• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.344-353
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• 2021

Juvenile olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus (mean weight 66.7±7.1 g; mean length 19.2±0.9 cm) in a bio-floc environment were exposed to microplastic (PE: polyethylene, size 40-48 ㎛) at 0, 4, 20, 100, 500 and 2,500 mg L^-1 for 96 hours. No P. olivaceus deaths were observed following microplastic exposure. In the plasma components, calcium was significantly decreased whereas there was no significant change with magnesium following microplastic exposure. Glucose was significantly decreased with over 100mg L^-1 at 48 hours and 20mg L^-1 at 96 hours. Cholesterol was significantly decreased with over 20mg L^-1 after 48 hours, whereas there was no significant change in the total protein content. In enzymatic plasma components, the AST(Aspartate aminotransferase) was significant decreased by microplastic exposure. The results of this study indicate that acute exposure to microplastic induces blood physiological changes in P. olivaceus.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.265-275
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• 2021

Findings of microplastics and nanoplastics from diverse natural environments have increased demand for research of the fate and transport of the potentially toxic plastic particles in soils and groundwater. Weathering of microplastics would generate a significant amount of nanoplastics, but nanoplastics research is scarce because of technical difficulties in detecting nanoplastics in environments and analyzing nanoplastics adsorption to mineral surfaces. In the current study, we tested a possibility using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) for application to nanoplastics adsorption analysis on mineral surfaces. In silica (SiO₂)-packed column experiments, a measurable adsorption capacity for polystyrene nanoparticles often requires injection of unrealistically high ionic strengths or concentrated nanoplastic particles. The current test shows that QCM can measure polystyrene nanoplastics adsorbed onto SiO₂ surface under the low ionic strengths and nanoplastics concentrations, where typical column experiments cannot. QCM is a promising tool for understanding the interaction between nanoplastics and mineral surfaces and thus transport of nanoplastics in soils and groundwater.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.22-29
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• 2023

Background: The existing research results on the combined toxicity of these pollutants using mammals, such as rodents, are insufficient, especially in relation to changes in the immune system. Objectives: This study aims at evaluating the cellular immune response to PE-MPs solely or when combined with Pb, which possess excellent adsorption capacity with PE-MPs and is commonly co-exposed in our daily lives. Methods: The study investigated the cellular immune function of 9-week ICR mice with 28 days exposure to PE-MPs (2 mg/mouse/day) and Pb (0.1 mM in distilled water) individually and in combination. PE-MPs were administered via gastric intubation while the lead intake was conducted via the oral drinking water route. Cellular immunity was evaluated by analyzing the production for T_H1 cytokines namely, TNF-α and IFN-𝛾 and T_H2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-6 in culture supernatants from polyclonally activated splenic mononuclear cells ex vivo. Results: Both the PE-MPs only and the PE-MPs+Pb exposure group revealed an increased T_H1 response with elevated TNF-α and IFN-𝛾 levels and downregulated T_H2 response with low IL-4, and IL-6 production levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, an increased IFN-𝛾/IL-4 ratio was found in the PE-MPs only and PE-MPs+Pb exposure groups, which indicated the skewedness to T_H1 response. Meanwhile, reduced blood hemoglobin levels and increased levels of IL-4, the dominant T_H2 cytokine in the Pb-only exposure group, were observed. Conclusions: Our current findings on the predominance of T_H1 immune response in the PE-MPs and PE-MPs+Pb groups suggest that PE-MPs could be responsible for the predominant induction of the cellular immune changes. This finding could be used as an important landmark in research related to T_H1 predominance, such as autoimmune diseases. It suggests that additional research on immune modulation using longer exposure durations or the same exposure route is required to elucidate stronger findings.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.174-188
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• 2024

This review summarized research trends regarding sample collection methods, pretreatment method, and types of analysis devices for microplastics (MPs) in soil and groundwater matrices. Soil sampling considers the selection of sampling location, depth, and volume. The typically sampling depth is within 15 cm (topsoil), and about 1 kg of mixed each sample. Among spot sampling and continuous flow sampling, groundwater sampling mainly used a continuous flow sampling, with collection rates 2 to 6 L/min in the range of 300~1,000 L, and followed by immediate on-situ filtration. Pretreatment method, applied to soil and groundwater, consist of organic digestion and density separation. In the organic digestion method, H₂O₂ is recommended among H₂O₂, acidic, alkaline, and enzymatic method. NaCl is primarily used as a reagent in density separation. However, depending on the density of MPs, other regents can be selectively used like ZnCl₂, ZnBr₂, and etc. Representative analysis device includes Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy for non-destructive analysis and Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) for destructive analysis. µ-FTIR and Raman can count MPs of larger than 10 and 1 ㎛, and analyze MPs materials. However, it is need to sufficiently remove interference, like organic matter, in spectroscopic analysis using essential pretreatment method. Py-GC/MS is being continuously researched because it doesn't require complex pretreatment method and allows quantitative analysis of specific materials.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.54-60
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• 2024

The present study was aimed to evaluate the removal of the trace pollutants (heavy metals and microplastics) in the sewage treatment plant by using the jellyfish Extract at Immunity reaction (JEI) of Aurelia coerulea. The experiment was conducted on two different scales: the lab scale using a Jar-tester and the Pilot system scale equipped with two newly developed devices in the laboratory, the active tube connection mixed system and the concentration integrated separation device. Compared to anionic polymers currently used in the field, JEI showed similar or higher efficiency to remove the trace pollutants. When JEI was added to the effluent through the Pilot system, the combination of JEI and the trace pollutants was maximized through two mixing processes, and as a result, the removal rate of the trace pollutants was greatly improved. Based on these results, we propose the present technology as an alternative to removing trace pollutants that can reduce ecosystem risk and minimize the generation of inorganic waste, away from the existing method.

• Clean Technology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2024

Nanoplastics (NP) exhibit distinct material properties compared to microplastics (MP), necessitating their separate recognition. Review of research outcomes and policy documents on NP reveals that most policy frameworks predominantly define MPs as solid synthetic polymer materials measuring 5 mm or less, but do not distinguish them from NP. However, recent revisions in regulations by the EU classify NPs as particles that range in size from 1 to 1,000 nm, as confirmed by some academic studies. Research on NPs often relies on experimental investigations centered around water systems, with a focus on high-concentration experimental conditions using spherical polystyrene-based NPs in behavior and impact studies. Notably, the environmental behavior characteristics of NP show differences in influence depending on the NP type, emphasizing the need for field simulation research. These challenges are mirrored in Korean society, so it is necessary to redefine NP to be distinct from MP in both research and policy. This study aimed to assess the current state of NP management globally and domestically and highlight policy considerations and issues in the existing response to NP. Upon comprehensive review, it becomes apparent that reaching an international agreement on MP faces methodological limitations, which could potentially burden efforts to precisely define NP size. Therefore, referencing the EU's recent regulatory revisions is crucial in domestic policy. Specific adjustments should commence from the MP concept through insights from the domestic industry, guidance from the academic community, and thorough discussions to ensure social acceptance.

• Culinary science and hospitality research
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.119-127
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• 2018

The purpose of this study is to investigate the contamination level of micro plastics in Korean mackerel and to investigate the detection method of micro plastics in fish. This study analyzed the detection and composition of micro plastics using natural mackerel and wild mackerel. 30% hydrogen peroxide and surfactant were added to GF/C filter paper in order to detect micro plastics in the sea. If micro plastics are exposed to the ocean for a long time, accumulation of heavy metals in the water will make pollutant bioaccumulation more serious. Microscopic consequences The risk to human health of plastics has already been studied by many researchers and the risks to human health already caused by marine microorganisms and zooplankton are becoming clear. The conclusion of this study is that there is a difference between the length and height of the mackerel when it is cooked from the standpoint of food in terms of practical implications. The conclusion of this study is that the probability of micro-plastic-contaminated mackerel to reach and be consumed by end-consumers is low in academic implications. Residual contaminants adsorbed on micro plastics are absorbed by digestive organs and cause disruption, and further research on micro plastics is needed in the future.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.87-101
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• 2023

The constituents of a watershed control a wide range of ecosystem processes, such as, carbon sequestration, nutrient retention, and biodiversity preservation. Maintenance of a healthy watershed is advantageous to humans in many direct and indirect ways. Dissolved organic matter fluorescence analysis is one of the most commonly utilized parameters for water quality measurement, pollution source tracking, and determination of the ecological state of a watershed. Throughout the recent decades, the advancement in data processing, instrumentation, and methods has resulted in many improvements in the area of watershed study with fluorescence analysis. The current trend of coupling advanced instrumentations and new comparative parameters, such as, microplastics of different types, antibiotics, and specific bacterial contaminants have been reported in watershed studies. However, conventional methodologies for obtaining fluorescence excitation emission matrices and for calculating the fluorescence and spectral indices are preferred to advanced methods, due to their easiness and simple data collection. This review aims to gain a general understanding of the use of dissolved organic matter fluorescence analysis for diagnosis and source identification of watershed pollutions, by focusing on how the studies have utilized fluorescence analysis to improve existing knowledge and techniques in recent years.

• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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• 2022.05a
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• pp.474-474
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• 2022

미세플라스틱이 물 환경으로 배출되는 주요 경로로는 하수처리장 방류수와 강우유출수가 있다. 하수처리장 및 유역에서 배출된 미세플라스틱은 하천과 하구역을 거쳐 해양과 같은 대규모 수역으로 이동하는데, 이 과정에서 해양뿐만 아니라 담수호, 저수지 등과 같은 공공수역에도 미세플라스틱이 지속적으로 축적되고 있다. 특히 강우유출수에 포함된 미세플라스틱은 적절한 처리 과정 없이 하천으로 유입되는 경우가 많아 공공수역 내 미세플라스틱 저감 기술의 필요성이 증가하고 있다. 그러나 미세플라스틱 관련 기존 연구는 미세플라스틱의 분포 등 현황에 대한 모니터링 및 환경위해성과 관련한 것이 대부분이며, 미세플라스틱 저감기술 관련 연구 또한 일부 정수처리 및 하수처리 공정을 대상으로 하는 초기 단계의 연구가 진행되고 있을 뿐 공공수역에서의 미세플라스틱 저감기술 개발 관련 연구는 전무한 실정이다. 따라서, 본 연구에서는 기존의 물리·화학적 수처리 공정인 용존공기부상법(Dissolved Air Flotation, DAF)에 물의 전기분해 시발생하는 브라운가스를 활용하여 응집된 물질을 빠르게 부상시켜 수체 내 오염물질을 제거할 수 있는 기술을 통해 수체 내 미세플라스틱 저감효과를 분석하였다. 또한, 해당 기술을 공공수역인 저수지에 적용하여 오염물질과 함께 미세플라스틱을 제거할 수 있는지 검토하였다.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.32 no.9
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• pp.627-634
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• 2023

Tire wear particles(TWPs), regarded as a microplastic, is generated in significant quantities each year and exist in various spaces and have a negative impact on the surrounding environment. Particularly, roadside environments fall within the direct influence of TWPs, necessitating proactive investigation for contamination management and response. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the soil acidity and electrical conductivity(EC) and TWPs in the roadside soil of six sites based on traffic volume. The analysis revealed that the soil in all sites exhibited subacidity, and there were no significant differences in EC. Microscopic and FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of microscopic particles in soil samples that exhibited common visual characteristics of TWPs. In the road with the highest traffic volume, 48,300 TWPs were detected per unit area. Furthermore, a proportional relationship between traffic volume and TWPs particles was established. However, influences other than traffic volume on TWPs particle count within the soil were observed. Therefore, for the management of TWPs contaminated roadside soil, a proactive response is necessary in areas with high traffic volumes. However, in order to effectively address the factors contributing to the generation and dispersion of TWPs, further research is required with a multidimensional approach.