• The Journal of the Petrological Society of Korea
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.281-295
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• 2017

We determined chemical compositions like abundance of major and trace elements, Sr and Nd isotope compositions for two tektites from the Thailand and Vietnam. Their chemical compositions are similar to each other, and seem to be similar to those of PAAS (Post Archean Australian Shale) rather than upper continental crust. In particular, primitive mantle-normalized spider diagrams and chondrite-normalized REE patterns for two tektites are the same, suggesting that they might be derived from the same source material. The $^{87}Sr/^{86}Sr$ and $^{143}Nd/^{144}Nd$ ratios from Thailand tektite are $0.718870{\pm}0.000008(2{\sigma}_m)$ and $0.512024{\pm}0.000012(2{\sigma}_m)$, respectively, and those from Vietnam are $0.717022{\pm}0.000008(2{\sigma}_m)$ and $0.511986{\pm}0.000013(2{\sigma}_m)$, respectively. The $^{87}Sr/^{86}Sr$ and $^{143}Nd/^{144}Nd$ ratios from Thailand tektite are slightly enriched than those of Vietnam tektite. $^{87}Sr/^{86}Sr$ ratios from the Vietnam and Thai tektites were plotted on the range of Australasian tektites reported previously. $^{143}Nd/^{144}Nd$ ratio of Vietnam tektite from this study was lower than the range of $^{143}Nd/^{144}Nd$ ratio from the Australasian tektite reported previously whereas that of Thai tektite was included in the range of $^{143}Nd/^{144}Nd$ ratio from the Australasian tektite. The geochemical characteristics from two tektites in this study indicate that they may be derived from the very similar source materials.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.170-178
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• 2016

Accuracy and precision of ID methods for different spike isotopes of ⁷⁶Se, ⁷⁷Se, and ⁷⁸Se were compared for the analysis of Selenium using quadrupole ICP/MS equipped with Octopole reaction cell. From the analysis of Se inorganic standard solution, all of three spikes showed less than 1 % error and 1 % RSD for both short-term (a day) and long-term (several months) periods. They showed similar results with each other and ⁷⁸Se showed was a bit better than ⁷⁶Se and ⁷⁷Se. However, different spikes showed different results when NIST SRM 1568a and SRM 2967 were analyzed because of the several interferences on the m/z measured and calculated. Interferences due to the generation of SeH from ORC was considered as well as As and Br in matrix. The results showed similar accuracy and precisions against SRM 1568a, which has a simple background matrix, for all three spikes and the recovery rate was about 80% with steadiness. The %RSD was a bit higher than inorganic standard (1.8 %, 8.6 %, and 6.3 % for ⁷⁸Se, ⁷⁶Se and ⁷⁷Se, respectively) but low enough to conclude that this experiment is reliable. However, mussel tissue has a complex matrix showed inaccurate results in case of ⁷⁸Se isotope spike (over 100 % RSD). ⁷⁶Se and ⁷⁷Se showd relatively good results of around 98.6 % and 104.2 % recovery rate. The errors were less than 5 % but the precision was a bit higher value of 15 % RSD. This clearly shows that Br interferences are so large that a simple mathematical calibration is not enough for a complex-matrixed sample. In conclusion, all three spikes show similar results when matrix is simple. However, ⁷⁸Se should be avoided when large amount of Br exists in matrix. Either ⁷⁶Se or ⁷⁷Se would provide accurate results.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.49-60
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• 2016

Distribution and behavior of baseline soil CO₂ were investigated in a candidate geologic CO₂ storage site in Pohang, with measuring CO₂ concentrations and carbon isotopes in the vadose zone as well as CO₂ fluxes and concentrations through ground surface. This investigation aimed to assess the baseline CO₂ levels and to build the CO₂ monitoring system before injecting CO₂. The gas in the vadose zone was collected using a peristaltic pump from the depth of 60 cm below ground surface, and stored at gas bags. Then the gas components (CO₂, O₂, N₂, CH₄) and δ¹³C_CO2 were analyzed using GC and CRDS (cavity ringdown spectroscopy) respectively in laboratory. CO₂ fluxes and CO₂ concentrations through ground surface were measured using Li-COR in field. In result, the median of the CO₂ concentrations in the vadose zone was about 3,000 ppm, and the δ¹³C_CO2 were in the wide range between −36.9‰ and −10.6‰. The results imply that the fate of CO₂ in the vadose zone was affected by soil property and vegetations. CO₂ in sandy or loamy soils originated from the respiration of microorganisms and the decomposition of C₃ plants. In gravel areas, the CO₂ concentrations decreased while the δ¹³C_CO2 increased because of the mixing with the atmospheric gas. In addition, the relation between O₂ and CO₂, N₂, and the relation between N₂/O₂ and CO₂ implied that the gases in the vadose zone dissolved in the infiltrating precipitation or the soil moisture. The median CO₂ flux through ground surface was 2.9 g/m²/d which is lower than the reported soil CO₂ fluxes in areas with temperate climates. CO₂ fluxes measured in sandy and loamy soil areas were higher (median 5.2 g/m²/d) than those in gravel areas (2.6 g/m²/d). The relationships between CO₂ fluxes and concentrations suggested that the transport of CO₂ from the vadose zone to ground surface was dominated by diffusion in the study area. In gravel areas, the mixing with atmospheric gases was significant. Based on this study result, a soil monitoring procedure has been established for a candidate geologic CO₂ storage site. Also, this study result provides ideas for innovating soil monitoring technologies.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.240-246
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• 2018

The present study analyzed standard samples of three types of aluminum matrix certified reference materials (CRM) using GD-MS. Calibration curves were constructed for 13 elements (Mg, Si, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Sn, and Pb), with the slope representing the relative sensitivity factor (RSF). The x- and y-axes of the calibration curve represented ion beam ratio (IBR) and the authenticated value of the standard sample, respectively. In order to evaluate precision and linearity of the calibration curve, RSD and the coefficient of determination were calculated. Curve RSD for every element reflected high precision (within 10 %). For most elements, the coefficient of determination was ${\geq}0.99$, indicating excellent linearity. However, vanadium, nickel, and gallium curves exhibited relatively low linearity (0.90~0.95), likely due to their narrow concentration ranges. Standard RSF was calculated using the slope of the curve generated for three types of CRM. Despite vanadium, nickel, and gallium exhibiting low coefficients of determination, their standard RSF resembled that of the three types of CRM. Therefore, the RSF method may be used for element quantitation. Standard iron matrix samples were analyzed to verify the applicability of the aluminum matrix standard RSF, as well as to calculate the RSD-estimated error of the measured value relative to the actual standard value. Six elements (Al, Si, V, Cr, Mn, and Ni) exhibited an RSD of approximately 30 %, while the RSD of Cu was 77 %. In general, Cu isotopes are subject to interference: $^{63}Cu$ to $^{54}Fe^{2+}-^{36}Ar$ and $^{65}Cu$ to $^{56}Fe-Al^{3+}$ interference. Thus, the influence of these impurities may have contributed to the high RSD value observed for Cu. To reliably identify copper, the resolution should be set at ${\geq}8000$. However, high resolutions are inappropriate for analyzing trace elements, as it lowers ion permeability. In conclusion, quantitation of even relatively low amounts of six elements (Al, Si, V, Cr, Mn, and Ni) is possible using this method.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.17-23
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• 2019

Sources of NOx are both anthropogenic (e.g. fossil fuel combustion, vehicles, and other industrial processes) and natural (e.g. lightning, biogenic soil processes, and wildfires). The nitrogen stable isotope ratio of NOx has been proposed as an indicator for NOx source partitioning, which would help identify the contributions of various NOx sources. In this study, the ${\delta}^{15}N-NO_2$ values of vehicle emissions were measured in an urban region, to understand the sources and processes that influence the isotopic composition of NOx emissions. The Ogawa passive air sampler was used to determine the isotopic composition of $NO_2$(g). In urban tunnels, the observed $NO_2$ concentration and ${\delta}^{15}N-NO_2$ values averaged $3809{\pm}2656ppbv$ and $7.7{\pm}1.8$‰, respectively. The observed ${\delta}^{15}N-NO_2$ values are associated with slight regional variations in the vehicular $NO_2$ source. Both $NO_2$ concentration and ${\delta}^{15}N-NO_2$ values were significantly higher near the expressway ($965{\pm}125ppbv$ and $5.9{\pm}1.4$‰) than at 1.1 km from the expressway ($372{\pm}96ppbv$ and $-11.5{\pm}2.9$‰), indicating a high proportion of vehicle emissions. Ambient ${\delta}^{15}N-NO_2$ values were used in a binary mixing model to estimate the percentage of the ${\delta}^{15}N-NO_2$ value contributed by vehicular NOx emissions. The calculated percentage of the ${\delta}^{15}N-NO_2$ contribution by vehicles was significantly higher close to the highway, as observed for the $NO_2$ concentration and ${\delta}^{15}N-NO_2$.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.50-64
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• 2019

Recently, quantitative analyses of food web structure based on carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes are widely applied to environmental assessments as well as ecological researches of various ecosystems, particularly rivers and streams. In the present study, we analyzed carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of POM (both planktonic and attached forms), zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates and fish collected from 6 sites located at Nakdong River. Samples were collected from upstream areas of 5 weirs (Sangju, Gangjeong-Goryeong, Dalseong, Hapcheon-Changnyeong, and Changnyeong-Haman Weirs) and one downstream area of Hapcheon-Changnyeong Weir in dry season (June) and after rainy season (September). We suggested ranges of their carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios and calculated their trophic levels in the food web to compare their temporal and spatial variations. Trophic levels of organisms were relatively higher in Sangju Weir located at upper part of Nakdong River, and decreased thereafter. However, the trophic levels were recovered at the Changnyeong-Haman Weir, the lowest weir in the river. The trophic level calculated by nitrogen stable isotope ratios showed more reliable ranges when they were calculated based on zooplankton than POM used as baseline. The suggested quantitative ecological information of the majority of biological communities in Nakdong River would be helpful to understand the response of river food web to environmental disturbances and can be applied to various further researches regarding the quantitative approaches for the understanding food web structure and function of river ecosystems as well as restoration.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.305-321
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• 2022

The stone chamber tomb in Eungpyeong-ri, Buyeo, is a joint tomb that contains the bodies of two individuals. This paper investigates the relationship between the buried persons and the characteristics of the stone chamber tomb. Based on the geographical location, relics, and the excavated human bones, it was determined that the tomb was built during the Sabi Period of the Baekje Dynasty and that the buried individuals were most probably residents of high stature or government officials. To study the excavated bones, the remains were carefully collected and conservation was carried out. Before collecting samples from the human bones for the analytical research, the results of near-infrared analysis were used to collect the samples for the isotope analysis and DNA analysis. The most important issue when handling the excavation site was the reinforcing agent and the concentration of the agent used. In situations like this, Paraloid B-72 is the most suitable agent. When the shape of human bones was difficult to distinguish from the soil, conservation was performed using X-ray and CT imaging data. The same chemical used for the reinforcement of the site was used to complete a minimum level of conservation to the surface areas where the conservation treatment of removing foreign substances, the reinforcement areas, and bonded areas were carried out. The collagen yield from the sample obtained at selected position was 3.8% to 6.1%. The results of analyzing the stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen found in the extracted collagen showed that the stable isotope ratios came out to δ¹³C -18.3‰±0.1‰, -19.0‰±0.1‰ for EBW and δ¹⁵N 10.7‰±0.5‰, 10.6‰±0.1‰ for EBE. It is believed the two individuals consumed small amounts of minor cereals, mainly from C₃ plants, and protein was obtained from eating terrestrial animals. What's more, the deviations in data obtained from the two individuals were so small that it could be inferred that the individuals ate similar foods. Considering the preservation state of the sample, amplifying DNA for the DNA analysis would have been very difficult since the amount of surviving DNA was so deficient. For DNA analysis, it is anticipated that the results could be derived by applying improved extraction methods that will be developed in the future. In this research, any association between scientific analysis(DNA and stable isotope ratio) and near-infrared spectroscopy was difficult to establish. Further research is needed on the utilization of near-infrared analysis for gathering samples from human bones.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.407-419
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• 2022

Soil(vadose zone) gas compositions were measured for about 3 days to suggest a method for monitoring and interpreting soil gas data collected around wells from which methane(CH₄) is outflowing. The vadose zone gas samples were collected within 1 m around two test wells(TB2 and TB3) at Pohang and analyzed for CO₂, CH₄, N₂ and O₂ concentrations in situ. CO₂ flux was measured beside TB2. In addition, gas samples from well head in TB2 and atmospheric air samples were collected for comparison. Carbon isotopes of CO₂(δ¹³C_CO2) of samples collected on the last day of the study period were analyzed in the laboratory. The two test wells (TB2 and 3) were 12.7 m apart and only TB3 was cemented to the surface. According to the bio-geochemical process-based interpretation, the relationships between CO₂ and O₂, N₂, and N₂/O₂ of vadose zone gas were plotted between the lines of CH₄ oxidation and CO₂ dissolution. In addition, the CH₄ concentrations of gas samples from the wellhead of the uncemented well (TB2) were 5.2 times higher than the atmospheric CH₄ concentration. High CO₂ concentrations (average 1.148%) of vadose zone gas around TB2 seemed to be attributed to the oxidation of CH₄. On the other hand, the vadose zone CO₂ around the cemented well(TB3) showed a relatively low concentration(0.136%). This difference indicates that the vadose zone gas(including CO₂) around the CH₄ outflowing well were strongly affected by well completion(cementing). This study result can be used to establish strategies for environmental monitoring of soil around natural gas sites, and can be used to monitor leakage around injection and observation wells for CO₂ geological storage. In addition, the method of this study is useful for soil monitoring in natural gas storage and oil-contaminated sites.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.185-200
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• 2022

The risk of various hazardous substances in aquatic environment comprises not only the concentration of substances in the environmental medium but also their accumulation in fish through complex food web and the health risks to humans through the fish. In Korea, the monitoring of residual toxicant in aquatic ecosystems began in 2016 following the enforcement of the Acts on registration and evaluation for the management of chemicals used in daily life (consumer chemical products), and attention has been paid to potentially hazardous substances attributed to them. Recently, studies have been carried out to investigate the distribution of these hazardous substances in the ecosystem and calculate their emission factors. These include the accumulation and transport of substances, such as detergents, dyes, fragrances, cosmetics, and disinfectants, within trophic levels. This study summarizes the results of recently published research on the inflow and distribution of hazardous substances from consumer chemical products to the aquatic environment and presents the scientific implication. Based on studies on aquatic environment monitoring techniques, this study suggests research directions for monitoring the residual concentration and distribution of harmful chemical substances in aquatic ecosystems. In particular, this study introduces the directions for research on trophic position analysis using compound specific isotope analysis and trophic magnification factors, which are needed to fulfill the contemporary requirements of selecting target fish based on the survey of major fish that inhabit domestic waters and assessment of associated health risk. In addition, this study provides suggestions for future biota monitoring and chemical research in Korea.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.139-153
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• 2023

This study aimed to understand the spatiotemporal variations in nitrogen content in the Gyeongan stream along the main stream and at the discharge points of the sub-basins, and to identify the origin of the nitrogen. Field surveys and laboratory analyses, including chemical compositions and isotope ratios of nitrate and boron, were performed from November 2021 to November 2022. Based on the flow duration curve (FDC) derived for the Gyeongan stream, the dry season (mid-December 2021 to mid-June 2022) and wet season (mid-June to early November 2022) were established. In the dry season, most samples had the highest total nitrogen(T-N) concentrations, specifically in January and February, and the concentrations continued to decrease until May and June. However, after the flood season from July to September, the uppermost subbasin points (Group 1: MS-0, OS-0, GS-0) where T-N concentrations continually decreased were separated from the main stream and lower sub-basin points (Group 2: MS-1~8, OS-1, GS-1) where concentrations increased. Along the main stream, the T-N concentration showed an increasing trend from the upper to the lower reaches. However, it was affected by those of the Osan-cheon and Gonjiamcheon, the tributaries that flow into the main stream, resulting in respective increases or decreases in T-N concentration in the main stream. The nitrate and boron isotope ratios indicated that the nitrogen in all samples originated from manure. Mechanisms for nitrogen inflow from manure-related sources to the stream were suggested, including (1) manure from livestock wastes and rainfall runoff, (2) inflow through the discharge of wastewater treatment plants, and (3) inflow through the groundwater discharge (baseflow) of accumulated nitrogen during agricultural activities. Ultimately, water quality management of the Gyeongan stream basin requires pollution source management at the sub-basin level, including its tributaries, from a regional context. To manage the pollution load effectively, it is necessary to separate the hydrological components of the stream discharge and establish a monitoring system to track the flow and water quality of each component.