• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.309-316
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• 2015

The analytical method of lead in plasma by ICP-MS was validated after securing environment within class 1,000 classification. We tested specificity and accuracy of within-run and between-run. According to measurement of the amount of suspended particulates in a clean room, 0.3~62 particles were detected in 0.3 µm size while 0.0~28.3 particles were observed in 0.5 µm size. Total suspended particulates met required environment with up to 90.3 particles. The MDL (Method detection limit) of the sample which has been fabricated using fetal bovine serum (FBS) blank was 1.77 ng/L, and LOQ (Limit of quantification) was 5.55 ng/L. The slope, intercept and correlation coefficient of the calibration curve were y=1.09×10⁻³x+4.88×10⁻² and r=0.9999, which showed good correlation. The specificity, within-run and between-run accuracy satisfied the standard at more than 50 ng/L. The average lead concentration in plasma of the general people, current workers and retired workers was 55.4 ng/L, 440 ng/L, and 132 ng/L.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.350-366
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• 2016

Objectives: No 3D anthropometric analyses have been conducted for Korean children's faces for the purpose of designing respiratory protective devices. The aim of this study was to develop masks against yellow dust and fine particulates, particularly for children in Korea. Methods: This study utilized a 3D scanning method to obtain 16 facial anthropometric data from children, ages of 5 to 13 years old. A total of 144 boys and girls were recruited from the kindergarten, elementary schools and middle schools in Seoul. With facial dimensions obtained, cluster analysis was performed to categorize them into similar facial groups. For each cluster, an optimal mask was designed and manufactured using a 3D printer. In addition, lung function data were obtained from 62 subjects and compared with those of normal adults. The pulmonary physiological results were subsequently used to suggest a test method for mask certification. Results: Facial shapes were classified into tree clusters: small, medium, and large. The face width and length for the first group were small with high nosal protrusion. The face width and length for the second group were the largest among the three clusters. The third group had the largest angle of nose root - gnathion(n-prn-gn). Age was the most significant variable in the facial dimensions. Children's pulmonary physiological capacity was about 60% of adults' capacity. The results of fit test using the prototype masks developed showed very good fits for children. Conclusions: For Korean children, three mask sizes will be sufficient and practical for providing protection against yellow dust and fine particulates. Anthropometric data obtained using digitalized 3D face analysis can be very effective for designing respiratory devices. 3D images can be accurate and easily measured for multiple dimensions, particularly for curved areas of the face. It is imperative to adopt different test methods for certifying respiratory protective devices for children, since their pulmonary physiological capacity is inferior compared with that of adults.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.38 no.5_3
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• pp.863-872
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• 2022

Rare earth elements (REEs) have been used as one of power tracers for understanding geological and environmental changes due to their similar physico-chemical properties. In this study, we investigated the characteristics of rare earth elements in atmospheric particulates(PM_2.5) collected in Beijing and Gwangju during January 2018. The total concentrations of REEs in the Beijing samples were about 16X higher than those in Gwangju samples, and both samples are enriched in light REE than heavy REE, up to 8-10 times. The Post Archean Australian Shale (PAAS)-normalized pattern showed that both samples are enriched in Eu, Tb, and Er, and displayed positive Eu but negative Ce anomalies. The elemental correlations indicate that both samples originated from China desert and Loess plateau as well as cities surrounding Beijing. This study suggests that REEs in PM_2.5 can be used as a powerful proxy of revealing the difference between China and Korea, and provide basic information on the source and transport of PM_2.5.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.29
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• pp.3.1-3.7
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• 2014

Objectives This study was conducted to determine the depositional characteristics of several tree barks, including Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), Pine (Pinus densiflora), Platanus (Platanus), and Metasequoia (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). These were used as passive air sampler (PAS) of atmospheric polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Methods Tree barks were sampled from the same site. PBDEs were analyzed by high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometer, and the lipid content was measured using the gravimetric method by n-hexane extraction. Results Gingko contained the highest lipid content (7.82 mg/g dry), whereas pine (4.85 mg/g dry), Platanus (3.61 mg/g dry), and Metasequoia (0.97 mg/g dry) had relatively lower content. The highest total PBDEs concentration was observed in Metasequoia (83,159.0 pg/g dry), followed by Ginkgo (53,538.4 pg/g dry), Pine (20,266.4 pg/g dry), and Platanus (12,572.0 pg/g dry). There were poor correlations between lipid content and total PBDE concentrations in tree barks ($R^2$=0.1011, p =0.682). Among the PBDE congeners, BDE 206, 207 and 209 were highly brominated PBDEs that are sorbed to particulates in ambient air, which accounted for 90.5% (84.3-95.6%) of the concentration and were therefore identified as the main PBDE congener. The concentrations of particulate PBDEs deposited on tree barks were dependent on morphological characteristics such as surface area or roughness of barks. Conclusions Therefore, when using the tree barks as the PAS of the atmospheric PBDEs, samples belonging to same tree species should be collected to reduce errors and to obtain reliable data.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.19 no.7
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• pp.861-869
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• 2010

The present study aims to evaluate the characteristics of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution in roadside and residential areas of two Korean metropolitan cities (Seoul and Incheon) and a background area (Seokmolee). This purpose was established by analyzing temporal and spacial concentration distribution of total and 7 individual PAHs, which were extracted from ambient particulate matters, and by utilizing a multivariate statistical method (principal component analysis, PCA) for the qualitative determination of potential PAH sources. Target PAHs included benzo(a)anthracene (BaA), benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF), benzo(k)fluoranthene (BkF), chrysene (Chr), dibenzo(a,h)anthracene (DahA), and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (IcdP). For all surveyed sites, the concentrations of total PAHs were higher in winter season than in other seasons. However, the concentrations of individual PAHs varied with surveyed sites. In both residential and roadside sites of Seoul and Incheon, BbF revealed the highest atmospheric levels. For all 7 target PAHs, the ambient concentrations were higher in Seoul and Incheon than in a background area (Seokmolee). In both residential and roadside areas, the concentrations of 4 target PAHs (BaA, BbF, BkF, DahA) were higher in Incheon than in Seoul. However, both the residential and roadside Chr concentrations were comparable in Seoul and Incheon. In addition, the residential IcdP concentrations were higher in Incheon than in Seoul, whereas the roadside concentrations were higher in Seoul. The roadside and residential BaP concentrations exhibited the reverse result to the IcdP concentrations. An PCA analysis suggested that atmospheric PAHs in both residential and roadside areas would be due to combined effects of several potential sources such as gasoline- and diesel-fueled vehicles, coal/oil combustion, and waste incineration.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.92-98
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• 2002

Objective : To estimate the burden of cardiovascular disease attributable to the total suspended particulates (TSP) and sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$) in Korea using the YLD (years lived with disability) measurement. Methods : Congestive heart failure(CHF) and myocardial infarction (MI) were chosen as the main cardiovascular diseases whose causes are attributable to the TSP and $SO_2$ levels. In order to calculate the YLD (years lived with a disability), the following parameters in the formula were estimated. : the incidence rate, the case fatality rate, The expected duration of a disability and the average age of onset were estimated. The expected duration of a disability and the average age of onset were calculated using the DISMOD method, as developed by the GBD researchers. The burden of cardiovascular disease due to TSP and $SO_2$ was estimated using the number of years that the patient lived with a disability. Results : The VLD of the CHF due to the TSP and $SO_2$ was attributed to the TSP (94.4 person-year) and $SO_2$ levels (35.0 person-year). The YLD of the ME due to the TSP and $SO_2$ was attributed to the TSP (148.4 person-year) and $SO_2$ levels(27.6 person-year). Conclusion : The YLD method employed in this study was appropriate for quantifying the burden of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it would provide a rational basis for planning a national health policy regarding the disease burden of the risk factors in Korea.

• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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• 2020.06a
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• pp.231-231
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• 2020

Unlike conventional treatment technologies, the performance of nature-based facilities were susceptible to seasonal changes and climatological variabilities. This study evaluated the effects of seasonal variables on the treatment performance of constructed wetlands (CWs). Two CWs treating runoff and discharge from agricultural and livestock areas were monitored to determine the efficiency of the systems in reducing particulates, organics, and nutrients in the influent. For all four seasons, the mean effluent suspended solids concentration in the agricultural CW (ACW) increased by -2% to -39%. The occurrence of algal blooms in the system during summer and fall seasons resulted to the greatest increase in the amount of suspended materials in the overlying water. unlike ACW, the livestock CW (LCW) performed efficiently throughout the year, with mean suspended solids removal amounting to 61% to 68%. Algal blooms were still present in LCW seasonally; however, the constant inflow in the system limited the proliferation of phytoplankton through continuous flushing. The total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) removal efficiencies in ACW were higher during the summer (21% to 25%) and fall (8% to 21%) seasons since phytoplankton utilize nitrogen and phosphorus during the early stages of phytoplankton blooms. In the case of LCW, the most efficient reduction in TN (24%) and TP (54%) concentrations were also noted in summer, which can be attributed to the favorable environmental conditions for microbial activities. The mean removal of organics in ACW was lowest during summer season (-52% to 35%), wherein the onset of algal decay triggered a relative increase in organic matter and stimulate bacterial growth. The removal of organics in LCW was highest (54 % to 55%) during the fall and winter seasons since low water temperatures may limit the persistence of various algal species. Variations in environmental conditions due to seasonal changes can greatly affect the performance of CW systems. This study effectively established the contributory factors affecting the feasibility of utilizing CW systems for treating agricultural and livestock discharges and runoff.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.393-401
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• 2013

Objectives: Endotoxins in dust generated in occupational settings is known to contribute to the occurrence of respiratory illness among workers. The relationship between the level of endotoxins in total dust or respirable particulates collected from swine farms and immunological markers related with respiratory allergy was evaluated among swine husbandry workers. Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from ten workers at ten swine farms at Gyeonggi province, Korea. Peripheral mononuclear cells were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin for 48 hours. The levels of various cytokines produced at culture supernatants were determined using a commercially available ELISA kit. The concentration of particulate matter($PM_{10}$) in the indoor air of the swine farms was evaluated using a PVC membrane filter and mini volume air sampler, and endotoxin levels in the dust were measured by Limulus Amebocyte Lysate Kinetic QCL method. Results: Levels of endotoxins in the total dust were categorized into high(geometric mean: $109.35EU/m^3$) and low concentrations (geometric mean: $0.95EU/m^3$) for five swine farms. Interleukin-4 levels were higher in the high endotoxin group than in the low endotoxin group, while interferon-${\gamma}$ levels were lower in the high endotoxin group than in the low endotoxin group. The ratio (interferon-${\gamma}$ to interleukin-4), indicating immunologic skewedness against allergic reactivities, was lower in the high endotoxin group($1.15{\pm}0.60$) than the low endotoxin group($3.09{\pm}2.38$). In addition, the level of interleukin-13, another cytokine contributing to the occurrence of allergic responses, was significantly higher in the at the high endotoxin group($1.12{\pm}0.37ng/m{\ell}$) than in the low endotoxin group($0.37{\pm}0.04ng/m{\ell}$). Hematologic assessment showed significantly lower cellularity in the number of total leukocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils in the high endotoxin group than in the low endotoxin group. Conclusions: Even though a sufficient number of swine workers and farms were not investigated, this study generlly suggests that the immunological function of swine farm workers exposed to high levels of endotoxin could be modulated toward allergic reactivities.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.347-361
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• 2003

Sulfur dioxide (SO$_2$), ozone, total suspended particulates (TSP) and PM$_{2.5}$ were measured at Deokjeok Island in the Yellow Sea during April 1999 to June 2000. Although the emission amount of air pollutants is quite low in this small island of 36 km$^2$ with 1.4 thousand inhabitants, there are pollutant sources such as an oil -firing power plant and a wharf for ferryboat. The island is also influenced from the emissions from the greater Seoul area in the east and from China in the west. In order to characterize the pollutant variations due to interactions between transport and local emissions. the correlation between variations of SO$_2$ and ozone was investigated. Mass and ion concentrations of TSP and PM$_{2.5}$ were examined on selected episode days of positive and negative correlations between the two gaseous species in spring and winter. The effects of transport were pronounced on the days of positive correlation in spring with higher concentrations of ozone and PM$_{2.5}$. TSP concentrations were also high on these days because of high wind speeds. On the days of negative correlation in spring, frequent fog associated with low wind speeds facilitated SO$_2$ oxidation and increased sulfate accompanied with decrease in nitrate in PM$_{2.5}$ and chloride in TSP. This latter phenomena was noticeable since it showed that chemical composition of fine particles could be significantly altered not only during the transport but also by local environment.ronment.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.271-276
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• 2000

The research centers on the health risk assessment of airborne toxic metals in Taejon third and fourth industrial complexes. Total suspended particulates were collected on glass microfibre filters by high volume air samplers. Fifteen toxic metals including 6 carcinogenic metals were analyzed by ICP-MS and ICP-AES after the pre-treatment of mixed acid extraction. The following results were summarized from the research : 1) the concentrations of TSPs were $17.7{\sim}219.6{\mu}g/m^3$ while the arithmetic mean concentration was $101.7{\mu}g/m^3$; 2) the arithmetic mean concentrations of human carcinogens such as arsenic, hexavalent chromium and nickel subsulfide were 10.22, 6.96 and 6.42 $ng/m^3$, respectively while those of probable human carcinogens such as beryllium, cadmium and lead were 0.13, 3.41, 97.65 $ng/m^3$, respectively; 3) the point risk estimate for the inhalation of carcinogenic metals was $1.5{\times}10^{-4}$, which was much higher than a risk standard of $10^{-5}$; 4) approximately 93% of the cancer risk were to the inhalation of human carcinogens, arsenic and hexavalent chromium, which should be properly managed in Taejon third and fourth industrial complexes.