• Particle and aerosol research
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• 제14권4호
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• pp.97-105
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• 2018

Recently, people's interest in particulate matter (PM) has been increasing, due to its hazardous health effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the concentrations and as well as the inhaled weight of PM, correlated with person's heart rate in subway, bus, vehicle and bicycle in the major public transportation (Sadang - Jamsil and Nowon - Dongdaemun) in Seoul. The concentration of $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ were measured from each of transportation means and calculated the average concentrations which were 87.2 and $57.8{\mu}g/m^3$ for subway, 62.8 and $42.5{\mu}g/m^3$ for vehicle, 61.5 and $36.8{\mu}g/m^3$ for bus and 53.0 and $29.4{\mu}g/m^3$ for bicycle in $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ respectively. Inhalation dose for $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ were estimated at 248.1 and $139.4{\mu}g$ for bicycle, 56.7 and $39.3{\mu}g$ for vehicle, 49.4 and $29.9{\mu}g$ for bus and 44.3 and $29.1{\mu}g$ for subway, respectively. Even though subway had the highest concentration, the highest inhalation dose was the bicycle. It was due to the long travel time-exposure and breathing rate which leads to maximum of $PM_{10}$ 5.6 and $PM_{2.5}$ with 4.8 times inhalation dose comparing with other modes of transportation. With regards to future studies, the amount of inhalation in each transportation means should be considered in risk assessments of PM.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• 제35권6_1호
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• pp.919-932
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• 2019

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is not only affected by anthropogenic emissions, but also intensifies, migrates, decreases by hydrometeorological factors. Therefore, it is essential to understand relationships between the hydrometeorological factors and PM2.5 concentration. In Korea, PM2.5 concentration is measured at the ground observatories and estimated data are given to locations where observatories are not present. In this way, the data is not suitable to represent an area, hence it is impossible to know accurate concentration at such locations. In addition, it is hard to trace migration, intensification, reduction of PM2.5. In this study, we analyzed the relationships between hydrometeorological factors, acquired from Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS), and PM2.5 by means of Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA). By BMA, we also selected factors that have meaningful relationship with the variation of PM2.5 concentration. 4 PM2.5 concentration models for different seasons were developed using those selected factors, with Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) from MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Finally, we mapped the result of the model, to show spatial distribution of PM2.5. The model correlated well with the observed PM2.5 concentration (R ~0.7; IOA ~0.78; RMSE ~7.66 ㎍/㎥). When the models were compared with the observed PM2.5 concentrations at different locations, the correlation coefficients differed (R: 0.32-0.82), although there were similarities in data distribution. The developed concentration map using the models showed its capability in representing temporal, spatial variation of PM2.5 concentration. The result of this study is expected to be able to facilitate researches that aim to analyze sources and movements of PM2.5, if the study area is extended to East Asia.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• 제38권1호
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• pp.51-56
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• 2012

Objectives: High concentrations of airborne particulate matters (PM) can affect the health of passengers using public transportation. The objectives of this research were to develop a PM control system for a railway cabin and to evaluate the performance of the device under conditions of an actual journey. Methods: This study measured the concentrations of $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ simultaneously in a reference cabin and a cabin with the PM control device. Results: The average $PM_{10}$ concentration in the reference cabin was 100 ${\mu}g/m^3$, and the $PM_{10}$ concentration in the cabin with the control device was 79 ${\mu}g/m^3$. While the overall control efficiency of the control device was 15.4%, reduction was more effective for peak $PM_{10}$ concentration. However, $PM_{2.5}$ levels did not differ greatly between the reference cabin and the cabin with the control device. The ratio of $PM_{2.5}$ to $PM_{10}$ was 0.37. $PM_{10}$ concentrations in cabins were not associated with ambient concentrations, indicating that the main sources of $PM_{10}$ were present in cabins. Additionally, average $CO_2$ concentration in the cabins was 1,359 ppm, less than the maximum of 2,000 ppm set out by the Korean Ministry of Environment's guideline. The $CO_2$ concentration in cabins was significantly associated with the number of passengers: the in-cabin concentration = $23.4{\times}N+460.2$, where N is the number of passengers. Conclusions: Application of the PM control device can improve $PM_{10}$ concentration, especially at peak levels but not $PM_{2.5}$ concentration.

• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• 제24권6호
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• pp.585-593
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• 2021

Background and objective: Illegal open-air incineration, which is criticized as a leading source of air pollutants among agricultural activities, currently requires constant effort and attention. Countries around the world have been undertaking studies on the emission of heavy metal substances in fine dust discharged during the incineration process. A precise analytical method is required to examine the harmful effects of particulate pollutants on the human body. Methods: In order to simulate open-air incineration, the infrastructure needed for incineration tests complying with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 5G was built, and a large-area analysis was conducted on particulate pollutants through automated scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). For the test specimen, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste collected by the DangJin Office located in Choongcheongnam-do was used. To increase the identifiability of the analyzed particles, the incineration experiment was conducted in an incinerator three times after dividing the film waste into 200 g specimens. Results: Among the metal particulate matters detected in the HDPE waste incineration test, transition metals included C (20.8-37.1 wt%) and O (33.7-37.9 wt%). As for other chemical matters, the analysis showed that metal particulate matters such as metalloids, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and transition metals reacted to C and C-O. Si, a representative metalloid, was detected at 14.8-20.8 wt%, showing the highest weight ratio except for C and O. Conclusion: In this study, the detection of metal chemicals in incinerated particulate matters was effectively confirmed through SEM-EDS. The results of this study verified that HDPE waste adsorbs metal chemicals originating from soil due to its own properties and deterioration, and that when incinerated, it emits particulate matters containing transition metals and other metals that contribute to the excessive production and reduction of reactive oxygen species.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.13-22
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• 2017

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the exposure levels of door-to-door deliverers to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Another objective was to confirm the general working patterns of door-to-door deliverers via survey. Methods: In the city of Daegu, ten door-to-door deliverers who wished to join the study were recruited. The general working characteristics of door-to-door deliverers were surveyed using self-reported questionnaires. In the cabin of each car driven by a deliverer, a real-time PM2.5 sampler (Sidepak, Model AM510, TSI Inc., MN, USA) and a GPS device (GPS 741, Ascen, Korea) were installed. Each deliverer was monitored for four days per week so that each day could be monitored at least four times. Results: A total of 40 measurements of PM2.5 concentrations were taken during delivery of parcels. The average exposure levels of door-to-door deliverers to PM2.5 was $44.62{\mu}g/m^3$ ($7-9443{\mu}g/m^3$. Exposure levels to PM2.5 according to the day of the week and coverage areas were not significantly different (p>0.05). Door-to-door deliverers using trucks with older diesel engines manufactured before 2006 had significantly higher exposure levels to PM2.5 than in the case of trucks with diesel engines manufactured after 2006 (p<0.05). Many of the door-to-door deliverers reported the status of having windows open during the delivery task. During delivery services, the working hours spent in residential areas were higher than on roadsides, but exposure levels to PM2.5 in residential areas and on roadsides were $46.17{\mu}g/m^3$ and $49.90{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively. Real-time PM2.5 exposure levels were significantly different between roadways and residential areas (p<0.001). Conclusions: PM2.5 exposure levels of door-to-door deliverers were found to be affected by higher vehicle emissions from the roadsides near their vehicle during deliveries and while driving to other locations compared to by PM2.5 from the diesel engines of their own trucks. Particle concentrations from roadsides and emissions from nearby vehicles through open windows were the main source of PM2.5.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• 제49권2호
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• pp.145-149
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• 2022

Airborne fine dust (FD) particles smaller than 10 ㎛ in diameter (PM10) are one of the major causes of air pollution in East Asia, including Korea, and have become a major contributor to respiratory and skin problems. FD inordinately promotes the production of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory response in macrophages, leading to cell damage and death. Rosa rugosa, a deciduous shrub of the Rosa genus, has been used in traditional East Asian herbal medicine to treat various illnesses. The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of R. rugosa organ extracts on PM10-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Compared to non-treated RAW264.7 cells, treatment with 100 ㎍.ml^-1 PM10 resulted in increased nitric oxide (NO) production, similar to lipopolysaccharide treatment. Additionally, 100 ㎍/ml stem extract reduced NO production by more than 45% compared to mock treatment. Furthermore, PM10-induced expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, inducible NO synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 was significantly reduced by stem extract treatment, indicating that the anti-inflammatory effect of the stem extract is mediated by the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators in PM10-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. These results indicate that the R. rugosa stem could be considered a natural remedy with a protective effect against inflammatory responses induced by harmful airborne dust.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• 제32권5호
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• pp.338-352
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• 2023

As of 2019, Korea's fine dust is the most severe among 38 OECD countries, and in the same year, 「the Framework on Disaster and Safety Management」 was revised to define fine dust as a social disaster. Currently, the government is working to achieve its emission reduction goals by preparing a comprehensive fine dust management plan (2022-2023) consisting of a total of five areas, 42 tasks, and 177 detailed tasks. However, it is necessary to come up with measures in consideration of the various spatial characteristics of the city, not just as a source of emission. Therefore, in this study, the shape of the city was classified using the LCZ (Local Climate Zone) classification system into 17 types by building type and land cover type in Busan, and the average annual PM10 and PM2.5 concentration were mapped using the IDW technique. In addition, Fragstats and Moving Window were used to quantify the LCZ classification system. Finally, correlation analysis and regression analysis were conducted to analyze the relationship between the LCZ classification system and PM10 and PM2.5. As a result, it was confirmed that the type of low height of the building and the type of green space with trees had a positive effect on the concentration of PM10 and PM2.5. Therefore, this study is expected to be used as basic data to establish fine dust reduction policies based on efficient spatial planning.

• Journal of Advanced Marine Engineering and Technology
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• 제41권4호
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• pp.362-367
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• 2017

This study was conducted to compare the particulate removal efficiency of the developed diesel particulate filter using various measurement methods in a high-speed marine diesel engine. A four-stroke mechanical marine diesel engine is used for the test, which has a maximum output of 403 kW and is coupled to an AC dynamometer to control engine speed and load. The test was conducted based on four steady-state engine operating conditions of E3 engine test cycle for the measurement of PM and soot removal efficiency using partial dilution method considered as gravimetric method and filter smoke number method as light absorption method, respectively. As a result of the removal efficiency measurement according to the application of diesel particulate filter, particulate matter was reduced from 76% to 91% and the soot was reduced by more than 90% while meeting the permissible engine back pressure. From these results, the applicability of diesel particulate filter adopted in high-speed marine diesel engines could be confirmed. In addition, based on the result that the particulate removal efficiency varies with different measurement methods, the necessity of unification of these methods could be identified.

• Journal of Life Science
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• 제31권12호
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• pp.1110-1119
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages could be promoted by particulate matter 2.5 (PM_2.5) stimulation. To this end, the levels of inflammatory parameters, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation-regulating genes were investigated in RAW 264.7 cells treated with PM_2.5 in the presence or absence of LPS. Our results showed that the production levels of pro-inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide and prostaglandin E₂) and cytokines (interleukin-6 and -1β) were significantly increased by PM_2.5 stimulation in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells, which was correlated with increased expression genes involved in their production. In addition, when LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells were exposed to PM_2.5, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) expression was further increased in the nucleus, and the expression of inhibitor of NF-κB as well as NF-κB in the cytoplasm was decreased. These results suggest that the co-treatment of PM_2.5 and LPS further increases the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway compared to each treatment alone, thereby contributing to the promotion of transcriptional activity of inflammatory genes. Furthermore, although the generation of ROS was greatly increased by PM_2.5 in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells, the NF-κB inhibitor did not reduce the generation of ROS. In addition, when the generation of ROS was artificially suppressed, the production of inflammatory mediators and the activation of NF-κB were both abolished. Therefore, our results suggest that the increase in the NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response induced by PM_2.5 in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages was a ROS generation-dependent phenomenon.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• 제20권1호
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• pp.147-153
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• 2011

The objectives of this study were to investigate the seasonal characteristics of metallic and ion elements of $PM_{10}$(Particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ${\leq}10\;{\mu}m$) and the effects of vessels exhaust emission from ships harboring in Busan City. The $PM_{10}$ samples were collected from January 2010 to October 2010 at Dongsam-dong(coastal area), in Busan City. The particulate matters were analyzed for major water soluble ionic components and metals. The ranges of the $PM_{10}$ mass concentrations were from 29.8 ${\mu}g/m^3$ to 47.0 ${\mu}g/m^3$ in Dongsam-dong. The $PM_{10}$ mass concentrations in Dongsam-dong are very similar to Gwangbok-dong during same sampling periods. These results were understood by the effects of the shipping source emitted from ships anchoraging and running. The concentrations of water-soluble ions and metals in the $PM_{10}$ had a level of as high as the order of $SO_4^{2-}$>$NO_3^-$>$Cl^-$ and $NH_4^+$>$Na^+$>$Ca^{2+}$>$K^+$>$Mg^{2+}$, respectively. The correlation coefficients($R^2$) for $SO_4^{2-}/PM_{10}$ and $NH_4^+/PM_{10}$ of were 0.7446 and 0.7784, respectively, and it showed the high correlation with each other.