• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.275-288
• /
• 2009

The Korean government strengthened the environmental polices to manage and enhance Metropolitan Area air quality, and also has enforced "Special Act on Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Improvement (SASMAQI)" issued in Dec. 2004. Recently government expanded the Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) to the outskirts satellite cities of Seoul area through the "Revised Law Draft of SASMAQI". The SMAQMD has been alloted the allowable emission loads to the local governments on the basis of the carrying $PM_{10}$ capacity. However, in order to establish the effective air quality control strategy for $PM_{10}$, it is necessary to understand the corresponding sources which have a potential to directly impact ambient $PM_{10}$ concentration. To deal with the situations, many receptor methodologies have been developed to identify the origins of pollutants and to determine the contributions of sources of interests. The objective of this study was to extensively identify $PM_{10}$ sources and to estimate their contributions at the metropolitan area. $PM_{10}$ samples were simultaneously collected at the 3 semi-industrialized local cities in the Seoul metropolitan area such as Hwasung-si, Paju-si, and Icheon-si sites from April 15 to May 31, 2007. The samples collected on the teflon membrane filter by one $PM_{10}$ cyclone sampler were analyzed for trace metals and soluble ions and samples on the quartz fiber filter by another sampler were analyzed for OC and EC. Source apportionment study was then performed by using a positive matrix factorization (PMF) receptor model. A total of 6 sources were identified and their contributions were estimated in each monitoring site. Contribution results on Hwasung, Paju, and Icheon sites were as follows: 33%, 27%, and 27% from soil source, 26%, 26%, and 21% from secondary aerosol source, 11%, 11%, and 12% from biomass burning, 12%, 6%, and 5% from sea salt, 7%, 15%, and 19% from industrial related source, and finally 11%, 15%, and 16% from mobile and oil complex source, respectively. This study provides information on the major sources affecting air quality in the receptor sites and thus it will help to manage the ambient air quality in the metropolitan area by establishing reasonable control strategies, especially for the anthropogenic emission sources.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
• /
• v.40 no.3
• /
• pp.211-218
• /
• 2021

BACKGROUND: Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) is produced by chemical reactions between various precursors. PM_2.5 has been found to create greater human risk than particulate matter (PM₁₀), with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers and smaller. Ammonia (NH₃) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are the sources of secondary generation of PM_2.5. These substances generate PM_2.5 through some chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Through chemical reactions in the atmosphere, NH₃ generates PM_2.5. It is the causative agent of PM_2.5. In 2017 the annual ammonia emission recorded from the agricultural sector was 244,335 tons, which accounted for about 79.3% of the total ammonia emission in Korea in that year. To address this issue, the agricultural sector announced the inclusion of reducing fine particulate matter and ammonia emissions by 30% in its targets for the year 2022. This may be achieved through analyses of its emission characteristics by monitoring the PM_2.5 and NH₃. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, the PM_2.5 concentration was measured real-time (every 1 hour) by using beta radiation from the particle dust measuring device (Spirant BAM). NH₃ concentration was analyzed real-time by Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS). The concentrations of ozone (O₃) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) were continuously measured and analyzed for the masses collected on filter papers by ultraviolet photometry and chemiluminescence. CONCLUSION: This study established air pollutant monitoring system in agricultural areas to analyze the NH₃ emission characteristics. The amount of PM_2.5 and NH₃ emission in agriculture was measured. Scientific evidence in agricultural areas was obtained by identifying the emission concentration and characteristics per season (monthly) and per hour.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.33 no.5
• /
• pp.365-371
• /
• 2007

To evaluate the effect of air pollution on respiratory health in children, We conducted a longitudinal study in which children were asked to record their daily levels of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate(PEFR) using potable peak flow meter(mini-Wright) for 4 weeks. The relationship between daily PEFR and ambient air particle levels was analyzed using a mixed linear regression models including gender, age in year, weight, the presence of respiratory symptoms, and relative humidity as an extraneous variable. The daily mean concentrations of $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ over the study period were $64.9{\mu}g/m^3$ and $46.1{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively. The range of daily measured PEFR in this study was $182{\sim}481\;l/min$. Daily mean PEFR was regressed with the 24-hour average $PM_{10}(or\;PM_{2.5})$ levels, weather information such as air temperature and relative humidity, and individual characteristics including sex, weight, and respiratory symptoms. The analysis showed that the increase of air particle concentrations was negatively associated with the variability in PEFR. We estimated that the IQR increment of $PM_{10}$ or $PM_{2.5}$ were associated with 1.5 l/min (95% Confidence intervals -3.1, 0.1) and 0.8 l/min(95% CI -1.8, 0.1) decline in PEFR. Even though this study showed negative findings on the relationship between respiratory function and air particles, it was worth noting that the findings must be interpreted cautiously because exposure measurement based on monitoring of ambient air likely resulted in misclassification of true exposure levels and this was the first Korean study that $PM_{2.5}$ measurement was applied as an index of air quality.

• Atmosphere
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.283-304
• /
• 2024

This study analyzed the variability and correlation between ground-level air pollutant concentrations and the atmospheric mixing layer height using data from four types of air pollutants (PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, and O₃) collected at AirKorea monitoring stations nationwide over a five-year period (2018~2022), and aerosol backscatter data observed by the Vaisala CL31 to derive atmospheric mixing layer heights. The five-year trends and variability of ground-level air pollutant concentrations under seasonal and hourly conditions were examined, as well as the seasonal distribution and diurnal variation of the atmospheric mixing layer height. Five correlation coefficient methodologies were applied to analyze the correlations between ground-level air pollutants and atmospheric mixing layer height under various seasonal and hourly conditions, confirming the dilution effect of the atmospheric mixing layer height. The results showed that PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and NO₂ generally had negative correlations with the atmospheric mixing layer height, while O₃ showed a strong positive correlation up to an altitude of 1,200~1,500 meters, and a negative correlation beyond that altitude. It was also shown that a single high concentration event (e.g., PM₁₀) can alter the overall correlation. The correlation can also vary depending on the characteristics of the correlation coefficient methodology, highlighting the importance of applying the appropriate methodology for each case during the analysis process.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
• /
• v.62 no.5
• /
• pp.27-37
• /
• 2020

As domestic meat consumption increases, the broiler production industry has been larger and denser. The concentration of particulate matter (PM) and harmful gases generated is also increasing inside livestock house. However, the current research status of PM exposed to farm workers and the health effects are in the early stage. To understand PM concentration affecting workers in the broiler house, field monitoring was conducted according to its size distributions. Concentrations of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and TD (Total Dust) were monitored using personal air samplers with teflon filter during working and moving periods considering the ventilation systems of 6 broiler houses. The purpose of this study is to monitor the PM concentration in the experimental broiler houses operated by forced ventilation system generally used in Korea and to evaluate the regional concentrations through airflow pattern. The PM concentrations were increased from inlet to outlet vents resulting in 1,872 of TD, 1,385 of PM₁₀, and 209 ㎍/㎥ of PM_2.5, respectively. The TD and PM₁₀ concentrations were increased when the workers and broilers were moving. Among them, the particle size that occupied the largest amount of PM was 13.75 ㎛. These results suggest that personal protection equipments are important to reduce the health effect from PM inhalation.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
• /
• v.36 no.1
• /
• pp.20-28
• /
• 2014

The three air quality monitoring sites, analysed simultaneously PM-10 and PM-2.5, ie. Ihyeondong in industrial area, Manchondong in residential area, Pyeongnidong in streetside, among 13 air quality monitoring sites in Daegu area, were investigated the concentration distribution characteristics of PM-2.5 and PM-10 in the last 2 years (2011~2012). PM-10 concentrations exceeded annual average reference value ($50{\mu}g/m^3$) in Ihyeondong ($52.5{\mu}g/m^3$) and Pyeongnidong ($60.9{\mu}g/m^3$) but satisfied in Manchondong ($44.9{\mu}g/m^3$). All PM-2.5 concentrations exceeded EPA annual standard value of the United States ($15{\mu}g/m^3$) in three points, but also exceeded new control annual standard value ($25{\mu}g/m^3$) coming into effect in 2015. Seasonal concentration of PM-10 appeared the order of spring > winter > fall > summer, and in the case of PM-2.5, the order was winter > spring > fall > summer. Monthly concentrations of PM-10 and PM-2.5 were highest in February and lowest in September. Diurnal concentrations of PM-10 and PM-2.5 increased from 7:00 AM, and recorded the highest concentration between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM. And after 6:00 PM it lowered continuously and tended to show fixed concentrations from evening until early morning. In addition, the concentration of fine particles during the week was higher than the weekend. The fluctuation in industrial area was larger than the residential area. At the PM-2.5/PM-10 ratio, summer was generally high, spring was the lowest. And, when yellow sand occurred, it was 0.32 to 0.42. It was very low compared to 0.54 to 0.64 during non-yellow sand times. This paper for the state and the characteristics of Daegu' fine particles (PM-10, PM-2.5) will be valuable to future researches of fine particles and air pollution management.

• Particle and aerosol research
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.109-127
• /
• 2022

Recently, low-cost particulate matter (PM) sensors have been widely used in monitoring mass concentration. Maintaining the accuracy of the sensors is important and requires rigorous performance evaluation and calibration. In this study, two commercial low-cost PM sensors(LCS), Plantower PMS3003 and Plantower PMS7003, were evaluated in the laboratory and field with a reference-grade PM monitor (GRIMM 11-D). Laboratory evaluation was conducted with single/mixed particles of PSL (Poly Styrene Latex) in an acrylic chamber at 20℃ and relative humidity of 20%. Field evaluation was conducted inside a building of Yonsei University (Shinchon) from February 12 to March 31, 2022. In both evaluations, LCS measured values became different from reference measured values when the relative humidity was high or the outdoor air PM10/PM2.5 ratio was high. Based on the field evaluation, the LCS measured values were corrected through four different regression analysis models. As a result, the multivariate polynomial regression analysis model showed highest matching with the reference PM monitor (PM2.5 >0.9, PM10 >0.85). In this model, the PM10/PM2.5 ratio and relative humidity were chosen as independent variables.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.248-255
• /
• 2016

The leaves of three plant species, such as soybean, raspberry, and kudzu, exposed to hydrogen fluoride was collected in an area surrounding an emission source where the release accident occurred. The ultrasonic-assisted extraction and analysis of fluoride by ion chromatography was carried out. The mean concentration of fluoride in the leaves of three plant species exposed to hydrogen fluoride was $5,409{\pm}1,198mg\;F/kg\;dry\;wt$ and $788{\pm}339mg\;F/kg\;dry\;wt$, respectively. The mean fluoride concentration in ambient air were estimated to be $2.36{\pm}0.65mg/m^3$ ($2.89{\pm}0.79ppm$) and $0.35{\pm}0.15mg/m^3$ ($0.43{\pm}0.19ppm$) in exposed and unexposed sites, respectively. It seems likely that the passive monitoring using plant leaves could identify with respect to plant risk by fluoride in atmosphere.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.495-503
• /
• 1999

Airborne particulate matter $(PM_{10})$ collected using high volume air sampler and silica fiber filter were analyzed by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis(INAA), Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry(ICP-AES) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry(AAS), and the results were compared with each other. 30~40 trace elements in environmental standard reference materials(NIST SRM 1648 and NIES CRM No.8) were analyzed for the analytical quality control. The relative error for two-third of elements detected was less than 10%, and the standard deviation was less than 15%. During the sampling period for 24 hours, the mass concentration of total suspended particulate was 36.1$\mu\textrm{g}$/㎥ and the value is lower than the critical level in Korea. In the results of NAA, the elements of Al, As, Ba, Fe, La, Mg, Na, Sb, Zn were well agreed with those of other methods. In statistical estimation between different methods, the deviation of Al, Ba, Cr, Fe was less than 10% and quite reliable.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
• /
• v.12 no.3
• /
• pp.232-243
• /
• 2018

The construction, development and maintenance of an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable campus involves the integration of measuring tools and technical information that invites and encourages the community to know the actual state to generate positive actions for reducing the negative impacts over the local environment. At the Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Campus $Bogot{\acute{a}}$, a public area with daily traffic of more than 25000 people, the Environmental Management Bureau has committed with the monitoring of the noise pollution and air quality, as support to the campaigns aiming to reduce the pollutant emissions associated to the student's activities and campus operation. The target of this study is based in the implementation of mobile air quality and sonometry monitoring equipment, the mapping of the actual air quality and noise pollution inside the university campus as a novel methodology for a sub-area inside a megacity. This results and mapping are proposed as planning tool for the institution administrative sections. A mobile Kunak$^{(R)}$ Air & OPC air monitoring station with the capability to measure particulate matter $PM_{10}$, $PM_{2.5}$, Ozone ($O_3$), Sulfur Oxide ($SO_2$), Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Nitrogen Oxide ($NO_2$) as well as Temperature, Relative Humidity and Latitude and Longitude coordinates for the data georeferenciation; and a sonometer Cirrus$^{(R)}$ 162B Class 2 were used to perform the measurements. The measurements took place in conditions of academic activity and without it, with the aim of identify the impacts generated by the campus operation. Using the free code geographical information software QGIS$^{(R)}$ 2.18, the maps of each variable measured were developed, and the impacts generated by the operation of the campus were identified qualitative and quantitively. For the measured variables, an increase of around 21% for the $L_{Aeq}$ noise level and around 80% to 90% for air pollution were detected during the operation period.