• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.192-203
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• 2020

Objectives: The concentration distributions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenlys (dl-PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fine particles were investigated to provide basic data on POP behavior and composition analysis. Methods: The concentrations of PCDD/Fs, dl-PCBs, and PAHs by particle size were evaluated for TSP, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5. Also, fine dust component analysis and factor analysis were performed to identify the source of PCDD/Fs. Results: The particle size distribution was found to account for 24.3% of >10 ㎛, 14.5% of 2.5-10 ㎛, and 61.2% of <2.5 ㎛. The average contributions of coarse particles (>2.5 ㎛) and fine particles (<2.5 ㎛) were PCDD/Fs 67%, dl-PCBs 66%, benzo (a) pyrene 83% and PAHs 84%, and the contributions of fine particles (<2.5 ㎛) were higher than coarse particles (>2.5 ㎛). However, the contributions of coarse particles increased in April to September with higher temperatures, while those of fine particles increased in February to March with lower temperatures. Conclusions: Low chlorinated (4Cl-5Cl) PCDD/Fs were more adsorbed compared to coarse particles due to the influence of pollutant migration from particulate to gas phase according to temperature rise, whereas high chlorinated (6Cl-8Cl) PCDD/Fs were more adsorbed compared to fine particles. PCDD/Fs sources were assessed to be major sources of emissions, such as incineration facilities and/or open burning.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.24 no.8
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• pp.711-720
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• 2003

To study characteristics of the heavy metal pollution, sediment samples were collected at 67 sites on the roadside of Jeonju city during summer and winter, 2002. The total concentration of metals including Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Mn in the sediment samples were determined. The results indicate that the roadside sediments in Jeonju city have lower (1/2 to 1/7 times) concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd than the metal concentrations previously reported for roadside soil, dust and sewage sludges in Seoul. However, the metal concentrations are higher than environmental quality criteria in soil suggested from several countries, and Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd contents are usually 2-7 times higher than the world average contents of the metals in natural soil. Although pollution index and concentrations of Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn in the roadside sediments at industrial area were usually higher than those of downtown and residential area, the metal having small vehicle- and steel-related industries had high concentrations of metals. The results of chemical partitioning analysis showed that Pb, Zn and Mn are mainly associated with carbonate/adsorbed and Fe-Mn oxide phases but that Cu is largely associated with the organic and sulfide fractions. It thus indicates that both large and small (vehicle- and steel-related) industries are main sources of heavy metal contamination. Due to high solubility of the carbonate phases by natural leaching episodes, the carbonate/adsorbed Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, Zn and Mn in the roadside sediments may serve as a potential source of contamination.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.116-122
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• 2006

This study was carried out to compare physical properties of the horticultural substrates measured by the European standard methods (CEN methods) and the Rural Development Administration of Korea methods (RDA methods). Sixty horticultural substrates including 40 marketed substrates and 10 organic and inorganic raw materials such as peat moss, coir dust, rice hull, perlite and zeolite were sampled. The samples were then analyzed for 6 physical properties by both CEN methods and RDA methods. The results of both methods were analyzed by linear regression. Bulk density ($R^2=0.8304$), particle density ($R^2=0.8136$) and porosity ($R^2=0.6374$) values measured by the two methods were highly significant. Whereas those for easily available water (EAW, $R^2=0.3327$), water volume ($R^2=0.2692$) and air volume ($R^2=0.0739$) were not significant. Further research is needed to facilitate the conversion between the two methods.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.177-190
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• 2013

Air pollution trends in Japan between 1970 and 2012 were analyzed, and the impact of air pollution countermeasures was evaluated. Concentrations of CO decreased from 1970 to 2012, and in 2012, the Japanese environmental quality standard (EQS) for CO was satisfied. Concentrations of $SO_2$ dropped markedly in the 1970s, owing to use of desulfurization technologies and low-sulfur heavy oil. Major reductions in the sulfur content of diesel fuel in the 1990s resulted in further decreases of $SO_2$ levels. In 2012, the EQS for $SO_2$ was satisfied at most air quality monitoring stations. Concentrations of $NO_2$ decreased from 1970 to 1985, but increased from 1985 to 1995. After 1995, $NO_2$ concentrations decreased, especially after 2006. In 2012, the EQS for $NO_2$ was satisfied at most air quality monitoring stations, except those alongside roads. The annual mean for the daily maximum concentrations of photochemical oxidants (OX) increased from 1980 to 2010, but after 2006, the $98^{th}$ percentile values of the OX concentrations decreased. In 2012, the EQS for OX was not satisfied at most air quality monitoring stations. Non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC) concentrations generally decreased from 1976 to 2012. In 2011, NMHC concentrations near roads and in the general environment were nearly the same. The concentration of suspended particulate matter (SPM) generally decreased. In 2011, the EQS for SPM was satisfied at 69.2% of ambient air monitoring stations, and 72.9% of roadside air-monitoring stations. Impacts from mineral dust from continental Asia were especially pronounced in the western part of Japan in spring, and year-round variation was large. The concentration of $PM_{2.5}$ generally decreased, but the EQS for $PM_{2.5}$ is still not satisfied. The air pollution trends were closely synchronized with promulgation of regulations designed to limit pollutant emissions. Trans-boundary OX and $PM_{2.5}$ has become a big issue which contains global warming chemical species such as ozone and black carbon (so called SLCP: Short Lived Climate Pollutants). Cobeneficial reduction approach for these pollutants will be important to improve both in regional and global atmospheric environmental conditions.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.64-74
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• 2016

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether chemical exposure among workers has relevance to dyspnea using data from the $3^{rd}$ Korea Working Conditions Survey. Methods: The research subjects were 29,711 wage workers. Chemical exposures consist of four factors, (1) breathing in vapors, fumes, dust and dirt, (2) breathing in organic solvent vapors, (3) handling or touching chemicals, and (4) secondhand smoke. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between chemical exposure and dyspnea in the last 12months using proc surveylogistic in SAS 9.3 statistical software excluding people who had received a diagnosis of hypertension or obesity that can affect the respiratory distress symptoms(n=27,842). Results: Chemical exposure among workers was associated with dyspnea after adjustment for demographics and job characteristics. Prevalence of dyspnea was 4.9 per 1,000 among men and 5.8 per 1,000. Compared to a total score of 0 points of chemical exposure among workers, a total score of 1, 2-3, and 4 points tended to have increased risk of dyspnea in a dose-response manner for both men (OR=1.43, 1.93, and 4.26; P-for trend=0.002) and women(OR=1.10, 2.81, and 7.70; P-for trend=0.002). Stratified analysis by duration of current job showed that the association between chemical exposure and dyspnea tended to get stronger until 15 years and then disappeared afterwards, which reflects healthy worker survivor effect. Conclusions: We observed significant association between chemical exposure and dyspnea using the data of the $3^{rd}$ Korea Working Conditions Survey. Our results warrants providing knowledge related to chemical exposure, performing prevention activities, and creating various health policies to protect workers.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.47-57
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• 2015

The size fractionated atmospheric aerosols have been collected at Gosan site of Jeju Island during 2010~2011, and then their characteristics of acidification and neutralization have been investigated. The anthropogenic $NH_4{^+}$ and nss-$SO_4{^{2-}}$ showed high concentrations mostly at ultra-fine particle mode of $0.7{\sim}1.1{\mu}m$, but they also had a bimodal distribution showing high concentrations at coarse particle mode of $4.7{\sim}5.8{\mu}m$ during Asian Dust periods. The concentrations of nss-$Ca^{2+}$ and $NO_3{^-}$ were relatively high at coarse particle mode of $3.3{\sim}4.7{\mu}m$, especially $NO_3{^-}$ showed high concentrations with a bimodal pattern at both fine and coarse particle modes. The acidification of atmospheric aerosols at Gosan area was contributed mostly by inorganic sulfuric and nitric acids, while the contribution by organic formic and acetic acids was only 1.6~6.4%. Furthermore, the neutralization of acidic species among atmospheric aerosols was performed mostly by $NH_3$, $CaCO_3$ and $MgCO_3$, especially the neutralization by $NH_3$ was high in fine particle mode, while that by $CaCO_3$ was relatively high in coarse particle mode.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.27-44
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• 1976

This study was carried out to evaluate the harmful factors in working environments and to investigate the labor productivity after improvement of environments, surveying 93 industrial establishments of 10 industries located in Youngdeungpo industrial area in Seoul. The results obtained were as follows: 1) The highest noise level of 125dB(A) was indicated at the rolling process of transport equipment manufacturing industry. 2) The best illumination level was shown in precise machinery industry and the worst was indicated in rubber products, metallic products and transport equipment manufacturing industries. 3) Thermal conditions were above threshold limit value (TLV) at more than two processes of all industries except printing industry. 4) The highest dust concentration was determined in textile and wearing manufacturing industry. 5) Organic solvents were detected at 52 processes in 93 industrial establishments and 33 processes of them showed higher than TLV. The results about harmful chemicals were as follows: a) sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$)was determined higher than TLV on welding process of metallic product manufacturing industry and heat treatment process of transport equipment manufacturing industry. b) Carbon monoxide (CO) concentration was 700ppm at heat treatment process of transport equipment manufacturing industry, indicating 14 times of TLV. c) vinylchloride concentration in the air of PVC raw material mixing process and PVC preparation process of chemical product manufacturing industry was determined higher than TLV. d) Hydrochloride (HCl) concentration in the air of wire expanding process of transport equipment manufacturing industry was determined higher than TLV. 7) Higher values of lead concentration than TLV were determined at lead welding metallic product manufacturing industry and type planting process of process of printing industry, $1.8mg/m^3$ and $0.3mg/m^3$ respectively. 9) 22, 968 of 52, 855 workers (i.e. 43.5%) in 93 industries were exposed to various harmful agents. 10) It was found that the improvement of illumination in electric apparatus manufacturing industry (from 20~40 lux to 420 lux) resulted in an increase in productivity of 6.5% per capita and a decrease in faulty products of 19%. 11) Improvement of environments using local exhaust ventilation system resulted in a decrease of harmful substances lower than TLV and an increase in productivity of 11.4%. 12) Improvement of shovelling tools based on ergonomics resulted in a reduction in energy expenditure of 25.3% and an increase in productivity of 32.2% per capita.

• Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.252-258
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• 2018

A larger energy consumption and concentration of population induced green house gas glowing and heat island effect in the urban space. Roof green system was a effect method to reduce green house gas and heat concentration in the city. Therefore, construction of this system was increasing. Most of lightweight soil used in roof green system was perlite, but this caused dust and skin disease. So it needed to develop another new lightweight soli for roof green system. Meanwhile, a thermoelectric power plant generated bottom ash as a by-product. According to previous research, bottom ash could be used for artificial lightweight soil with 60 wt% of mixing rate. But this study was proceed to develop a artificial lightweight soil using bottom ash with higher mixing rate by 65 wt% and different organic ingredients. First, physical and chemical properties of bottom ash was investigated. Then test according to landscaping design standard was proceeded for various artificial lightweight soil mix types using bottom ash, bark, compost and coco peat. As a result, the artificial lightweight soil with 65% of bottom ash, 30% of bark and 5% of compost was suitable for low and middle range of soil standard.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.36-42
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• 2024

Background: The use of scented candles and incense sticks, both of which are household products that are burned for indoor deodorization and calming effects, is increasing. Fine dust has been designated as a group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) affect air pollution and can cause diseases. Objectives: This study aims to determine the effect on indoor air quality by measuring PM_2.5 and VOCs generated when burning scented candles and incense sticks. Methods: Scented candles and incense sticks were selected as household products to burn. As for the target sample, top-selling products (five types of scented candles, five types of incense sticks) were purchased online. The PM_2.5 concentration according to time was measured immediately next to the sample and three meters away from each other in an enclosed space using a real-time aerosol photometer. VOCs were collected as samples under the same conditions using Tenax tubes and were quantitatively analyzed by TD-GC/MS. Results: In the case of scented candles, the concentration of PM_2.5 did not increase during combustion and after being extinguished by placing a cover on the candle. For the incense sticks, the concentration of PM_2.5 averaged 1,901.27 ㎍/m³. After burning scented candles and incense sticks, some VOCs concentrations were increased such as ethyl acetate and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene). Conclusions: Therefore, when using scented candles, extinguishment by placing a cover on the candle can be expected to reduce PM_2.5. It is advisable to avoid using incense sticks because PM_2.5 concentration increases from the start of combustion.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.69-84
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• 1993

In order to determine the optimum operational paramsters in cow manure composting, 4 laboratory scale composters were established. The cow manure was mixed with certain amount of saw dust to adjust the initial C/N ratio to 24, initial pH to 6.9 and composting was performed with varying operational conditions. It was found that the optimum aeration rate was 1000 ml/min kg. VS, the optimum moisture content 50% and no significant difference was found with different initial pH condition. Microorganisms were counted under the optimum conditions determined in this study. At the end of the experimental period, the number of bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi was $1.5{\times}10^9$ cells, $1.1{\times}10^8$ cells and $3.0{\times}10^8$ cells/g dry compost, respectively. At day 0, the number of coliforms, fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci was $3.1{\times}10^3$ cells, $7.5{\times}10^2$ cells and $5.6{\times}103$ cells/g dry composting material, respectively. Their population was decreased with time lapse, However, their survival time was longer than those reported by other researchers. Microorganisms were identified at the end of the experiment. Genus Bacillus was the most dominant comprising 89.3% of the total population. Among the Genus Bacillus, B. circulans compoex was the most abundant, followed by B. Stearothermophilus, B. Sphericus, B. licheniformis and B, brevis.