• Environmental and Resource Economics Review
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.23-45
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• 2020

The rapid economic growth has brought tremendous pressure on the environment and caused severe air pollution in China. This study empirically examines causes of air pollution in China. Panel-corrected standard errors procedure (PCSE) was used to analyze major determinants of increasing or reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NO_X) in 30 Chinese provinces. The estimation results show that SO₂ emission is mitigated as per capita regional GDP increases, but the relation between emission of NO_X and per capita regional GDP is found to have an inverse N-shaped curve, which implies that emission of NO_X is ultimately expected to decline with economic growth. As for increasing factors of air pollutants, electricity consumption is a significant common source of SO₂ and NO_X emissions. Moreover, the results show that increment of coal consumption significantly affects emission of SO₂ while increase of natural gas consumption reduce emission of SO₂. On the other side, investment in energy industry, and investment on treatment of waste gases are determinants of mitigating emissions of SO₂, but have no impact on NO_X. Consumption of diesel, truck ratio and number of vehicles increase emission of NO_X. Meanwhile, higher precipitation rate is a common determinant of mitigating emissions of SO₂ and NO_X. Policy implications are suggested in the conclusion.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.55-71
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• 1989

This study was carried out to determine the ozone concentration to behaviour and the factors to be influenced the variation of its concentration in the ambient air in Seoul. Measurements of ozone concentrations were made at 10 monitoring station to take care of SIHE (Seoul Institute of Health & Environment) during December 1987 to November 1988, also measured the hourly average concentration of sulfur dioxide, total suspended particulate, nitrogen oxide $(NO & NO_2)$, carbon monoxide, hydro carbon $(n-CH_4 & THC)$ and meteorological factors, that is, temperature, humidity, wind velocity wind direction and ultraviolet intensity etc, for the same period at same place. The basis of the data obtained were analyzed statistically along with the various data. The results were as follows; 1. The annually arithmetic mean concentration of ozone for the 10 sites during one years was 10.0 ppb and ranged from 3.1 $\pm$ 4.5ppb at the Kuro industrial complex to 17.2 $\pm$ 18.7 ppb at the Ssangmun site. 2. The frequency of hours on which oxidant concentrations exceeded the present short term standard of ozone (100 ppb) were 78 times. 3. The diurnal patterns of hourly ozone concentrations in Seoul area was a typical bi-modal variation which have 4 to 5 a.m. peak and 3. to 4 p.m peak. 4. The time ozone of highest ozone concentration in a whole day and hight was 1 to 5 p.m and 90.9 percent of appearence rate. 5. The diurnal patterns of hourly ozone concentrations in Seoul were on the whole the order of daytime from 5.8ppb to 28.7 ppb evening from 1.7 to 18.7 ppb night time from 1.9 to 9.3 ppb daybreak from 1.4ppb according to measuring sites, and the highest that observed at the Ssangmun area while the lowest was the Kuro industrial complex monitor sites. 6. The weekly variation of ozone concentration was the higher level ozone concentration in the day of the week occured sunday-monday and weekend but the decrease were observed from wednesday to thursday.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.137-143
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• 2012

Currently, in order to meet the reinforced emissions regulations for harmful exhaust gas including carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) as a greenhouse gas, technologies for reducing $CO_2$ emission and fuel consumption are being developed. Gasoline direct injection (GDI) systems have the advantage of improved fuel economy and higher power output than port fuel injection gasoline engine systems. The aim of this study is to examine the performance and emission characteristics of a lean burn GDI engine equipped with spray-guided-type combustion system. Stable lean combustion was achieved with a late fuel injection strategy under a constant operating condition. Further improvement in specific fuel consumption is possible with the introduction of multiple fuel injection strategies, which also increases hydrocarbon (HC) and nitrogen oxide ($NO_x$) emissions and decreases carbon monoxide (CO) emission.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.571-580
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• 2012

Epidemiologic studies of air pollution need accurate exposure assessments at unmonitored locations. A land use regression (LUR) model has been used successfully for predicting traffic-related pollutants, although its application has been limited to Europe, North America, and a few Asian region. Therefore, we modeled traffic-related pollutants by LUR then examined whether LUR models could be constructed using a regulatory monitoring network in Metropolitan area in Korea. We used the annual-mean nitrogen dioxide ($NO_2$) in 2010 in the study area. Geographic variables that are considered to predict traffic-related pollutants were classified into four groups: road type, traffic intensity, land use, and elevation. Using geographical variables, we then constructed a model to predict the monitored levels of $NO_2$. The mean concentration of $NO_2$ was 30.71 ppb (standard deviation of 5.95) respectively. The final regression model for the $NO_2$ concentration included five independent variables. The LUR models resulted in $R^2$ of 0.59. The mean concentration of $NO_2$ of elementary schools was 34.04 ppb (standard deviation of 5.22) respectively. The present study showed that even if we used regulatory monitoring air quality data, we could estimate $NO_2$ moderately well. These analyses confirm the validity of land use regression modeling to assign exposures in epidemiological studies, and these models may be useful tools for assessing health effects of long-term exposure to traffic related pollution.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.235-241
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• 2013

$NO_2$ vertical column densities were retrieved via ground based Multi-Axis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) measurements for the first time for 6 months over the spring season in 2007 and 2008 in Seoul, one the megacities in the Northeast Asia. The retrieved $NO_2$ vertical column densities were compared with those obtained from space borneOzone Monitoring Instrument (OMI). Over the entire measurement period, the $NO_2$ vertical column densities measured by MAX-DOAS ranged from $1.0{\times}10^{15}molec{\cdot}cm^{-2}$ to $6.0{\times}10^{16}molec{\cdot}cm^{-2}$ while those obtained by OMI ranged $1.0{\times}10^{15}molec{\cdot}cm^{-2}$ to $7.0{\times}10^{16}molec{\cdot}cm^{-2}$. The correlation coefficient between $NO_2$ vertical column densities obtained from MAX-DOAS and OMI is 0.73 for the entire measurement period whereas the correlation coefficient of 0.85 is found for the dates under the clear sky condition. The cloudy condition is thought to play a major role in increase in uncertainty of the retrieved OMI $NO_2$ vertical column densities since air mass factor may induce high uncertainty due to the lack of cloud and aerosol vertical distribution information.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.38-47
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• 2016

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the exposure levels of forklift operators to diesel engine exhaust(DEE) using black carbon(BC), elemental carbon(EC), and nitrogen dioxide($NO_2$) as indicators. Methods: A total of eight forklift operators in six collection companies were assessed over a period of two months from July to September 2015. BC was measured using a real-time monitor and respirable EC samples were analyzed using the NIOSH method 5040. $NO_2$ samples were collected using a passive badge-type sampler. Results: The geometric mean of BC, EC and $NO_2$ were $3.1-19.1{\mu}g/m^3$, $2.1-23.8{\mu}g/m^3$, and 12.5-166.6 ppb at all companies. When forklifts were operating both outside and inside, BC concentrations increased 2.0-5.6 times. The highest increase was observed when forklifts were operating indoors. The increase in BC concentrations varied by company(company A: 2.0 times, B: 3.2 times, C: 5.6 times, D: 2.1 times, E: 5.1 times, F: 2.6 times). The geometric mean of BC, EC, and $NO_2$ for the forklift operators was $9.6{\mu}g/m^3$, $7.9{\mu}g/m^3$, and 48.9 ppb, respectively. The geometric mean of BC, EC, and $NO_2$ for manufacturing workers was $9.3{\mu}g/m^3$, $0.9{\mu}g/m^3$, and 85.2 ppb, respectively. The mean BC and EC exposure levels for the forklift operators were slightly higher than those for manufacturing workers, but $NO_2$ levels for manufacturing workers were higher than those for the forklift operators(p>0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that diesel exhaust emissions standard, forklift weight and forklift manufacturer were the most influential factors in determining worker exposure. Conclusions: In the DEE work environment, workers who perform tasks within the workplace as well as inside forklifts as operators are likely to be exposed to a lack of ventilation. Further study of forklift operators' exposure to DEE indicators should be conducted to include a wider range of occupational and environmental situations, such as collection procedures, seasonal situations, types of fuel used, and number of forklifts.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.153-164
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• 2023

The objective of this study is to examine the removal rate of air pollutants, specifically sulfur oxides (SO_x) and nitrogen oxides(NO_x), using concrete permeable blocks containing zeolite beads coated with materials capable of eliminating these pollutants. Titanium dioxide(TiO₂) powder and coconut shell powder were utilized for the removal of SO_x and NO_x and were applied as coatings on the zeolite beads. Concrete permeable block specimens embedded with the coated zeolite beads were produced using an actual factory production line. Test results demonstrated that the concrete permeable block containing zeolite beads coated with coconut shell powder in the surface layer achieved SO_x and NO_x removal rates of 12.5% and 99%, respectively, exhibiting superior performance compared to other blocks. Additionally, the flexural strength and slip resistance were 5.3MPa and 65BPN or higher, respectively, satisfying the requirements specified in KS F 4419 and KS F 4561. Conversely, the permeability coefficient exhibited low permeability, with grades 2 and 3 before and after contaminant pollution, according to the standard for 'design, construction, and maintenance of pavement using permeable block'. In conclusion, incorporating zeolite beads coated with coconut shell powder in the surface layer enables simultaneous removal of SO_x and NO_x, irrespective of ultraviolet rays, while maintaining adequate flexural strength and slip resistance. However, the permeability is significantly reduced, necessitating further improvements.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.530-535
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• 1996

Nitrochlorobenezenes are used as intermediates for dyes, pharmaceuticals and perfumes. By far the most common industrial nitration process employs a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid. Due to water formed in the reaction, the mixed acid nitration requires subsequent separation of spent acid, mainly dilute sulfuric acid. In the stream of ozone, nitrogen dioxide can be used as a nitrating agent for the nitration of chlorobenzene. With 6eq of $NO_2$ and 1.0eq/hr of ozone flow, the mononitration of chlorobenzene ended within 3hr at $0^{\circ}C$ while the dinitration of chlorobenzene did in 12hr. This method can be employed for the nitration of some aromatic compounds to reduce pollutants from the present mixed-acid process.

• Proceedings of the KOR-BRONCHOESO Conference
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• 1972.03a
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• pp.6-7
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• 1972

The air pollutants can be classified into the irritant gas and the asphixation gas, and the irritant gas is closely related to the otorhinolaryngological diseases. The common irritant gases are nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, hydrogen carbon compounds, and the potent and irritating PAN (peroxy acyl nitrate) which is secondarily liberated from photosynthesis. Those gases adhers to the mucous membrane to result in ulceration and secondary infection due to their potent oxidizing power. 1. Sulfur dioxide gas Sulfur dioxide gas has the typical characteristics of the air pollutants. Because of its high solubility it gets easily absorbed in the respiratory tract, when the symptoms and signs by irritation become manifested initially and later the resistance in the respiratory tract brings central about pulmonary edema and respiratory paralysis of origin. Chronic exposure to the gas leads to rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and olfactory or gustatory disturbances. 2. Carbon monoxide Toxicity of carbon monoxide is due to its deprivation of the oxygen carrying capacity of the hemoglobin. The degree of the carbon monoxide intoxication varies according to its concentration and the duration of inhalation. It starts with headache, vertigo, nausea, vomiting and tinnitus, which can progress to respiratory difficulty, muscular laxity, syncope, and coma leading to death. 3. Nitrogen dioxide Nitrogen dioxide causes respiratory disturbances by formation of methemoglobin. In acute poisoning, it can cause pulmonary congestion, pulmonary edema, bronchitis, and pneumonia due to its strong irritation on the eyes and the nose. In chronic poisoning, it causes chronic pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary edema. 4. Ozone It has offending irritating odor, and causes dryness of na sopharyngolaryngeal mucosa, headache and depressed pulmonary function which may eventually lead to pulmonary congestion or edema. 5. Smog The most outstanding incident of the smog occurred in London from December 5 through 8, 1952, because of which the mortality of the respiratory diseases increased fourfold. The smog was thought to be due to the smoke produced by incomplete combustion and its byproduct the sulfur oxides, and the dust was thought to play the secondary role. In new sense, hazardous is the photochemical smog which is produced by combination of light energy and the hydrocarbons and oxidant in the air. The Yonsei University Institute for Environmental :pollution Research launched a project to determine the relationship between the pollution and the medical, ophthalmological and rhinopharyngological disorders. The students (469) of the "S" Technical School in the most heavily polluted area in Pusan (Uham Dong district) were compared with those (345) of "K" High School in the less polluted area. The investigated group had those with subjective symptoms twice as much as the control group, 22.6% (106) in investigated group and 11.3% (39) in the control group. Among those symptomatic students of the investigated group. There were 29 with respiratory symptoms (29%), 22 with eye symptoms (21%), 50 with stuffy nose and rhinorrhea (47%), and 5 with sore thorat (5%), which revealed that more than half the students (52%) had subjective symptoms of the rhinopharyngological aspects. Physical examination revealed that the investigated group had more number of students with signs than those of the control group by 10%, 180 (38.4%) versus 99 (28.8%). Among the preceding 180 students of the investigated group, there were 8 with eye diseases (44%), 1 with respiratory disease (0.6%), 97 with rhinitis (54%), and 74 with pharyngotonsillitis (41%) which means that 95% of them had rharygoical diseases. The preceding data revealed that the otolaryngological diseases are conspicuously outnumbered in the heavily polluted area, and that there must be very close relationship between the air pollution and the otolaryngological diseases, and the anti-pollution measure is urgently needed.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.14-18
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• 2020

This study investigates the nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) sensing characteristics of an Si MOSFET gas sensor with a tungsten trioxide (WO₃) sensing layer deposited using the sputtering method. The Si MOSFET gas sensor consists of a horizontal floating gate (FG) interdigitated with a control gate (CG). The WO₃ sensing layer is deposited on the interdigitated CG-FG of a field effect transistor(FET)-type gas sensor platform. The sensing layer is deposited with different thicknesses of the film ranging from 100 nm to 1 ㎛ by changing the deposition times during the sputtering process. The sensing characteristics of the fabricated gas sensor are measured at different NO₂ concentrations and operating temperatures. The response of the gas sensor increases as the NO₂ concentration and operating temperature increase. However, the gas sensor has an optimal performance at 180℃ considering both response and recovery speed. The response of the gas sensor increases significantly from 24% to 138% as the thickness of the sensing layer increases from 100 nm to 1 ㎛. The sputtered WO₃ film consists of a dense part and a porous part. As reported in previous work, the area of the porous part of the film increases as the thickness of the film increases. This increased porous part promotes the reaction of the sensing layer with the NO₂ gas. Consequently, the response of the gas sensor increases as the thickness of the sputtered WO₃ film increases.