• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.895-908
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• 2023

Disposal of waste containing heavy metals into the environment is a major threat to human health and can result in toxic or chronic poisoning in aquatic life. In the current study, metal-resistant Raoultella ornithinolytica was isolated from metal-contaminated samples collected from the Tanjaro River, located southwest of Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. R. ornithinolytica was identified by partial amplification of 16S rRNA. The uptake potency of heavy metals was assessed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and indicated that R. ornithinolytica removed 67, 89, 63.4, 55.6, 56.5, 65, and 61.9% of Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Zn, Co, and Fe, respectively. These removal rates were influenced by temperature, pH, and contact time; at 35℃ and pH 5 with a change in the incubation time, the reduction rate improved from 89 to 95% for Pb, from 36.4 to 45% for Cu, and from 55.6 to 64% for Ni. Gene analysis indicated that R. ornithinolytica contained pbrT, chrB, nccA, iroN, and czcA genes, but the pcoD gene was absent. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) images showed evidence of metal ion binding on the cell wall surface with different rates of binding. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) detected different mechanisms for metal particle localization; cell surface adsorption was the main mechanism for Pb, Zn, and Co uptake, while Cd, Ni, and Fe were accumulated inside the cell. The current study describes, for the first time, the isolation of R. ornithinolytica from metal-contaminated water, which can be used as an eco-friendly biological expedient for the remediation and detoxification of metals from contaminated environments.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.77-86
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• 2023

High-temperature oxidation of a Ni-based superalloy was analyzed with samples taken from gas turbine blades, where the samples were heat-treated and thermally exposed. The effect of Cr/Ti/Al elements in the alloy on high temperature oxidation was investigated using an optical microscope, SEM/EDS, and TEM. A high-Cr/high-Ti oxide layer was formed on the blade surface under the heat-treated state considered to be the initial stage of high-temperature oxidation. In addition, a PFZ (γ' precipitate free zone) accompanied by Cr carbide of Cr₂₃C₆ and high Cr-Co phase as a kind of TCP precipitation was formed under the surface layer. Pits of several ㎛ depth containing high-Al content oxide was observed at the boundary between the oxide layer and PFZ. However, high temperature oxidation formed on the thermally exposed blade surface consisted of the following steps: ① Ti-oxide formation in the center of the oxide layer, ② Cr-oxide formation surrounding the inner oxide layer, and ③ Al-oxide formation in the pits directly under the Cr oxide layer. It is estimated that the Cr content of Ni-based superalloys improves the oxidation resistance of the alloy by forming dense oxide layer, but produced the σ or µ phase of TCP precipitation with the high-Cr component resulting in material brittleness.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.13-22
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• 2016

The objectives of this study were to recover silica and iron oxides and $CO_2$ sequestration using serpentine via various acid dissolution and pH swing processes. Serpentine collected from Guhang-myeon in S. Korea were mainly composed of antigorite and magnetite consisting of $SiO_2$ (45.3 wt.%), MgO (41.3 wt.%), $Fe_2O_3$ (12.2 wt.%). Serpentine pulverized ($${\leq_-}75{\mu}m$$) and then dissolved in 3 different acids, HCl, $H_2SO_4$, $HNO_3$. Residues treated with acidic solution were recovered from the solution (step 1). And then the residual solution containing dissolved serpentine was titrated using $NH_4OH$. And pH of the solution increased up to pH=8.6 to obtain reddish precipitates (step 2). After recovery of the precipitates, the residual solution reacted with $CO_2$ and then pH increased up to pH=9.5 to precipitate white materials (step 3). The mineralogical characteristics of the original sample and harvested precipitates were examined by XRD, and TEM-EDS analyses. ICP-AES analysis was also used to investigate solution chemistry. The dissolved ions were Mg, Si, and Fe. The antigorite became noncrystralline silica after acid treatment (step 1). The precipitate at pH=8.6 was mainly amorphous iron oxide, of which size ranged from 2 to 10 nm and mainly consisting of Fe, O, and Si (step 2). At pH=9.5, nesquehonite [$Mg(HCO_3)(OH){\cdot}2(H_2O)$] and lasfordite [$MgCO_3{\cdot}H_2O$] were formed after reaction with $CO_2$ (step 3). The size of carbonated minerals was ranged from 1 to $6{\mu}m$. These results indicated that the acid treatment of serpentine and pH swing processes for the serpentine can be used for synthesis of other materials such as silica, iron oxides and magnesium carbonate. Also, This process may be useful for the precursor synthesis and $CO_2$ sequestration via mineral carbonation.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.407-417
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• 2020

The capacity of the designated landfill site for asbestos-containing waste is approaching its limit because the amount of asbestos-containing slate is increasing every year. There is a need for a method that can safely and inexpensively treat asbestos-containing slate in large capacity and at the same time recycle it. A cement kiln can be an alternative for heat treatment of asbestos-containing slate. We intend to develop a pilot scale device that can simulate the high temperature environment of a cement kiln using a high temperature plasma reactor in this study. In addition, this reactor can be used to inactivate asbestos in the slate and to synthesize one of the minerals of cement, to confirm the possibility of recycling as a cement raw material. The high-temperature plasma reactor as a pilot scale experimental apparatus was manufactured by downsizing to 1/50 the size of an actual cement kiln. The experimental conditions for the deactivation test of the asbestos-containing slate are the same as the firing time of the cement kiln, increasing the temperature to 200-2,000℃ at 100℃ intervals for 20 minutes. XRD, PLM, and TEM-EDS analyses were used to characterize mineralogical characteristics of the slate before and after treatment. It was confirmed that chrysotile [Mg3Si2O5(OH)4] and calcite (CaCO3) in the slate was transformed into forsterite (Mg2SiO4) and calcium silicate (Ca2SiO4), a cement constituent mineral, at 1,500℃ or higher. Therefore, this study may be suggested the economically and safely inactivating large capacity asbestos-containing slate using a cement kiln and the inactivated slate via heat treatment can be recycled as a cement raw material.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.1516-1522
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• 2014

A series of 20 wt % $(NH_4)_2SO_4$ and 3 wt % $Al_2O_3$ surface treatments were applied to $Li[Li_{0.2}Mn_{0.54}Co_{0.13}Ni_{0.13}]O_2$ substrates. The $Li[Li_{0.2}Mn_{0.54}Co_{0.13}Ni_{0.13}]O_2$ substrates were synthesized using a co-precipitation method. Sample (a) was left pristine and variations of the 20 wt % $(NH_4)_2SO_4$ and 3 wt % $Al_2O_3$ were applied to samples (b), (c) and (d). XRD was used to verify the space group of the samples as R$\bar{3}$m. Additional morphology and particle size data were obtained using SEM imagery. The $Al_2O_3$ coating layers of sample (b) and (d) were confirmed by TEM images and EDS mapping of the SEM images. 2032-type coin cells were fabricated in a glove box in order to investigate their electrochemical properties. The cells were charged and discharged at room temperature ($25^{\circ}C$) between 2.0V and 4.8V during the first cycle. The cells were then charged and discharged between 2.0V and 4.6V in subsequent cycles. Sample (d) exhibited lower irreversible capacity loss (ICL) in the first charge-discharge cycle as compared to sample (c). Sample (d) also had a higher discharge capacity of ~250 mAh/g during the first and second charge-discharge cycles when compared with sample (c). The rate capability of the $Al_2O_3$-coated sample (b) and (d) was lower when compared with sample (a) and (c). Sample (d), coated with $Al_2O_3$ after the surface treatment with $(NH_4)_2SO_4$, showed an improvement in cycle performance as well as an enhancement of discharge capacity. The thermal stability of sample (d) was higher than that of the sample (c) as the result of DSC.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.403-408
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• 2012

Gelatin/Ag nanoparticle (AgNP) biocomposite was synthesized using the solution plasma process (SPP) that has been recently introduced as an effective method for synthesis of nanoparticles. In this study, gelatin/AgNP biocomposite was synthesized using various concentrations of Ag precursor ($AgNO_3$) and gelatin in the range of 1-5 mM and 1-3% (w/w), respectively, without using any chemical reducing agent. Physical properties of the gelatin/AgNP biocomposites were analyzed using EDS, FE-SEM, and TEM. The results indicated that spherical AgNPs with approximately 12~20 nm in diameter were synthesized successfully in the gelatin matrix by SPP. As the concentration of gelatin was increased (3%, w/w), disperse stability of AgNP was improved and micro-pores of gelatin became smaller and denser in the 3D scaffold. Bactericidal activity of the AgNPs was examined against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by measuring zone of growth inhibition and decrease in colony forming unit (CFU). CFUs of S. aureus and E. coli were decreased approximately to 56% and 0%, respectively, by the gelatin/AgNP biocomposite, Ag5G3.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.288-303
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• 2012

In this study, real time measurements of particle number size distribution in urban Gwangju, coastal Taean, and industrial Yeosu in Korea were conducted in 2008 to understand the occurrence of ultrafine particle (UFP) (<100 nm) events, the variation of its concentration among different sampling sites, and UFP formation pathways. Also, to investigate seasonal and long-term variation of the UFP number concentration, data were collected for the period of 5 years (2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012) in urban Gwangju. Photochemical and combustion events were found to be responsible for the formation of UFP in the urban Gwangju site, whereas only photochemical event led to the formation of UFP in the coastal Taean site. The highest UFP concentration was found in industrial Yeosu (the average UFP number fractions were 79, 59 and 58% in Yeosu, Gwangju, and Taean, respectively), suggesting that high amount of gas pollutants (e.g., $NO_2$, $SO_2$, and volatile organic carbon (VOC)) emitted from industries and their photochemical reaction contributed for the elevated UFP concentration in the industrial Yeosu site. The UFP fraction also showed a seasonal variation with the peak value in spring (61.5, 54.5, 50.5, and 40.7% in spring, fall, summer, and winter, respectively) at urban Gwangju. Annual average UFP number concentrations in urban Gwangju were $5.53{\times}10^3\;cm^{-3}$, $4.68{\times}10^3\;cm^{-3}$, $5.32{\times}10^3\;cm^{-3}$, $3.99{\times}10^3\;cm^{-3}$, and $2.16{\times}10^3\;cm^{-3}$ in the year 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively. Comparison of the annual average UFP number concentration with urban sites in other countries showed that the UFP concentrations of the Korean sites were lower than those in other urban cities, probably due to lower source strength in the current site. TEM/EDS analysis for the size-selected UFPs showed that the UFPs were classified into various types having different chemical species. Carbonaceous particles were observed in both combustion (soot and organics) and photochemical events (sulfate and organics). In the photochemical event, an internal mixture of organic species and ammonium sulfate/bisulfate was identified. Also, internal mixtures of aged Na-rich and organic species, aged Ca-rich particles, and doughnut shaped K-containing particles with elemental composition of a strong C with minor O, S, and K-likely to be originated from biomass burning nearby agricultural area, were observed. In addition, fly ash particles were also observed in the combustion event, not in the photochemical event.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.153-162
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• 2020

Objectives: 3D printing technologies have become widely developed and are increasingly being used for a variety of purposes. Recently, the evaluation of 3D printing operations has been conducted through chamber test studies, and actual workplace studies have yet to be completed. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the emission of volatile organic compounds(VOCs), metals, and particles from printing operations at a workplace. This included monitoring conducted at a commercial 3D printing service workplace where the processes involved material extrusion, material jetting, binder jetting, vat photo polymerization, and powder bed fusion. Methods: Area samples were collected with using a Tenax TA tube for VOC emission and MCE filter for metals in the workplace. For particle monitoring, Mini Particle Samplers(MPS) were also placed in the printer, indoor work area, and outdoor area. The objective was to analyze and identify particles' size, morphology, and chemical composition using transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy(TEM-EDS) in the workplace. Results: The monitoring revealed that the concentration of VOCs and metals generated during the 3D printing process was low. However, it also revealed that within the 3D printing area, the highest concentration of total volatile organic compounds(TVOC) was 4,164 ppb at the vat photopolymerization 3D printing workplace, and the lowest was 148 ppb at the material extrusion 3D printing workplace. For the metals monitoring, chromium, which, is carcinogenic for humans, was detected in the workplace. As a characteristic of the particles, nano-sized particles were also found during the monitoring, but most of them were agglomerated with large and small particles. Conclusions: Based on the monitoring conducted at the commercial 3D printing operation, the results revealed that the concentration of VOCs and metals in the workplace were within Korea's occupational exposure limits. However, due to the emission of nano-sized particles during 3D printing operations, it was recommended that the exposure to VOCs and metals in the workplace should be minimized out of concern for workers' health. It was also shown that the characteristics of particles emitted from 3D printing operations may spread widely within an indoor workplace.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.284-294
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• 2006

Statement of problem. Proliferation of Candida albicans is primarily within the plaque on the fitting surface of the denture rather than on the inflamed mucosa. Consequently, the treatment of the denture is equally important as treatment of the tissue. Cleansing and disinfection should be efficiently carried-out as the organisms can penetrate into the voids of the acrylic resin and grow in them, from which they can continue to infect and reinfect bearing tissues. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the applicability of photocatalytic reaction to eliminate Candida albicans from acrylic resin denture base, and to investigate the anti-fungal effect with various UVA illumination time. Materials and Methods. The specimens were cured by the conventional method following the manufacturer's instruction using thermal polymerized denture base resin (Vertex RS: Dentimex, Netherlands). $TiO_2$ photocatalyst sol(LT), which is able to be coated at normal temperature, was made from the Ti-alkoxide progenitor. The XRD patterns, TEM images and nitrogen absorption ability of the $TiO_2$ photocatalyst sol(LT) were compared with the commercial $TiO_2$ photocatalyst P-25. The experimental specimens were coated with the mixture of the $TiO_2$ photocatalyst sol(LT) and binder material (silane) using dip-coater, and uncoated resin plates were used as the control group. Crystallinity of $TiO_2$ of the specimen was tested by the XRD. Size, shape and chemical compositions were also analyzed using the FE-SEM/ EDS. The angle and methylene blue degradation efsciency were measured for evaluating the photocatalytic activity of the $TiO_2$ film. Finally, the antifungal activity of the specimen was tested. Candida albicans KCTC 7629(1 ml, initial concentration $10^5$ cells/ ml) were applied to the experiment and control group specimens and subsequently two UVA light source with 10W, 353 nm peak emission were illuminated to the specimens from 15cm above. The extracted $2{\mu}l$ of sample was plated on nutrient agar plate ($Bacto^{TM}$ Brain Heart Infusion; BD, USA) with 10 minute intervals for 120 minute, respectively. It was incubated for 24 hours at $37^{\circ}C$ and the colony forming units (CFUs) were then counted. Results. Compared the characteristics of LT photocatalyst with commercial P-25 photocatalyst, LT were shown higher activity than P-25. The LT coated experimental specimen surface had anatase crystal form, less than 20 nm of particle size and wide specific surface area. To evaluate the photocatalytic activity of specimens, methylene blue degradation reaction were used and about 5% of degradation rate were measured after 2 hours. The average contact angle was less than $20^{\circ}$ indicating that the LT photocatalyst had hydrophilicity. In the antifungal activity test for Candida albicans, 0% survival rate were measured within 30 minute after irradiation of UVA light. Conclusion. From the results reported above, it is concluded that the UVA-LT photocatalytic reaction have an antifungal effect on the denture surface Candida albicans, and so that could be applicable to the clinical use as a cleaning method.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.30 no.8
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• pp.383-392
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• 2020

In this paper, AgCl/Ag₃PO₄/diatomite photocatalyst is successfully synthesized by microemulsion method and anion in situ substitution method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) are used to study the structural and physicochemical characteristics of the AgCl/Ag₃PO₄/diatomite composite. Using rhodamine B (RhB) as a simulated pollutant, the photocatalytic activity and stability of the AgCl/Ag₃PO₄/diatomite composite under visible light are evaluated. In the AgCl/Ag₃PO₄/diatomite visible light system, RhB is nearly 100 % degraded within 15 minutes. And, after five cycles of operation, the photocatalytic activity of AgCl/Ag₃PO₄/diatomite remains at 95 % of the original level, much higher than that of pure Ag₃PO₄ (40 %). In addition, the mechanism of enhanced catalytic performance is discussed. The high photocatalytic performance of AgCl/Ag₃PO₄/diatomite composites can be attributed to the synergistic effect of Ag₃PO₄, diatomite and AgCl nanoparticles. Free radical trapping experiments are used to show that holes and oxygen are the main active species. This material can quickly react with dye molecules adsorbed on the surface of diatomite to degrade RhB dye to CO₂ and H₂O. Even more remarkably, AgCl/Ag₃PO₄/diatomite can maintain above 95 % photo-degradation activity after five cycles.