.38 no.8
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• pp.444-451
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• 2016

Most research on membrane fouling models in the past are based on theoretical equations in lab-scale experiments. But these studies are barely suitable for applying on the full-scale spot where there is a sequential process such as filtration, backwash and drain. This study was conducted in submerged membrane system which being on operation auto sequentially and treating wastewater from G-water purification plant in Incheon. TMP had been designated as a fouling indicator in constant flux conditions. Total volume of inflow and SS concentration are independent variables as major operation parameters and time-series analysis and prediction of TMP were conducted. And similarity between simulated values and measured values was assessed. Final prediction model by using genetic algorithm was fully adaptable because simulated values expressed pulse-shape periodicity and increasing trend according to time at the same time. As results of twice validation, correlation coefficients between simulated and measured data were $r^2=0.721$, $r^2=0.928$, respectively. Although this study was conducted limited to data for summer season, the more amount of data, better reliability for prediction model can be obtained. If simulator for short range forecast can be developed and applied, TMP prediction technique will be a great help to energy efficient operation.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.45-56
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• 2013

This study was suggested as fundamental data to control medical materials remained in Nakdong range gauge. The level of Iopromide detected in Nakdong mainstream was $0.0015{\sim}0.37{\mu}g/L$, Mefenamic acid $0.0087{\sim}0.056{\mu}g/L$, Diclofenac $N.D.{\sim}0.01{\mu}g/L$, Atenolol $N.D.{\sim}0.024{\mu}g/L$, Propranolol $N.D.{\sim}0.0038{\mu}g/L$, Lincomycin $0.0005{\sim}0.038{\mu}g/L$, and Trimethoprim $N.D.{\sim}0.0083{\mu}g/L$. At sewage disposal plant in the region, most of them were detected high levels of density. Especially, the level of Iopromide was found the highest up to $5.38{\mu}g/L$. At livestock wasted water disposal plant, the level of lincomycin was detected the highest figure of $477{\mu}g/L$. As a result, medical materials from Nakdong River mainstream got increasing the concentration due to inflow from sewage disposal plant in Gumi and River Geumho in Daegu, which affects residential and industrial areas significantly. Therefore, to control medical materials remained in Nakdong River efficiently, Geumho River and sewage disposal plants shall be continuously monitored and managed, which is recommendable.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.68-75
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• 2016

A set of lab-scale polymer synthetic fiber packed column wetlands composing three columns (CW1, CW2 and CW3) with different hydraulic regimes, recirculation frequencies and pollutant loading rates, were operated in 2012. Synthetic fiber tested as an alternative wetland medium for soil mixture or gravel which has been widely used, has very high pore size and volume, so that clogging opportunity can be greatly avoided. The inflow to the wetland was artificial stormwater. All the wetlands achieved effective removal of TSS (94%~96%), TCOD (68%~73%), TN (35%~58%), TKN (62%~73%) and NH4-N (85%~ 99%). Particularly, it was observed that COD was released from the fiber during one distinct period in all wetlands. This was probably due to the degradation of polymer fiber, and the released organic matters were found to serve as carbon source for denitrification. In addition, with longer retention time and frequent recirculation, lower effluent concentration was observed. With higher pollutant loading rate, higher nitrification and denitrification rates were achieved. However, although organic matters were released from the fiber, the lack of carbon source was still the limiting factor for the system since the release persisted only for 40 days.

• Journal of Environmental Policy
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.85-105
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• 2012

In this paper, the energy efficiency of wastewater utilities was evaluated to explore ways to save energy via operational measures. The correlation of each wastewater characteristic parameter to energy was assessed to find a set of parameters that explained most of the variations in energy use among utilities. The results show that increases in inflow, influent COD concentration, and ratio of advanced treatment generally increased the energy use. On the other hand, increases in load factor (influentaverage flow/design flow) reduced the energy use. In the regression analysis, the energy efficiency was highest in the A2O advanced process. On the other hand, the membrane process (among the advanced processes) and the contacted aeration process (among the secondary processes) require more efforts in saving energy. However, the data base system related to energy use must be supplemented in order for more accurate analysis of energy consumption in wastewater treatment facilities. In particular, i) electricity consumption of relay pumps and, ii) energy usage per unit process, iii) pump power usage to discharge treated wastewater in a long distance, if necessary, and iv) alternative energy production and utilization status must be recorded. By utilizing the results of the analysis conducted in this study, it is possible to quantify a level of energy savings needed and establish customized energy saving measures to achieve a certain target level for benchmarking a successful case of wastewater utilities.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.19 no.11
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• pp.1407-1421
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• 2010

This study was carried out to elucidate the relation between water quality and structure of the aquatic ecosystem in the agriculture reservoir Otae-ji from January to December in 2009. The proportion of forest was 46.98%, which means that non-point sources are major contributor of water pollution in this area. The annual mean COD(Chemical Oxygen Demand) in Otae-ji was $3.6mgL^{-1}$, indicating, level II of environmental standards and the trophic state was mesotrophic. Although total phosporus concentration in the reservoir was high in August due to large inflow of nutrients from outside the reservoir during monsoon season, there was no break out of significant algal bloom in the summer. The seasonal succession of phytoplankton showed that the dinophyta dominated in the the spring, chlorophyta in the summer, chrysophyta and chlorophyta in the autumn and chrysophyta in the winter. In case of zooplankton, rotifers dominated in the most seasons, but cladoceran(Bosmina longirostris) dominated in June and copepod(Nauplii) in August. The macrophyte plants showed diverse species compositon consisted of 3 varieties, 24 species, 23 genera, 15 families and 14 orders. The macroinvertebrates also showed various FFG(Functional Feeding Groups) such as GC(Gathering-Collector), P(Predator), SH(Shedder), FC(Filter-Collector) and PP(Plant-Piercer). Ecosystem stability analysis using aquatic insects was classified as Group I, which has high resilience and resistance indices. A total of 14 species of fish was collected but exotic species such as Lepomis macrochirus and Micropterus salmoides were not found in Otae-ji. In conclusion, the preservation of healthy food wed in the reservoir ecosystem is closely related to water quality management as well as effective prevention of algal bloom by helping good material circulation in aquatic ecosystems.

• 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.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.25 no.9
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• pp.1233-1239
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• 2016

This study aimed to evaluate changes in the TN and TP removal efficiencies, depending on whether or not a settling process is applied, in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) process with a membrane bioreactor (MBR). Nutrient removal was considered in terms of developing an advanced water treatment system for ships in accordance with water quality standards set forth by 227(64). For these purposes, the TN and TP concentrations in the inflow and outflow water were measured to calculate the TN and TP removal efficiencies, depending on whether or not a settling process was used. Water discharged from a bathroom, which was constructed for the experiment, was used as the raw water. The experiment that included a settling process was conducted twice, and the operating conditions were: aeration for 90 min, settling for 30 min, agitation for 15 min, and settling for 15 min for one experiment; and aeration for 150 min, settling for 45 min, agitation for 15 min, and settling for 15 min in the other. Operating conditions for the experiment that did not include a settling process were: aeration for 180 min and agitation for 60 min. The concentration of the mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) in the reactor was 3,500 mg/L, while the aeration rate was 121 L/min and the water production rate was 1.5 L/min. For the two experiments where a settling process was applied, the average TN removal efficiencies were 44.39% and 41.05%, and the average TP removal efficiencies were 47.85% and 46.04%. For the experiment in which a settling process was not applied, the average TN removal efficiency was 65.51%, and the average TP removal efficiency was 52.51%. Although the final nutrient levels did not satisfy the water quality standards of MEPC 227(64), the TN and TP removal efficiencies were higher when a settling process was not applied.

• 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.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.124-138
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• 2017

Physico-chemical measurement of non-refractory submicron particles($NR-PM_1$) was conducted in Baengnyeong Island, Korea using Aerodyne High Resolution Time of Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) from 2012 to 2014. Organics and ammoniated sulfate were dominant species in $NR-PM_1$. The organics was found to have similar fractions(approximate 40%) of $NR-PM_1$ during the summer and winter, while the sulfate fractions of $NR-PM_1$ were calculated to be approximately 47% and 31% for the summer and winter, respectively, suggesting the possibility that particles provide non-acidic surfaces for condensation of nitric acid in the winter. The nitrate fractions of approximate 4% and 20% of $NR-PM_1$ were observed in August (summer) and November (winter), respectively, resulting that the relatively low concentration of sulfate in $NR-PM_1$ provided a non-acidic surface for nitric acid condensation and formation of particulate ammoniated nitrate is favored thermodynamically in winter. The new particle formation (NPF) event and particle growth rate were analyzed for each month in 2014 using Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer(SMPS). The Percent of NPF events was the highest in winter, but NPF event was not observed during summer due to relatively high temperature and frequent rainfall. The average particle growth rate was 3.5 nm/h and the highest particle growth rate was 5.5 nm/h in May. We observed the long-range transport of the anthropogenic sulfate from the East Asia during the intensive monitoring period of November between Qingdao and Baengnyeong Island in 2013. The relatively high concentrations of m/z 60 measured in HR-ToF-AMS was observed in May and June at Baengnyeong Island, suggesting the possibility of the influence of biomass burning from the East Asia to the Korean Peninsula.