• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.221-229
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• 2023

Extracted from the metropolitan area, the Paldang Lake, which supplies approximately 8 million tons of water, has achieved a BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) of 1.1 mg/L as a result of water quality preservation policies. However, concerning the COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) component that encompasses refractory organic matter, there has been an observable upward trend in concentration. The introduction of refractory organic matter into the water source of Paldang Lake brings potential increments in BOD, generates off-putting tastes and odors in tap water, increases THM (Trihalomethane) formation, and triggers algae proliferation. Moreover, if residual hazardous refractory pollutants persist in aquatic environments, they may induce endocrine disruption and phenomena such as antibiotic resistance. In this study, a monitoring campaign was executed to discern the concentration of refractory organic matter emissions from point and non-point sources within Paldang Lake and its upstream region, with the aim of managing refractory organic matter in Paldang Lake. By comparing refractory organic matter emission concentrations across monitored areas, the elimination efficiency at wastewater treatment plants was assessed. Additionally, employing the Pearson correlation correlation analysis technique, correlations among refractory organic matter indices, antecedent wet days, and antecedent dry days were explored. The concentrations of refractory organic matter in rivers and Paldang Lake exhibited a similar pattern. Wastewater treatment plant effluents exhibited higher concentrations compared to rivers and Paldang Lake. The assessment of refractory organic matter removal at wastewater treatment plants indicated a removal efficiency of 65.73%. However, no significant correlation emerged between refractory organic matter emission concentration and antecedent wet days or priory antecedent dry days. This absence of correlation is attributed to data scarcity, underscoring the need for long-term monitoring and data accumulation.

• Korean Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.45-52
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• 2023

Recently, as climate change caused by greenhouse gases is intensifying, the international community has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The purpose of this study is to present the methodology and major considerations for investment judgment. Two actual cases of overseas projects were selected as study subjects. As an analysis method, the major risk factors were defined as a probability distribution, and the NPV was stochastically estimated using the Monte Carlo simulation method. In addition, assuming a policy change, the range of NPV change was analyzed. As a result, the average NPV of project A was lowered by 19%, and the probability of showing a negative NPV was 12.2%. The average value of project B was lowered by 12.5%. Considering the policy change, project A can obtain economic benefits only when it obtains 72.9% or more of the total amount of carbon credits generated, and project B is economically feasible when it acquires 49.5% or more. As a result, the average value of project A is lower than the net present value under basic assumptions, so caution is needed in investment decisions depending on changes in major risk factors. Additionally, considering policy changes, the carbon credit distribution ratio should be differentially applied depending on the project size, and this was presented as a specific figure.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.284-301
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• 2023

The changes in rice climatic yield potential (CYP) across the Korean Peninsula are evaluated based on the new climate change scenario produced by the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences with 18 ensemble members at 1 km resolution under a Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) and Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) emission scenarios. To overcome the data availability, we utilize solar radiation f or CYP instead of sunshine duration which is relatively uncommon in the climate prediction f ield. The result show that maximum CYP(CYPmax) decreased, and the optimal heading date is progressively delayed under warmer temperature conditions compared to the current climate. This trend is particularly pronounced in the SSP5-85 scenario, indicating faster warming, except for the northeastern mountainous regions of North Korea. This shows the benef its of lower emission scenarios and pursuing more efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, the CYPmax shows a wide range of feasible futures, which shows inherent uncertainties in f uture climate projections and the risks when analyzing a single model or a small number of model results, highlighting the importance of the ensemble approach. The f indings of this study on changes in rice productivity and uncertainties in temperature and solar radiation during the 21st century, based on climate change scenarios, hold value as f undamental information for climate change adaptation efforts.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.517-527
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• 2023

Objectives: We examine cases of chemical poisoning that occurred in the cleaning of metal parts and the regulations on halogenated solvents in other countries and propose regulations necessary to prevent chemical poisoning from halogenated solvents. Methods: We collected cases of chemical poisoning through the website of the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency. A review of the literature was conducted focusing on regulations related to halogenated solvents in the United States and the European Union, particularly for cleaning metal parts. Among the Material Safety Data Sheets submitted to the government, MSDS containing eleven substances were extracted to confirm the composition and product use. We investigated cleaning methods for metal parts used in South Korea. For the hazard classification, the European Chemicals Agency or Japan's NITE's website was used. Results: In the case of poisoning, the cleaning methods involving trichloromethane were dipping and dry, which was not found in the literature. It was confirmed that many halogenated solvents and dimethyl carbonate were used for metal cleaning in South Korea. In vapor degreasing using TCE in the USA, even if the facility is strictly managed, such as by installing cooling coils in open cleaning facilities, the risk of exposure to TCE is considered to be not only carcinogenic but also a concern for acute and chronic effects. In comparison, exposure through Korean work methods such as dipping and drying operations is inevitably much higher. Conclusions: The transition to water-based cleaning with low-hazard chemicals should be a priority in the cleaning process. In the case of metal parts that require precise cleaning, if the use of a halogenated solvent is inevitable, a closed degreasing facility should be used to minimize exposure. The current regulations in the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Chemical Substances Control Act, and the Air Environment Conservation Act do not require cleaning facilities to minimize emissions. To protect the health of workers using halogenated solvents to clean metal parts, regulations that require a fundamental reduction in exposure will be necessary.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.362-368
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• 2023

This research article explores the application of Polymer of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIM-1) as a cutting-edge material for CO₂ gas separation membranes in response to the escalating global concern over climate change and the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study delves into the synthesis, molecular weight control, and fabrication of PIM-1 membranes, providing comprehensive insights through various characterization techniques. The intrinsic microporosity of PIM-1, arising from its unique crosslinked and rigid structure, is harnessed for selective gas permeation, particularly of carbon dioxide. The article emphasizes the tunable chemical properties of PIM-1, allowing for customization and optimization of gas separation membranes. By controlling the molecular weight, higher molecular weight (H-PIM-1) membranes are demonstrated to exhibit superior CO₂ permeability and selectivity compared to lower molecular weight counterparts (L-PIM-1). The study's findings highlight the critical role of molecular weight in tailoring PIM-1 membrane properties, contributing to the advancement of next-generation membrane technologies for efficient and selective CO₂ capture-an essential step in addressing the pressing global challenge of climate change.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.77-83
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• 2023

Energy consumption is increased by rapid industrialization. As a result, climate change is accelerating due to the increase in CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere. Therefore, a shift in the energy paradigm is required. Hydrogen is in the spotlight as a part of that. Currently 95% of hydrogen is fossil fuel-based reforming hydrogen which is accompanied by CO₂ emissions. This is called gray hydrogen, if the CO₂ is captured and emission of CO₂ is reduced, it can be converted into blue hydrogen. There are 3 technologies to capture CO₂: absorption, adsorption and membrane technology. In order to select CO₂ capture technology, the analysis of the exhaust gas should be carried out. The concentration of CO₂ in the flue gas from the hydrogen production process is higher than 20%if water is removed as well as the emission scale is classified as small and medium. So, the application of the membrane technology is more advantageous than the absorption. In addition, if LNG cold energy can be used for low temperature CO₂ capture system, the CO₂/N₂ selectivity of the membrane is higher than room temperature CO₂ capture and enabling an efficient CO₂ capture process. In this study, we will analyze the flue gas from hydrogen production process and discuss suitable CO₂ capture technology for it.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.971-979
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• 2023

Small ships (<499 GT) constitute 46% of the existing ships, therefore, it can be concluded that they produce relatively high CO₂ gas emissions. Operating in optimal trim conditions can reduce the resistance of the ship, which results in fewer greenhouse gases. An affordable way for trim optimization is to adjust the weight distribution to obtain an optimum longitudinal center of gravity (LCG). Therefore, in this study, the effect of LCG changes on the resistance of a small planing ship is studied using empirical and numerical analyses. The Savitsky method employing Maxsurf resistance and the STAR-CCM+ commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software is used for the empirical and numerical analyses, respectively. Finally, the total resistance from the ship design process is compared to obtain the optimum LCG. To summarize, using numerical analysis, optimum LCG is achieved at the 46.2% length overall (LoA) at Froude Number 0.56, and 43.4% LoA at Froude Number 0.63, which provides a significant resistance reduction of 41.12 - 45.16% compared to the reference point at 29.2% LoA.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.964-970
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• 2023

As part of the International Maritime Organization ef orts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the maritime industry is exploring low-carbon fuels such as liquefied natural gas and methanol, as well as zero-carbon fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia, evaluating them as environmentally friendly alternatives. Particularly, ammonia has substantial operational experience as cargo on transport ships, and ammonia ship engines are expected to be available in the second half of 2024, making it relatively accessible for commercial use. However, overcoming the toxicity challenges associated with using ammonia as a fuel is imperative. Detection is possible at levels as low as 5 ppm through olfactory senses, and exposure to concentrations exceeding 300 ppm for more than 30 min can result in irreparable harm. Using the KORA program provided by the Chemical Safety Agency, an assessment of the potential risks arising from leaks during ammonia bunkering was conducted. A 1-min leak could lead to a 5 ppm impact within a radius of approximately 7.5 km, affecting key areas in Busan, a major city. Furthermore, the potentially lethal concentration of 300 ppm could have severe consequences in densely populated areas and schools near the bunkering site. Therefore, given the absence of regulations related to ammonia bunkering, the potential for widespread toxicity from even minor leaks highlights the requirement for the development of legislation. Establishing an integrated system involving local governments, fire departments, and environmental agencies is crucial for addressing the potential impacts and ensuring the safety of ammonia bunkering operations.

• Informatization Policy
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.40-61
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• 2023

The adoption of smart factories and smart manufacturing as strategies to enhance competitiveness and stimulate growth in the manufacturing sector is vital for a country's future competitiveness and industrial transformation. The government has consistently pursued smart manufacturing innovation policies starting with the Manufacturing Innovation 3.0 strategy in the Ministry of Industry. This study aims to identify policy areas for smart factories and smart manufacturing based on technical standards. Analyzing policy areas at the current stage where the establishment and support of domestic standards aligning with international technical standards are required is crucial. By prioritizing smart manufacturing process areas within the industry, policymakers can make well-informed decisions to advance smart manufacturing without blindly following international standardization in already well-established areas. To achieve this, the study utilizes a hierarchical analysis method including expert interviews and importance-performance analysis for the five major process areas. The findings underscore the importance of proactive participation in standardization for emerging technologies, such as data and security, instead of solely focusing on areas with extensive international standardization. Additionally, policymakers need to consider carbon emissions, energy costs, and global environmental challenges to address international trends in export and digital trade effectively.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.318-337
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• 2023

This study utilizes system dynamics to examine the effects of fine dust reduction policies on PM10 concentration and health. System dynamics has the advantage of modeling the dynamic and circular relationship between PM₁₀ emission sources, reduction policies, PM₁₀ concentration, and health effect. The study created policy scenarios for Korea's representative fine dust reduction policies - industrial PM₁₀ emission control, diesel vehicle regulation, expansion of electric vehicles, and expansion of parks and green areas - and compared the results with the 2030 baseline if the current trend is maintained. The analysis showed that the policy of supporting electric vehicles reduced PM₁₀ concentration by 0.21 ㎍/m³ and reduced the number of people with circulatory diseases by 494, and the effect was evenly distributed across the country. The industrial emissions regulation scenario resulted in the highest PM₁₀ concentration reduction of 0.22 ㎍/m³, but had a lower reduction in the number of people affected (358) than the EV support strategy, which could be attributed to the fact that this policy had a particularly high PM₁₀ reduction effect in industrial areas such as Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, and Sahagu, Busan. As a policy implication, this study suggests that it is necessary to apply fine dust policies tailored to the characteristics of local emission sources.