• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.837-846
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• 2014

A lead slowing down spectrometer (LSDS) is under development for analysis of isotopic fissile material contents in pyro-processed material, or spent fuel. Many current commercial fissile assay technologies have a limitation in accurate and direct assay of fissile content. However, LSDS is very sensitive in distinguishing fissile fission signals from each isotope. A neutron spectrum analysis was conducted in the spectrometer and the energy resolution was investigated from 0.1eV to 100keV. The spectrum was well shaped in the slowing down energy. The resolution was enough to obtain each fissile from 0.2eV to 1keV. The detector existence in the lead will disturb the source neutron spectrum. It causes a change in resolution and peak amplitude. The intense source neutron production was designed for ~E12 n's/sec to overcome spent fuel background. The detection sensitivity of U238 and Th232 fission chamber was investigated. The first and second layer detectors increase detection efficiency. Thorium also has a threshold property to detect the fast fission neutrons from fissile fission. However, the detection of Th232 is about 76% of that of U238. A linear detection model was set up over the slowing down neutron energy to obtain each fissile material content. The isotopic fissile assay using LSDS is applicable for the optimum design of spent fuel storage to maximize burnup credit and quality assurance of the recycled nuclear material for safety and economics. LSDS technology will contribute to the transparency and credibility of pyro-process using spent fuel, as internationally demanded.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2020

Background: Fish body size is a major determinant of freshwater trophic interactions, yet only a few studies have explored the relationship between the fish body size and trophic interactions in river upstream. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the body size and trophic position (TP) of Coreoperca kawamebari (Temminck & Schlegel, 1843) in an upstream of the Geum River. Results: A stable isotope analysis (based on δ¹⁵N) was used to determine the TP based on the body size of C. kawamebari. The regression analysis (n = 33, f = 63.840, r² = 0.68) clearly showed the relationship between the body length and TP of C. kawamebari. The TP of C. kawamebari was clearly divided by body size into the following classes: individuals of size < 10 cm that feed on insects and individuals of size > 10 cm feed on juvenile fish. This selective feeding is an evolutionarily selective tendency to maximize energy intake per unit time. Furthermore, the diet shift of C. kawamebari was led by different spatial distributions. The littoral zone was occupied by individuals of size < 10 cm, and those of size > 10 cm were mainly in the central zone. The littoral zone can be assumed to be enriched with food items such as ephemeropterans and dipterans. Conclusion: The TP of C. kawamebari, as a carnivorous predator, will have a strong influence on biotic interactions in the upstream area of the Geum River, which can lead to food web implication.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.392-404
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• 2015

Objectives: This study measured and analyzed the concentrations of crystalline silica, elemental carbon and the contribution ratio of pollutants which influence environmental and respiratory disease around the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex in Daegu, Korea. Methods: We analyzed the crystalline silica and elemental carbon in the air according to FTIR(Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and NIOSH(National Institute of Occupation Safety and Health) method 5040, respectively. In addition, lead stable isotopes, and carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes were analyzed using MC-ICP/MS(Multi Collector-Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometer), and IRMS(Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer), respectively. Results: The concentration of crystalline silica in the direct exposure area around the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex was found to be $0.0014{\pm}0.0005mg/Sm^3$, but not to exceed the exposure standards of the ACGIH(American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists). In the case of the autumn, the direct exposure area was found to show a level 2.5 times higher than the reference area, and on the whole, the direct exposure area was found to have a level 1.4 times higher than the reference area. The concentration of elemental carbon in the direct exposure area and in the reference area were found to be $0.0014{\pm}0.0006mg/Sm^3$, and $0.0006{\pm}0.0003mg/Sm^3$, respectively. This study confirmed the contribution ratio of coal raw materials to residentially deposited dusts in the area within 500 meters from the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex and the surrounding area with a stable isotope ratio of 24.0%(0.7-62.7%) on average in the case of carbon and nitrogen, and 33.9%(26.6-54.1%) on average in the case of lead stable isotopes. Conclusions: This study was able to confirm correlations with coal raw materials used by the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex and the surrounding area. The concentration of some pollutants, crystalline silica, and elemental carbon emitted to the direct-influence area around the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex were relatively higher than in the reference area. Therefore, we need to impose continuous and substantive reduction countermeasures in the future to prevent particulate matter and coal raw materials in the study area. It is time for the local government and authorities to prepare active administrative methods such as the relocation of Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.157-169
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• 2010

This study focused on the material characteristics and archaeometric relationship between the molten glass and bronze materials within the crucibles and gilt-bronze Bodhisattva statue excavated from the Ssangbukri site in Buyeo, Korea. Yellowish green to red brown vitreous material in the crucibles was identified as lead glass which contained scarce amount of BaO, and low $Al_2O_3$ and CaO. Metallic molten material was identified as bronze of copper-tin-lead alloy with low amount of impurities that indicated well-refined materials. Also, cassiterite was used for raw metal ore of tin. The Bodhisattva statue consisted of major copper with trace impurities in the core metal, and gold amalgam in the gilded layer. Though lead isotopic analysis showed contradictory results in each lead glass, bronze and Bodhisattva statue that required further examination, it could be stated that the statue was made in the Ssangbukri site based on the high-level technical skills of bronze production.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.505-517
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• 1997

Lead and zinc mineralization of the Kwangsin mine was formed in quartz and carbonate veins that filled fault-related fractures in the limestone-rich Samtaesan Formation of the Chosun Supergroup and the phyllite-rich Suchangni Formation of unknown age. A K-Ar date of alteration sericite indicates that the Pb-Zn mineralization took place during Late Cretaceous (83.5 Ma), genetically in relation to the cooling of the nearby Muamsa Granite (83~87 Ma). Mineral paragenesis can be divided into three stages (I, II, III): (I) the deposition of barren massive white quartz, (II) the main Pb-Zn mineralization with deposition of white crystalline quartz and/or carbonates (rhodochrosite and dolomite), and (III) the deposition of post-ore barren calcite. Mineralogic and fluid inclusion data indicate that lead-zinc minerals in middle stage II (IIb) were deposited at temperatures between $182^{\circ}$ and $276^{\circ}C$ from fluids with salinities of 2.7 to 5.4 wt. % equiv. NaCl and with log $fs_2$ values of -15.5 to -11.8 atm. The relationship between homogenization temperature and salinity data indicates that lead-zinc deposition was a result of fluid boiling and later meteoric water mixing. Ore mineralization occurred at depths of about 600 to 700 m. Sulfur isotope compositions of sulfide minerals (${\delta}^{34}S_{CDT}=9.0{\sim}14.5$ ‰) indicate a relatively high ${\delta}^{34}S_{{\Sigma}S}$ value of ore fluids (up to 14 ‰), likely indicating an igneous source of sulfur largely mixed with an isotopically heavier sulfur source (possibly sulfates in surrounding sedimentary rocks). There is a remarkable decrease of calculated ${\delta}^{18}O$ value of water in hydrothermal fluids with increasing paragenetic time: stage I, 14.6~10.1 ‰; stage IIa, 5.8~2.2 ‰; stage IIb, 0.8~2.0 ‰; stage IIc, -6.1~-6.8 ‰, This indicates a progressive increase of meteoric water influx in the hydrothermal system at Kwangsin. Measured and calculated hydrogen and oxygen isotope values indicate that the Kwangsin hydrothermal fluids was formed from a circulating (due to intrusion of the Muamsa Granite) meteoric waters which evolved through interaction mainly with the Samtaesan Formation (${\delta}^{18}O=20.1$ to 24.9 ‰) under low water/rock ratios.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.123-135
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• 2018

This study tried to find the clue to Seokrok province by comparing Seokrok used in painting culture properties with Seokrok ore from domestic occurrence and imported Seokrok ore. To this end, chemical and mineralogical characteristics of painting cultural properties were identified with portable X-ray Florescence (p-XRF), micro X-ray diffraction (micro XRD) and SEM/EDS Analysis. To obtain Pb isotopic ratio, the Pb contained in Seokrok has been analyzed with Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer. Atacamite (or botallackite) and small quantity of brochantite were identified from Seokrok in Dancheong, and malachite was also identified from Buddhist painting besides those two ingredients. Without distinction of type, most Seokrok used in painting cultural properties is atacamite composed of Cu and Cl. From Pb isotope analysis, it was found that Seokrok in painting cultural properties was closer to that of north Korea, north China and Japan than south Korea as in regional division for East North Asia suggested by Mabuchi. The Pb isotopic ratio of domestic green mineral belongs to the distribution of Seokrok inside the painting cultural properties but imported malachite showed considerably difference. Considering the fact that atacamite, the main mineral of Seokrok in painting cultural properties is rarely produced from southern mine of the Korean Peninsula and the result of Pb isotope analysis.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.224-233
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• 2018

Thirty-three Early Iron Age bronzes at the sites of Hoam-dong in Chungju and Cheongsong-ri in Buyeo were investigated in order to study the manufacturing technique and the provenance of lead. Chemical analysis using X-ray fluorescence showed that 33 bronzes consist of copper(Cu), tin(Sn) and lead(Pb) served as major elements. Major and minor elemental analyses by EPMA were performed on two mirrors and 2 weapons of the bronzes investigated. The results shows that bronze mirrors from Chungju and Buyeo were high-tin bronzes(> 30 wt%). And 20% of tin and 5% of lead were founded in bronze weapons. Iron, zinc, arsenic, silver, nickel, sulfur and cobalt detected in four bronzes as minor and trace elements. The four bronzes were alloyed considering their function and were not heat treated after casting due to their high tin content. Lead isotope analysis using TIMS indicates that thirty-three bronzes were distributed southern Korea peninsula except Zone 1. As a result, lead raw materials came from various regions in Korean Peninsula not from Gyeongsang-do regions. The manufacturing techniques of bronze ware generalized at this age, and bronze was produced in various sites using raw materials from various sources.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.187-196
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• 2019

Bronzes excavated from a Gulsansa temple site in Gangneung were investigated in order to study the production of technology and provenance in this area. The bronze artifacts were discovered to consist of copper-tin or copper-tin-lead alloys using chemical analysis(EDS and EPMA). The excavated bronzes were manufactured using a casting or hammering process, and a bronze belt was gilded with gold foil. The provenance of 25 bronzes was studied using lead isotope analysis(TIMS and LA-MC-ICPMS). The results reveal the use of raw materials found near the excavated site. The object of this study was to investigate the manufacturing techniques and provenance in Gangneung without the need for a lot of data. Our results will contribute to the study of Gulsansa and bronze artifacts in Goryo(12-13th century).

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.429-434
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• 2012

The objective of this study was to identify Pb pollution sources of sediments in Lake Andong. We analysed Pb isotopes in sediments from Lake Andong, soils and mining tails from the watershed as well as sludges and wastewater from zinc smelting facilities which exists in upper stream of Lake Andong. The Pb isotope ratios ($^{207}Pb/^{206}Pb$ and $^{208}Pb/^{206}Pb$) for sediments are $0.827{\pm}0.004$ and $2.041{\pm}0.015$, which showed similar values with those of mining tails, $0.815{\pm}0.002$ and $2.016{\pm}0.006$, respectively. The isotopic ratio values of soils existed in the range of 0.756~0.881 and 1.872~2.187. In imported zinc ores, the isotopic ratio values existed in the range of 0.816~0.956 (mean 0.832) and 2.029~2.219 (mean 2.059). These values were similar to those in zinc and lead concentrate originated from Canada and South America. Additionally, isotopic ratio values for sludge and wastewater were $17.515{\pm}0.155$, $15.537{\pm}0.018$, and $37.357{\pm}0.173$, respectively. The Pb isotopic ratio of sediments showed binary combination patterns with soil and mining tails, which were similar to those for Korean Pb ore.

• Conservation Science in Museum
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• v.1
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• pp.61-74
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• 1999

Elemental analysis of 40 glass samples from the Northern Tomb and the Southern Tomb of Hwangnam-daech'ong No. 98 was performed. Fourteen compositions of each sample were analyzed quantitatively by SEM-EDS and glass samples were classified by multivariate analysis such as PCA. All of 40 samples were confirmed to be Na₂O-CaO-SiO₂ system with about 20% of Na₂O. Samples were classified into two groups by doing PCA on concentrations of 5 major elements(SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Na₂O, CaO and K₂O). Samples included in group I showed the concentration of Al₂O₃ is about 9.7% and that of CaO, about 2.2%. In group II, concentration of Al₂O₃ is about 3.2% and that of CaO, about 4.9%. Especially yellow grains embedded in sample No. 12 were shown to be PbSnO₃ by micro XRD, which was the first coloring material ever found in Korea. Lead isotope ratios of samples No. 12 and No. 17 which contained lead were measured by TIMS. The origin of lead was traced by means of multivariate analysis such as SLDA. The result showed that lead from southern China and southern Korea had been used for making glass.