• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2020.08a
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• pp.78-78
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• 2020

This study aimed to discover functional materials derived from resources, which can improve the troublesome symptoms of a bronchus by improving bronchial hyperresponsiveness as air pollution in Korea caused by fine dust and yellow dust is getting worse. Of natural resources grown naturally in Korea, Chrysanthemum morifolium(CM), and Scutellaria baicalensis(SB) have been used as a safe raw material for drinking or medicine for a long time, and it has been found that a combination of CS73 can improve bronchial health function in experimental animal models. Analysis of serum of animal models with asthma induced by ovalbumin (chicken egg albumin) and analysis of cytokine production in BALF (Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) showed that inflammatory indices IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-17E were significantly reduced and that respective production of IL-2 and IFN-γ was significantly increased in the group taking extracts from CS73 when compared with the control group. These results suggested that the combination of CS73 could be used as a natural treatment for asthma. In addition, in the animal models that the combination of CS73 significantly decreased the respective production of IgE, histamine and TSLP when compared with the control group. In experimental models, the ratio of Chrysanthemum morifolium to Scutellaria baicalensis of 7 : 3 had more excellent effect than other combined experimental groups, which suggests that the above combination can be developed as a natural treatment for asthma and is valuable as a pharmaceutical composition with an effect of improving bronchial health, capable of contributing to the public health threatened by fine dust.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.39-53
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• 2001

Environmental pollution of the Tohyun mine creek area was investigated on the basis of geology, mineralogy and geochemistry. In soils and sediments of the mine area, ${Al_2}{O_3}/{Na_2O}$ and ${K_2}O/{Na_2}O$ ratios are partly negative correlation against ${SiO_2}/{Al_2}{O_3}$, respectively. Geochemical characteristics of some trace and rare earth elements such as V/Ni, Ni/Co, La/Ce, Th/Yb, Th/U, La/Th, ${La_N}/{Yb_N}$, La/Sc and Sc/Th are revealed a narrow range and homogeneous compositions may be explained by simple source lithology. These results suggest that sediments source of the host shale around the mine area could be originated by basic to intermediate igneous rocks. Mineral compositions of soil and sediment near the mine area were partly variable mineralogy, which are composed of quartz, mica, feldspar, chlorite, clay minerals and some pyrite. Soils and sediments with highly concentrated heavy minerals, gravity separated mineralogy, are composed of some pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, goethite and various kinds of hydroxide minerals on the polished sections. As normalized by bed rock composition, average enrichment indices of major elements in sediments, precipitates, farmland soils and paddy soils are 1.0, 1.7, 0.9 and 0.8, respectively. Maximum concentration of environmental toxic elements in the mine creek are detected with Ag = 186 ppm, As = 17,100 ppm, Bi = ]27 ppm, Cd = 77 ppm, Cu = 12,299 ppm, Pb = 8,897 ppm, Sb = 1,350 ppm, W = 599 ppm and Zn = 12,250 ppm, which are increasing with total FeO increasing, and extremely high concentrations of surface sediments and precipitates near the waste rock dump. These toxic elements (As, Bi, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb, W and Zn) of the samples, normalizing by host rock concentration, revealed that average enrichment index is 106.0 for sediments, 279.6 for precipitates, 3.5 for farmland soils and 1.6 for paddy soils. However, on the basis of EPA values, enrichment indices of all the samples are 40.7, 121.4, 1.3 and 0.6, respectively.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.29-44
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• 1999

Vegetation structure and distribution of the vascular hydrophytes and hygrophytes, and the growth pattern, standing crop and amounts of nutrient uptake by Salix species were investigated in the upper stream wetlands of the Namgang-Dam, Chinju-city, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea from April to November in 1997. The flora was composed of 43 hydrophytes and 241 hygrophytes, or total 284 vascular plants. The life forms of the hydrophytes were classified as 27 kinds of emergent plants, 4 floating-leaved plants, 3 free-floating plants, and 9 submersed plants. In the herb layer, the dominant species was Persicaria hyciropiper, and the ranges of the species diversity indices (H'), equitabilities, (J') and community similarity indices (CCs) were 1.59~1.89, 0.87~0.96, and 0.35~0.83, respectively. In the shrub and subtree layers, 17 kinds of Salix species were supposed to the pioneer plants at the early stage of the succession. The number of branches per main stem of Salix species was 5.0. The DBH class-frequency histograms of Salix species were the reverse J type, and the natural regeneration of the Salix community was expected. Basal area of Salix species per square meter was $24.87cm^2$. Volume of Salix species per square meter was $12,008cm^3$ and total phytomass of the Salix species was estimated as 12,894 ton. Biomass distribution of Salix species in the stem, the branch and twig, and the leaf was 64.1%, 28.1%, and 7.8%, respectively. The amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus absorbed by Salix species were 68,022 and 19,823 kg. It was recommended that application and conservation of the wetland and other counterplans are indispensable to reduce the adverse effects of water pollution and to preserve the wetland ecosystem.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.42-50
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• 2009

Samples of subway dust were collected by the air filter system of 30 subway stations on Daegu subway line 1 in January 2008. Samples were sieved below 100 ${\mu}m$, and 14 elements were analyzed using ICP after acid extraction. Results obtained from the source assessment of trace elements using enrichment factor showed that Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, V were influenced by natural sources such as weathered rock and resuspended soil, while Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were influenced by anthropogenic sources such as fuel combustion and waste incineration. Concentrations were remarkably higher in components from natural sources than in components from anthropogenic sources. Anthropogenic sources were significantly affected by indoor dusts than outdoor dusts. Results of pollution indices of heavy metals indicated that indoor dusts were more contaminated with heavy metal ions than outdoor dusts. The correlation analysis among trace elements indicated that components were much correlated in the order of natural sources-anthropogenic sources, anthropogenic sources-anthropogenic sources, natural sources-natural sources in both indoor and outdoor dusts. Trace element components of outdoor dusts were largely correlated than those of indoor dusts. In addition, indoor dusts were significantly affected by outdoor dusts rather than depth from the surface or the average daily number of subway passengers.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.212-223
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• 2022

For the remediation and restoration of contaminated sediment at the West Sea-Byeong dumping site, dredged materials was dumped in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017. The physicochemical properties and benthic fauna in surface sediments of the capping area (5 stations) and natural recovery area (2 stations) were analyzed annually from 2014 to 2020 to evaluate the capping effect of the dredged materials. The natural recovery area had a finer sediment with a mean particle size of 5.91-7.64 Φ, while the sediment in the capping area consisted of coarse-grained particles with a mean particle size of 1.47-3.01 Φ owing to the capping effect of dredged materials. Considering that the contents of organic matters (COD, TOC, and TN) and heavy metals in the capping area are approximately 50 % lower (p<0.05) than that in the natural recovery area, it is judged that there is a capping effect of dredged materials. As a result of analyzing macrobenthic assemblages, the number of species and ecological indices of the capping area were significantly lower than that of the natural recovery area (p<0.05). The number of species and ecological indices at the capping area were increased for the first four years after the capping in 2013 and 2014 and then tended to decrease thereafter. It is presumed that opportunistic species, which have rapid growth and short lifetime, appeared dominantly during the initial phase of capping, and the additory capping in 2016 and 2017 caused re-disturbance in the habitat environment. In the natural recovery and capping areas, Azti's Marine Biotic Index (AMBI) was evaluated as a fine healthy status because it maintained the level of 2^nd grades (Good), whereas Benthic Pollution Index (BPI) remained at the 1^st and 2^nd grade. Therefore, capping of dredged materials for remediation of contaminated sediment in the dumping site has the effect of reducing the pollution level. However, in terms of the benthic ecosystem, it is recommended that the recovery trend should be monitored long-term. Additionally, it is necessary to introduce an adaptive management strategy when expanding the project to remediate the contaminated sediment at the dumping area in the future.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.7-18
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• 1999

Fauna and biological water quality using benthic macroinvertebrates were analysed and estimated macroinvertebrates. Samples were collected 5 times from the 7 sites in the river between April and December 1997, and the results are summarized as follows. The taxa of benthic macroinvertebrates was totally composed 81 species, 45 genus, 37 families, 15 orders, 8 classes in 3 phyla. Among them, aquatic insects were mostly abundant as 65 species, and also, there were a species of oligochaetes, 2 species of hirundinida, 6 species of gastropods, 5 species of polecypoda, and 2 species of crustaceans. Average individual numbers in the whole sampling sites was 815 per square meter, and insects were abundant (Approx. 80%). Among the insects, the major taxa were respectively ephemeroptera (Approx. 70%) and trichoptera (Approx. 18%). According to the average individual numbers in each site, Chung-do stream (site 1) showed the highest appearance rate as 262 individual/ $m^3$ (32.2%), and the lowest value was at the end of Miryang River (site 7) as 38 individual / $m^3$(4.7%). The dominant species among the whole samples was Ecdyomurus levis Navas, and dominance indices was 0.3. In each site, Ecdyomurus levis Navas was dominant species from site 1 to site 5, and dominant species at site 6 and 7 was respectively Hirudinidae sp. 1. Species diversity index in total average of samples was 2.66. Average of species diversity index according to each study site was the highest value at site 4 (H'=3.47), and site 2, 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 in that order. According to the water quality as biotic indices, GPI value was 1.49 in total average of Miryang river, and the pollution indices evaluated secondary water quality criteria as $\beta$-mesosaprobics. In each site, the best water quality was at site 3, and it revealed the first water quality criteria as Oligosaprobic. It was then site 1, 2, 4 and 5 in the order of water quality, and was evaluated secondary water quality criteria as $\beta$-mesosaprobics, respectively. Site 6 was also revealed the third water quality criteria as $\beta$-mesosaprobics. The worst water quality was at site 7, which revealed the third water quality criteria as a-mesosaprobics.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.363-373
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• 2007

To evaluate environment of farm lands using indicator insects and evaluation indices, the insect abundance of which is one of the major criteria for the evaluation of agricultural environment of farm land in urban areas and industrial complex, three sites (Ansan, Daesan, Suncheon) were designated and monitored from 2004 to 2006. The flora of agricultural land was more than urban areas and industrial complex of that in three sites. Soil, water and air pollution of urban areas and industrial complex were more serious than those of agricultural land in three sites. Overall population of insects were high from June to August in the surveyed three sites. Collected insects in agricultural land were 12 order, 106 family and 166 species, those in urban areas were 11 order, 102 family and 148 species, and in industrial complex were 11 order, 100 family and 152 species. Species and population belonging to Coleoptera was dominant in the surveyed sites. The insect diversity indices of farm land were 2.36 in agricultural land, 1.92 urban areas and industrial complex. And agricultural environment of agricultural land was good, urban areas was common and industrial complex was poor. Based on the major criteria of evaluation items, the criteria were selected as diversity index over 2.1, insect indicator Pheropsophus javanus in agricultural land, diversity index 1.5-2.0, insect indicator Nephotettix cincticeps in urban areas, diversity index below 1.5, insect indicator Pagria signata in industrial complex.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.57-67
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• 2014

The vigor condition of trees is an important indicator for the management of urban forested area. But difficulties in how to assess the tree vigor condition still remain. Previous efforts were limited in the 1) measurement of single indicator rather than using multiple indices, 2) purpose-oriented measurement such as for air-pollution effect or specific pathological symptom, and 3) ordinal-scale evaluations by field crews 4) despite human errors based on his/her experiences or prior knowledge. Therefore, this study attempted to develop a quantitative and objective methodology for assessing tree vigor condition, by measuring multiple modules and building the profile inventory. Furthermore, the possibility and limitations were discussed in terms of schematic frames describing tree vigor condition. The vigor condition of 56 flowering cherry plants in urban park were assessed by in-situ measurements of following eight items; growth of crown(Gc), growth of shoots, individual tree volume(Vol), plant area index, woody area index, leaf area index, leaf chlorophyll content(Lc) and leaf water content(Lw). For validation, these measurements were compared with the ranks of holistic tree vigor condition, which were visually assessed using a 4-point grading scale based on the expert's knowledge. As a result, the measures of each evaluation item successfully highlighted a variety of aspects in tree vigor condition, including the states of both photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic parts. The variation in the results depending on evaluated parts was shown within an individual tree, even though the broad agreement among the results was found. The result of correlation analysis between the tested measurements and 4-point visual assessment, demonstrated that the state of water-stressed foliage of the season (Lw) or the development of plant materials since sapling phase (Vol) could be better viewed from the outer appearance of trees than other symptoms. But only based on the visual assessment, it may be difficult to detect the quality of photosynthesis (Lc) or the recent trend in growth of trees (Gc). To make this methodology simplified for the broad-scale application, the tested eight measurements could be integrated into two components by principal component analysis, which was labelled with 'the amount of plant materials' and 'vigor trend', respectively. In addition, the use of these quantitative and multi-scale indicators underlies the importance of assessing various aspects of tree vigor condition, taking into account the response(s) on different time and spatial scale of pressure(s) shown in each evaluated module. Future study should be advanced for various species at diverse developing stages and environment, and the application to wide areas at a periodic manner.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Groundwater Environment
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.20-26
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• 1997

This paper examines the influences of mining activities on the concentrations of heavy metals in soils in the vicinity of the Dalsung Cu-W mine, Korea. Geochemical surveys were undertaken in the Dalsung mine area and sampling of surface and subsurface soils was carried out. Samples were prepared using 0.1 N HCI, HNO$_3$-HClO$_4$, and aqua regia, and analyzed for Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. In addition, soil samples were sequentially extracted to investigate the chemical speciation of heavy metals in soils. Heavy metals are highly contaminated in soils in the vicinity of mining area ranging up to 28 $\mu\textrm{g}$/g Cd, 5000 $\mu\textrm{g}$/g Cu, 2390 $\mu\textrm{g}$/g Pb and 930 $\mu\textrm{g}$/g Zn by the method using HNO$_3$-HClO$_4$. The pollution indices calculated with the permissible levels are up to 49 in surface and subsurface soils, which are considered sufficient to raise environmental problems. However, the heavy metal levels by the method using 0.1 N HCl are not higher than Korean standard for soil contamination. It suggests that analytical methods and soil standard should be re-examined. From the results of the sequential extraction methods for metal speciation, total Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations may be determined by analytical methods using HNO$_3$-HClO$_4$ or aqua regia, and exchangeable phase of those metals by the method using 0.1 N HCl.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.306-312
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• 2000

Background : Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are well known environmental pollutants. The measurement of PAH in ambient air is not commonly used, because it is quite difficult to perform and is unreliable. Using biomarkers of PAH can be an alternative approach to this problem. The PAH in ambient air is absorbed in particulate matter. Total suspended particulate(TSP) or particulate matter of less than $10{\mu}m$ in diameter (PM10) can be easily measured. Therefore, TSP or PM10 can be used as a surrogate measurements of ambient air PAH. Objectives : We investigated whether the urinary concentration of two biomarkers of PAH, 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and 2-naphthol, could reflect the total suspended particulate in the general population. Methods : In order to exclude the effects of occupational exposure and smoking, first grade middle school students were included in this study. Four middle schools within a one kilometer boundary of ambient air monitoring stations were selected. Total suspended particulate was regarded as the marker of airborne PAH. Diet and smoking data were collected by self administered questionnaires, and spot urine samples were collected. Urinary 1-OHP and 2-naphthol were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Results : The correlation between urinary 1-OHP, 2-naphthol and passive smoking was not statistically significant. The correlation between urinary 1-OHP and TSP indices was not statistically significant. The correlations between urinary 2-naphthol and TSP of two lag days, one lag day, and zero lag days were statistically significant. The statistical significance of two lag days was the strongest (p=0.001), one lag day was the next (p=0.0275), and zero lag days was the weakest (p=0.0349). Conclusion : Our results imply that the urinary concentration of 2-naphthol can be applied as a PAH exposure marker for the general population with low PAH exposure.