• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.34-41
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• 2008

The objective of this study is to provide the research data on the actual concentrations of $PM_{10},\;PM_{2.5},\;PM_1\;and\;CO_2$ in Seoul subway carriages. Mean concentrations of $PM_{10},\;PM_{2.5}\;and\;PM_1,\;and\;CO_2$ in subway carriages were investigated at levels of $215.1{\pm}101.4{\mu}g/m^3,\;86.9{\pm}38.6{\mu}g/m^3,\;27.0{\pm}11.4{\mu}g/m^3,\;and\;1,588{\pm}714ppm$, respectively. The mean concentrations in subway carriages were higher when the train ran on an underground track rather than on an above ground track. The measured concentration of particulate matter varied with the time of day and was highest in the morning, followed by noon and evening while the $CO_2$ concentration was highest in the morning, followed by evening and noon. In relation to correlation among the pollutants: the correlation between $PM_{10}\;and\;PM_{2.5}$ was 0.92, and that between $PM_{2.5}\;and\;PM_1$ was 0.94. The inclusion rate of $PM_{2.5}\;to\;PM_{10}$ was $41{\pm}7%$ and that of $PM_1\;to\;PM_{2.5}\;was\;32{\pm}4%$. In addition, the $CO_2$ concentration had a positive relation with the number of people in a carriage, whereas the concentration of $PM_{10}$ had negative correlation to the number of people. In relation to these two pollutants we calculated using a regression equation (34.06+0.04$CO_2$(ppm)-0.09 PM10$({\mu}g/m^3)$($R^2$=0.30, p<0.01, n=707), that a maximum number of 61 persons would ensure that each pollutant is maintained below the criteria level, applicable to subway stations.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.108-119
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• 2024

Objectives: Abrupt changes in air pollution levels associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak present a unique opportunity to evaluate the effects of air pollution on influenza risk, at a time when emission sources were less active and personal hygiene practices were more rigorous. Methods: This time-series study examined the relationship between influenza cases (n=22 874) and air pollutant concentrations from 2018 to 2021, comparing the timeframes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in and around Thailand's Khon Kaen province. Poisson generalized additive modeling was employed to estimate the relative risk of hospitalization for influenza associated with air pollutant levels. Results: Before the COVID-19 outbreak, both the average daily number of influenza hospitalizations and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 ㎛ or less (PM_2.5) concentration exceeded those later observed during the pandemic (p<0.001). In single-pollutant models, a 10 ㎍/m³ increase in PM_2.5 before COVID-19 was significantly associated with increased influenza risk upon exposure to cumulative-day lags, specifically lags 0-5 and 0-6 (p<0.01). After adjustment for co-pollutants, PM_2.5 demonstrated the strongest effects at lags 0 and 4, with elevated risk found across all cumulative-day lags (0-1, 0-2, 0-3, 0-4, 0-5, and 0-6) and significantly greater risk in the winter and summer at lag 0-5 (p<0.01). However, the PM_2.5 level was not significantly associated with influenza risk during the COVID-19 outbreak. Conclusions: Lockdown measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic could mitigate the risk of PM_2.5-induced influenza. Effective regulatory actions in the context of COVID-19 may decrease PM_2.5 emissions and improve hygiene practices, thereby reducing influenza hospitalizations.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.10-18
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• 2013

Objectives: We investigated the association between particulate matter less than $10{\mu}m$ in aerodynamic diameter ($PM_{10}$) exposure and non-accidental mortality in Asian populations by meta-analysis, using both time-series and case-crossover analysis. Methods: Among the 819 published studies searched from PubMed and EMBASE using key words related to $PM_{10}$ exposure and non-accidental mortality in Asian countries, 8 time-series and 4 case-crossover studies were selected for meta-analysis after exclusion by selection criteria. We obtained the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of non-accidental mortality per $10{\mu}g/m^3$ increase of daily $PM_{10}$ from each study. We used Q statistics to test the heterogeneity of the results among the different studies and evaluated for publication bias using Begg funnel plot and Egger test. Results: Testing for heterogeneity showed significance (p<0.001); thus, we applied a random-effects model. RR (95% CI) per $10{\mu}g/m^3$ increase of daily $PM_{10}$ for both the time-series and case-crossover studies combined, time-series studies relative risk only, and case-crossover studies only, were 1.0047 (1.0033 to 1.0062), 1.0057 (1.0029 to 1.0086), and 1.0027 (1.0010 to 1.0043), respectively. The non-significant Egger test suggested that this analysis was not likely to have a publication bias. Conclusions: We found a significant positive association between $PM_{10}$ exposure and non-accidental mortality among Asian populations. Continued investigations are encouraged to contribute to the health impact assessment and public health management of air pollution in Asian countries.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.216-232
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• 2016

In present, the Seoul City is undergoing traffic congestion problems caused by rapid urbanization and population growth. Thus the City government has reorganized the mass transportation system since 2004 and the subway has become a very important means for public transit. Since the subway system is typically a closed environment, the indoor air quality issues have often raised by the public. Especially since a huge amount of PM (particulate matter) is emitted from ground tunnels passing through the subway train, it is now necessary to assess the characteristics and behaviors of fine PM inside the tunnel. In this study, the concentration patterns of $PM_1$, $PM_{2.5}$, and $PM_{10}$ in the Seoul subway line-2 were analyzed by real-time measurement during winter (Jan 13, 2015) and summer (Aug 7, 2015). The line-2 consisting of 51 stations is the most busy circular line in Seoul having the railway of 60.2 km length. The the one-day average $PM_{10}$ concentrations were $148{\mu}g/m^3$ in winter and $66.3{\mu}g/m^3$ in summer and $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations were $118{\mu}g/m^3$ and $58.5{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively. The $PM_{2.5}/PM_{10}$ ratio in the underground tunnel was lower than the outdoor ratio and also the ratio in summer is higher than in winter. Further the study examined structural types of underground subsections to explain the patterns of elevated PM concentrations in the line-2. The subsections showing high PM concentration have longer track, shorter curvature radius, and farther from the outdoor stations. We also estimated the outdoor PM concentrations near each station by a spatial statistical analysis using the $PM_{10}$ data obtained from the 40 Seoul Monitoring Sites, and further we calculated $PM_{2.5}/PM_{10}$ and $PM_1/PM_{10}$ mass ratios near the outdoor subway stations by using our observed outdoor $PM_1$, $PM_{2.5}$, and $PM_{10}$ data. Finally, we could develop pollution maps for outdoor $PM_1$ and $PM_{2.5}$ near the line-2 by using the kriging method in spatial analysis. This methodology may help to utilize existing $PM_{10}$ database when managing and control fine particle problems in Korea.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.90-104
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• 2019

In this study, CALPUFF modeling was performed, using a real surface and upper air meterological data to predict trustworthy modeling-results. Pollutant-releases from windscreen chambers of enclosed poultry farms, P1 and P2, and from a open poultry farm, P3, and their diffusing behavior were modeled by CALPUFF modeling with volume sources as well as by finally-adjusted CALPUFF modeling where a linear velocity of upward-exit gas averaged with the weight of each directional-emitting area was applied as a model-linear velocity ($u^M_y$) at a stack, with point sources. In addition, based upon the scenario of poultry farm-releasing odor and particulate matter (PM) removal efficiencies of 0, 20, 50 and 80% or their corresponding emission rates of 100, 80, 50 and 20%, respectively, CALPUFF modeling was performed and concentrations of odor and PM were predicted at the region as a discrete receptor where civil complaints had been frequently filed. The predicted concentrations of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$ were compared with those required to meet according to the offensive odor control law or the atmospheric environmental law. Subsequently their required removal efficiencies at poultry farms of P1, P2 and P3 were estimated. As a result, a priori assumption that pollutant concentrations at their discrete receptors are reduced by the same fraction as pollutant concentrations at P1, P2 and P3 as volume source or point source, were controlled and reduced, was proven applicable in this study. In case of volume source-adopted CALPUFF modeling, its required removal efficiencies of P1 compared with those of point source-adopted CALPUFF modeling, were predicted similar each other. However, In case of volume source-adopted CALPUFF modeling, its required removal efficiencies of both ammonia and $PM_{10}$ at not only P2 but also P3 were predicted higher than those of point source-adopted CALPUFF modeling. Nonetheless, the volume source-adopted CALPUFF modeling was preferred as a safe approach to resolve civil complaints. Accordingly, the required degrees of pollution prevention against ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$ at P1 and P2, were estimated in a proper manner.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.21 no.1 s.52
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• pp.45-56
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• 2006

This study was conducted to investigate seasonal distributions of fine particles ($PM_{2.5}$) and associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at three cities. $PM_{2.5}$ samples were collected on glass fiber filters at urban (Chuncheon), metropolitan (Seoul), and industrial complex sites (Ulsan) from September, 2002 to February, 2004 using the Andersen FH 95 Particulate Sampler. About five 24-hour samples were collected from each site per season. The filters were analyzed for mass and six selected PAHs concentrations. $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations were the highest either in winter or spring, which could be attributed to the increase of fossil fuel combustion in winter or the transport of yellow sand to the Korean peninsula from China in spring, respectively. Regional $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations were higher in the order of Seoul>Chuncheon>Ulsan without statistical difference among cities. The filters were extracted using dichloromethane in an ultrasonicator and analyzed for six PAHs (anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, and benzo[a]pyrene) with HPLC. Total PAHs concentrations were statistically different among seasons in each site, and the highest concentrations were observed in winter at each sampling site. For total samples collected, the median total PAHs concentrations in Chuncheon ($4.6ng/m^3$) and Seoul ($4.4ng/m^3$) were approximately two times higher than that in Ulsan ($2.1ng/m^3$). Chrysene was a component found in the highest proportion among total PAHs at each site. Carcinogenic risks calculated based on the BaP toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) over the whole sampling period were higher in the order of Chuncheon>Seoul>Ulsan. This study suggests that the atmosphere of Chuncheon is contaminated with particulate matter and PAHs at the levels equivalent to those of Seoul and that an appropriate measure needs to be taken to mitigate human health risks from inhalation exposure to airborne fine particles.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.25 no.8
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• pp.1065-1076
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• 2016

This study analyzes the $PM_{10}$ characteristics (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than $10{\mu}m$), concentration, and emissions in eight large South Korean cities (Seoul, Incheon, Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju, Ulsan, Busan, Jeju). The annual median of $PM_{10}$ concentration showed a decline of $0.02{\sim}1.97{\mu}g/m^3$ in the regions, except for Incheon, which recorded an annual $0.02{\mu}g/m^3$ increase. The monthly distribution levels were high in spring, winter, fall, and the summer, but were lower in summer for all regions except for Ulsan. These differences are thought to be due to the dust in spring and the cleaning effect of precipitation in summer. The variation in concentrations during the day (diurnal variation) showed that $PM_{10}$ levels were very high during the rush hour and that this was most extreme in the cities (10.00 and 18.00-21.00). The total annual $PM_{10}$ emissions analysis suggested that there had been a general decrease, except for Jeju. On-road mobile (OM) sources, which contributed a large proportion of the particulates in most regions, decreased, but fugitive dust (FD) sources increased in the remaining regions, except for Daegu. The correlation analysis between $PM_{10}$ concentrations and emissions showed that FD could be used as a valid, positive predictor of $PM_{10}$ emissions in Seoul (74.5% (p<0.05)), Dajeon (47.2% (p<0.05)), and Busan (59.1% (p<0.01)). Furthermore, industrial combustion (IC) was also a significant predictor in Incheon (61.7% (p<0.01)), and on-road mobile (OC) sources were a valid predictor in Daegu (24.8% (p<0.05)).

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.115-124
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• 2024

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess indoor air quality within and around buildings and evaluate the health risks associated with exposure to indoor air pollution. The study compares IAQ standards established by the World Health Organization with those set by South Korea's Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Education. Methods: The study utilized an Anderson Sampler and DustTrak^TM II to collect samples of total airborne bacteria and PM in indoor and outdoor environments. Collected samples were analyzed using biological and biochemical methods. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS to examine the correlation between airborne bacteria and PM. Results: The study revealed that the concentration of total airborne bacteria in indoor air generally remained below the Ministry of Environment's standard of 800 CFU/m³, although it surpassed this threshold in certain instances. PM concentrations did not exceed the standards. Indoor fine dust concentration was higher when there were people (P<0.05). There was no difference in total floating bacterial concentrations between indoor and outdoor environments (P=0.184). Finally, there was a correlation between fine dust and airborne bacteria concentrations. Conclusion: The study evaluated the concentrations of total airborne bacteria and PM in indoor air, emphasizing the importance of managing IAQ. Further research in various environments is essential to ensure a healthy indoor environment. The findings underscore the need for ongoing research and management to enhance IAQ and create safer and healthier living environments.

• Clean Technology
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.121-127
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• 2000

There are several kinds of hazardous materials in incinerator flue gas, such as particulate matter, acid gas, heavy metal, dioxin, etc. The activated carbon adsorption is considered as one of the methods removing dioxin from flue gas. Without any additional equipment and facilities, the activated carbon was mixed with lime and sprayed in the semi-drying reactor of an incinerator and filtered in the bag filter, and its efficiency of removing hazardous organic material was investigated. 1,2-dichlorobenzene (o-DCB) was used as a precursor material of dioxin and the effects of the activated carbon amount, the operating temperature of the reactor, and the atomizer r.p.m were measured and analyzed. Experimental results showed that the optimum outlet temperature of the reactor was $145^{\circ}C$ considering the performance of the bag filter, and the adsorption performance improved with the increase of the atomizer r.p.m. Also the performance of removing o-DCB in the bag filter is higher than of the semi-drying reactor.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.53-61
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• 2014

The origin of particulate organic matter (POM) and food web structure were investigated in Shingu reservoir based on stable isotope analysis from pre-monsoon (July) to post-monsoon (September) 2007. According to the depth in Shingu reservoir, the $^{13}C$ and $^{15}N$ values of POM for pre-monsoon period were nonsignificant distinction, while it was significant variation after rainfall period. The ${\delta}^{13}C$ values of POM in premonsoon period ranged from -25.1‰ to -26.1‰ in whole water column, but the ${\delta}^{13}C$ values of POM in post-monsoon period showed relatively wide range between -23.2‰ and -27.5‰. The apparently lighter values (average -27.5‰) in near bottom water (7 m water depth) demonstrate that POM in high turbid water in post-monsoon period may be derived from the outside terrestrial plants (allochthonous) through heavy rainfall during the summer monsoon period. After rainfall period, $^{13}C$ and $^{15}N$ values of D. brachyurum showed -23.3‰ and 12.2‰, respectively, while B. longirostris showed -27.1% and 8.7%, respectively. It suggested that D. brachyurum mainly feed on POM in autochthonous organic matter pool, but B. longirostris mainly consumed POM in allochthonous organic matter pool after rainfall period. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios were markedly different among secondary consumers. The carp (C. carpio) and catfish (S. asotus) were in the higher trophic level and crucian carp (C. auratus) and mudfish (M. mizolepis) were in the lower trophic level. $^{13}C$ and $^{15}N$ values of Z. platypus didn't significantly changed between before and after rainfall period. But P. parva and C. auratus apparently changed the $^{13}C$ and $^{15}N$ values after rainfall period. It is suggested that P. parva and C. auratus seem to feed allochthonous food source while Z. platypus depend on autochthonous food source.