• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.233-239
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• 2017

Objectives: The pollution status of heavy metals within the soil was investigated with an aim to establishing a sustainable soil environment within parks and amusement facilities installed in urban areas of Gyeonggi-do Province. Methods: As sampling sites, 14 locations were selected from a city with a number of factories near a residential area, a residential area, and a children's park in a city with mixed green areas. Seven kinds of heavy metals, including Cd, Pb, and Hg, and the pH of soil were analyzed three times by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Results: In this study, the pH of the samples from the residential park and industrial park showed 5.7-6.5 and 5.9-7.0, respectively. The overall mean concentration (mg/kg) of heavy metals was Zn (132.8), Ni (73.0), Cu (47.4), Pb (35.9), As (4.84), Cd (0.39), and Hg (0.07), indicating that these concentrations of heavy metals were lower than those for the area 1 standard of soil pollution concern criteria. In addition, the sampling sites in the residential area and the industrial area also showed the same tendency for concentration distribution. Conclusions: We found that the soil pollution class (SPC) of some spots were over 200, which are third and fourth classes. In order to manage a sustainable soil environment in a city park, it is suggested that local governments, the management bodies for these parks, need to manage, supervise, and investigate soil pollution and quickly replace contaminated soil.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.25-32
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• 1998

To measure the contents of several heavy metal elements (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, Pb) in Korean seaweeds which are closely related to food resources, various seaweed samples were collected from thirteen to seventeen seaweed-producing districts. The results obtained from the experiment are summarized as follows: 1. The content of heavy metal elements in seaweeds of individual sample ranged from 0.0005 to 25.0373 ppm. Their mean levels were as follows: laver, 0.0024∼3.9297 ppm; sea lettuce, 0.0011∼25.0373 ppm; sea mustard, 0.0005∼23.5071 ppm; sea tangle, 0.0006∼4.8550 ppm. The mean levels of Cd and Pb were specially low in the samples collected from the area II in Kangwon and area Ⅸ in Kyungbook. 2. The mean levels of heavy metal elements of collected samples ranged from 0.0117 to 4.4944 ppm. Laver showed the lowest level of Hg and sea lettuce showed the highest level of Mn. Their mean levels of elements were as follows: laver, 0.0117∼2.3339 ppm; sea lettuce,0.0232∼4.4944 ppm; sea mustard, 0.0129∼1.5139 ppm and sea tangle, 0.0182∼1.7410 ppm. 3. The mean levels of heavy metal elements from several locations ranged from 0.0085 ppm to 8.4148 ppm. The mean levels of heavy metal elements in sea mustard from area V of Kyungbook were the lowest, but the mean levels of heavy metal elements in sea lettuce from area Ⅷ of Kyungnam were the highest. The mean level of heavy metal elements were as follows: laver, 0.3613∼1.1124 ppm; sea lettuce, 0.1415∼8.4148 ppm; sea mustard, 0.0729-3.1182 ppm; sea tangle, 0.0085∼0.7587 ppm. 4. Generally the heavy metal elements were detected in the seaweed samples from all locations. The mean levels of heavy metal elements varied with locations and kinds of samples. The levels of heavy metals of the samples taken from all locations from the East Sea, the South Sea, and the West Sea areas showed 99% safety range.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.30 no.11
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• pp.2691-2696
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• 2009

Effects of representative group II and transition metal ions on the stability of the $poly(dA){\cdot}[poly(dT)]_2$ triplex were investigated by the van’t Hoff plot constructed from a thermal melting curve. The transition, $poly(dA){\cdot}[poly(dT)]_2\;{\rightarrow}\;poly(dA){\cdot}poly(dT)\;+\;poly(dT)$, was non-spontaneous with a positive Gibb’s free energy, endothermic (${\Delta}H^{\circ}$ > 0), and had a favorable entropy change (${\Delta}S^{\circ}$ > 0), as seen from the negative slope and positive y-intercept in the van’t Hoff plot. Therefore, the transition is driven by entropy change. The $Mg^{2+}$ ion was the most effective at stabilization of the triplex, with the effect decreasing in the order of $Mg^{2+}\;>\;Ca^{2+}\;>\;Sr^{2+}\;>\;Ba^{2+}$. A similar stabilization effect was found for the duplex to single strand transition: $poly(dA){\cdot}poly(dT)\;+\;poly(dT)\;→\;poly(dA)\;+\;2poly(dT)$, with a larger positive free energy. The transition metal ions, namely $Ni_{2+},\;Cu_{2+},\;and\;Zn_{2+}$, did not exhibit any effect on triplex stabilization, while showing little effect on duplex stabilization. The different effects on triplex stabilization between group II metal ions and the transition metal ions may be attributed to their difference in binding to DNA; transition metals are known to coordinate with DNA components, including phosphate groups, while group II metal ions conceivably bind DNA via electrostatic interactions. The $Cd_{2+}$ ion was an exception, effectively stabilizing the triplex and melting temperature of the third strand dissociation was higher than that observed in the presence of $Mg_{2+}$, even though it is in the same group with $Zn_{2+}$. The detailed behavior of the $Cd_{2+}$ ion is currently under investigation.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.591-596
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• 2011

The applications of chemical fertilizers and various types of organic materials may cause heavy metal accumulation in soil. In this study, we conducted to investigate the relationship between the different chemical forms of heavy metals such as Cr, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, and Zn retained in soil and the metal concentrations in Korean raspberry plant. Forty five soil samples were collected from 2 to 6 years old Korean raspberry cultivation fields (RCFs), Gochang, Korea, to determine total, exchangeable (1.0 M $MgCl_2$-extractable), DTPA-extractable metal contents. The leaves and fruits of raspberry plant were sampled at harvest stage. Total metal contents in soils ranged from $0.87mg\;kg^{-1}$ to $66.82mg\;kg^{-1}$. Exchangeable and DTPA-extractable metals ranged between 0.02 and $0.67mg\;kg^{-1}$ and between $0.05mg\;kg^{-1}$ and $7.07mg\;kg^{-1}$, respectively. The metal concentrations in the plant leaf and fruit determined on a dry-basis were between $1.30mg\;kg^{-1}$ and $38.82mg\;kg^{-1}$ and between $0.05mg\;kg^{-1}$ and $21.51mg\;kg^{-1}$, respectively, but Cd and Pb were not detected in the leaf. The total, exchangeable, and DTPA-extractable contents of the metal ions in soil were directly correlated one another, but the contents of different metals in the different fractions were inversely correlated in general. Most of total and DTPA-extractable metals in the soil were directly correlated with the contents of the same metals in the plant, whereas exchangeable metals in the soil were not statistically correlated with the same metals in plants. Thus, we concluded that the metal contents in the raspberry field soils were much lower thanthe levels of Soil Contamination Warning Standard (SCWS), and the plant metal concentrations were also less than the maximum permissible limits. The total and DTPA-extractable metals in the soil were closely related to the metal concentrations in the plant.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.108-117
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• 2023

Background: When particles are absorbed into the human body, they penetrate deep into the lungs and interact with the tissues of the body. Heavy metals in PM_2.5 can cause various diseases. The main source of PM_2.5 emissions in South Korea's atmosphere has been surveyed to be places of business. Objectives: The concentration of heavy metals in PM_2.5 near the Ulsan Industrial Complex was measured and a health risk assessment was performed for residents near the industrial complex for exposure to heavy metals in PM_2.5. Methods: Concentrations of heavy metals in PM_2.5 were measured at four measurement sites (Ulsan, Mipo, Onsan, Maegok) near the industrial complexes. Heavy metals were analyzed according to the Air Pollution Monitoring Network Installation and Operation Guidelines presented by the National Institute of Environmental Research. Among them, only five substances (Mn, Ni, As, Cd, Cr⁶⁺) were targeted. The risk assessment was conducted on inhalation exposure for five age groups, and the excess cancer risk and hazard quotient were calculated. Results: In the risk assessment of exposure to heavy metals in PM_2.5, As, Cd, and Cr⁶⁺ exceeded the risk tolerance standard of 10^-6 for carcinogenic hazards. The highest hazard levels were observed in Onsan and Mipo industrial complexes. In the case of non-carcinogenic hazards, Mn was identified as exceeding the hazard tolerance of 1, and it showed the highest hazard in the Ulsan Industrial Complex. Conclusions: This study presented a detailed health risk from exposure to heavy metals in PM_2.5 by industrial complexes located in Ulsan among five age groups. It is expected to be utilized as the basis for preparing damage control and industrial emission reduction measures against PM_2.5 exposure at the Ulsan Industrial Complex.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.25 no.12
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• pp.626-636
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• 2022

Shellfish are exoskeleton-bearing aquatic invertebrates that consume various organic and inorganic substances floating in seawater through filter feeding. Heavy metals are known as absorbed and accumulated in seawater. Some of the toxic heavy metals are highly accumulated in seawater, and exposure to them can cause a variety of risks to the human body. Since Koreans like to eat seafood, they are more likely to be exposed to contaminated seafood with heavy metals. In this study, nine types of heavy metals were analyzed on ten different shellfish species in the coastal area of South Korea. The risk assessment was also done on shellfish in which heavy metals were detected. Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) were identified at an average of 56.7 mg/kg (6.70 to 466 mg/kg) and 13.2 mg/kg (0.064 to 143 mg/kg), respectively. Lead (Pb) average of 0.208 mg/kg (0.000750 to 1.02 mg/kg), cadmium (Cd) average of 0.454 mg/kg (0.0388 to 1.56 mg/kg) and mercury (Hg) average of 0.0266 mg/kg (0.00548 to 0.174 mg/kg) were identified. Additionally, arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and silver (Ag) were also identified as average concentrations of 4.02 (0.460 to 15.0 mg/kg), 0.167 (< limit of quantification [LOQ] to 0.820 mg/kg), 0.281 (< LOQ to 1.46 mg/kg), and 0.158 mg/kg (< LOQ to 1.15 mg/kg). The result indicates that the monitoring results of heavy metals in most shellfish satisfied the Korean standard. However, Pb and Cd have exceeded some foreign standards, such as the United States and the EU. The permissible human exposure calculated using the heavy metal intake and detection amount was lower than the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives human safety standard, and the risk of heavy metals from shellfish consumption was at an acceptable level.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.9
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• pp.1218-1225
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• 2009

Difractose anhydrides (DFAs) is studied as a sweetener for diabetics because of its structural property. DFAs have four types: DFA I, III, IV (degradation of levan) and V (degradation of inulin). Especially, DFA IV has been shown to enhance the absorption of calcium in experiments using rats. Levan fructotransferase is an enzyme for producing di-d-fructose-2,6':6,2-dianhydride (DFA IV). To identify structural characterization, we purified wild-type and mutants (D63A, D195N and N85S) of levan fructotransferase (LFTase) from Microbacterium sp. AL-210. These proteins were purified to apparent homogeneity by Ni-NTA affinity column, Q-sepharose ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography and detected by SDS-PAGE. They were also analyzed by circular dichroism (CD) measurements, JNET secondary structure prediction, activity measurements at various temperatures, and pH analysis. The optimum pH for the enzyme-catalyzed reaction was pH 7.5 and optimum temperature was observed at $55^{\circ}C$. Along with wild-type LFTase, mutants were analyzed by CD measurement, fluorescence analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). N85S showed less $\alpha$-helix and more $\beta$ strand than others. Also, N85S showed almost the same curve as wild-type in their steady-state fluorescence spectra, whereas mutant D63A and D195N showed higher intensity than wild-type. The amino acid sequence of wild-type LFTase was compared to the sequences of exo-inulinase from Aspergillus awamori, a plant fructan 1-exohydrolase from Cichorium intybus, and Thermotogo maritime (Tm) invertase and showed a high identity with Exo-inulinase from Aspergillus awamori.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.553-566
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• 1997

Origin, behavior and enrichment of environmental toxic elements from the Deokpyeong area were investigated on the basis of major, trace and rare earth element geochemistry. Coaly metapelites of the Deokpyeong area are subdivided into grey phyllite, dark grey phyllite, coaly slate and black slate, which are interbedded along the Ogcheon Supergroup. The coaly slate had been mined for coal, but mining is closed. The coaly and black slates are lower contents of $SiO_2$ and $Al_2O_3$, and higher contents of LOI, CaO, $Na_2O$ and BaO as compared with the phyllitic rocks. Rare earth elements are highly enriched in the coaly and black slate. Average compositions (ppm) of minor and/or environmental toxic elements in the coaly and black slate are revealed as As=127, Ba=30,163, Cd=18, Cr=740, Cu=84, Mo=378, Pb=43, Sb=12, Se=44, U=144, V=8,147 and Zn=292, which are extremely high concentrations than those in the NASC compositions. Major elements (average enrichment index; 5.34) in the coaly metapelites are mostly depleted, excepting $P_2O_5$ and BaO, normalized by NASC. Rare earth elements (average enrichment index; 1.48) are enriched in the coaly slate. On the basis of NASC, minor and/or environmental toxic elements in the coaly metapelites were strongly enriched of all the elements with the exception of Co, Cs, Ni and Sr. Average enrichment index of trace elements in coaly metapelite is 31.51 (coaly slate; 51.94 and black slate; 15.46). Especially, enrichment index of potentially toxic elements (As, Ba, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Sb, Se, U, V and Zn) of the rock is 46.10 (grey phyllite; 7.15, dark grey phyllite; 4.77, coaly slate; 88.96 and black slate; 22.11). These coal formations were deposited in basin of boundary between terrestrial and marine environments deduced to carbon, sulfur (C/S=2.2 to 275.7), trace and rare earth elements characteristics. Irregular behavior and dispersion between major, minor and rare earth elements of those metapelites indicates a variable source materials, incomplete mixing of differential source and/or reequilibrium of diagenesis and metamorphism.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.567-586
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• 1997

Concentrations of several heavy metals in soils derived from black shale and slate have been reported to be higher than the average concentrations in non-polluted soils. This study describes and characterizes soil minerals, and investigates the distribution of heavy metals in soils, and then examines their relationship. Soils in the study area are mainly consist of guartz and feldspars with minor amount of kaolin, illite, vermiculite, chlorite and illite-vermiculite interstratified minerals. Mineral compositions are similar in mountain-, farmland-, and paddy-soils. The residual soils derived from sandy phyllites contain less illites than those from black shale and black slate. Heavy metals appear to be more concentrated in soils than in rocks. The concentrate ratios in soils to rocks ranges 1.1 times for Cr, 2 for Cu, 1.4 for Ni. The contour maps of Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu contents using 0.43N $HNO_3$-extraction imply that these elements are highly concentrated in the soils near the past uranium exploration region, coal seams, black slate beds and tailings than other parts of the study area. The proportions of the day in most soils are less than 10%. In spite of small proportions of the clay, the concentrations of heavy metals from clay fractions to the total concentrations are high: 1~2.4 times for Co, 1.4~2.5 for Cu, 1.2~2.6 for Ni, 1~5 for Pb, 1~2.7 for Zn and 1.6~1.8 for Cr and V. The contents of organic carbons in clay fractions are also 1.5~3.9 times higher than in silt and sand fractions. Cu, Pb and organic carbons show positive relationship in all size fractions. In the size-fractionated soil profile samples, the contents of heavy metals and organic carbons show analogous trends with depth. For the clay fractions of soil profile samples, the contents of heavy metals with depth have analogous trends to abundances of vermiculites, which have the high CEC in main clay minerals.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.223-238
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• 2015

The $PM_{2.1}$ was collected by LVCI (low volume cascade impactor) during Group-A Period (September 1990 to December 2012) and the $PM_{2.5}$ was collected by HVAS (high volume air sampler) during Group-B Period (September 2009 to April 2012) at Kyung Hee University, Global Campus located on the boarder of Yongin and Suwon. The 8 water-soluble ions ($Na^+$, $NH_4{^+}$, $K^+$, $Mg^{2+}$, $Ca^{2+}$, $Cl^-$, $ NO_3{^-}$, and $SO_4{^{2-}}$) were analyzed by IC, and the 14 inorganic elements (Al, Mn, Si, Fe, Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, V, Cd, Ba, Zn, Ti, Ag) were analyzed by XRF and ICP-AES after performing proper pre-treatments of each sample filter. The average total mass fractions of $SO_4{^{2-}}$, $NO_3{^-}$, and $NH_4{^+}$+ to $PM_{2.5}$ samples during Group-B Period were 0.39 in normal days, 0.44 in haze days, and 0.27 in Asian dust days, respectively; however, the average total mass fractions of Al, Fe, and Si to $PM_{2.5}$ mass were 0.043 in normal days, 0.021 in haze days, and 0.036 in Asian dust days, respectively. Especially the concentration of Pb was significantly decreased during Group-B Period rather than during Group-A Period, while Cr and Ni was increased during Group-B Period. In this study, we intensively compared the annual and seasonal patterns of major chemical species among normal days, haze days, and Asian dust days. Further we developed mass fraction profiles by collecting episode cases of haze days and Asian dust days, which were consisting of 22 chemical species. Those profiles are considered to be useful when applying various receptor models and establishing air quality management plans near future.