• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.23 no.8
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• pp.1409-1418
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• 2014

Foundry has an important economic value in the industry. However, the generation of air pollutants like particulate and odor are serious. Due to the unavoidable usage of molding sand, particulate occurs in almost all the processes. That accounts for the majority of respirable dust in the size less than $10{\mu}m$ As well as particulate, over 22 species of odor-causing gases and VOCs including hydrogen sulfide and ammonia are occurred. Therefore, the development of equipment that can simultaneously remove TVOC and particulate is regarded as an essential research. In this study, the spraying absorbent system was connected with the shear bag filter for the purpose to remove TVOC and particulate simultaneously. Maximization of process efficiency for the affective factors like the powder combination and injection method is conducted. The experiment was performed at the de-molding process of one foundry plant. Through these devices, the removal efficiency of more than 95% for TVOC was achieved with the absorbent that composed by 800 mesh Activated carbon (80%) and 300 mesh zeolite (20%). Also, the durability and economic evaluation were assessed. In the result of Durability assessment, the available recovery to maintain the deodorizing effect at 90% was counted to 350 degree.

• Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.180-185
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• 2009

Only limited information is available as regards to the exposure levels of naphthalene (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAHs) and monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(MAHs) in the interiors of diesel-fueled passenger cars, while many studies investigated the exposure levels of various volatile organic compounds(VOCs) in the interiors of gasoline-fueled passenger cars or public buses. Present study was performed to supplement this deficiency by measuring naphthalene (as a representative of PAHs) and MAHs levels inside five diesel-fueled and five gasoline-fueled passenger cars while morning and evening commuting on real roadways. Each car was surveyed five times on different sampling days. The in-vehicle naphthalene levels were higher for the diesel-fueled cars as compared to gasoline-fueled cars, whereas the results were reversed for the in-vehicle MAH levels. The median cabin levels of diesel-fueled cars were 1.3, 7, 13, 4, and 6 ${\mu}g/m^3$ for naphthalene, benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and m,pxylene, respectively. With respect to gasoline-fueled cars, their respective levels were 0.7, 11, 21, 7, and 9 ${\mu}g/m^3$ . The median MAHs concentration ratios of gasoline-fueled cars to diesel-fueled cars ranged from 1.50 to 1.75, while the median naphthalene concentration ratio was estimated to be 0.54. In addition, there was no significant difference of both naphthalene and MAHs between the diesel-fueled cars, but the in-vehicle levels were significantly different between gasoline-fueled cars. The concentration levels of both naphthalene and MAHs were higher in the passenger cars than other non-industrial microenvironments. Consequently, it was confirmed that the cabins of both diesel-fueled and gasoline-fueled passenger cars are an important microenvironment associated with the exposure to naphthalene and MAHs.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.223-232
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• 2018

As the Seoul metropolitan city has the largest numbers of population and vehicles, the citizens can be exposed to hazardous air pollutants(HAPs) mainly from the vehicular exhaust and human activities. In this study, we proposed a systematic method for the selection of priority monitoring areas for HAPs using Geographic Information System (GIS). First, emission parameters(emission data, vehicle registration, monitoring data, and so on) and population parameters (population and population density) were plotted using the inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation. Then, the interpolation data for individual parameters, which were normalized between 1 and 5 points, were compiled for 270 grids with a resolution of $2km{\times}2km$. The total score of each grid was calculated using weights(1~5) for the individual parameters. The final ranking of each grid was assigned by four scenarios with varying fractions of the emission and population parameters from 50 : 50 to 80 : 20. Consequently, nine grids were suggested as priority monitoring areas, and all of them are located in the southwestern part of Seoul.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.501-509
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• 2011

Unlike many laboratory-scale studies on absorption of organic compounds (VOCs), limited pilot-scale studies have been reported. Accordingly, the present study was carried out to examine operation parameters for the effective control of a hydrophilic VOC (methyl ethyl ketone, MEK) by applying a circular pilot-scale packed-absorption system (inside diameter 37 cm ${\times}$ height 167 cm). The absorption efficiencies of MEK were investigated for three major operation parameters: input concentration, water flow rate, and ratio of gas flow-rate to washing water amount (water-to-gas ratio). The experimental set-up comprised of the flow control system, generation system, recirculation system, packed-absorption system, and outlet system. For three MEK input concentrations (300, 350, and 750 ppm), absorption efficiencies approached near 95% and then, decreased gradually as the operation time increased, thereby suggesting a non-steady state condition. Under these conditions, higher absorption efficiencies were shown for lower input concentration conditions, which were consistent with those of laboratory-scale studies. However, a steady state condition occurred for two input concentration conditions (100 and 200 ppm), and the difference in absorption efficiencies between these two conditions were insignificant. As supported by an established gas-liquid absorption theory, a higher water flow rate exhibited a greater absorption efficiency. Moreover, as same with the laboratory-scale studies, the absorption efficiencies increased as water-to-gas ratios increased. Meanwhile, regardless of water flow rates or water-to-gas ratios, as the operation time of the absorption became longer, the pH of water increased, but the elevation extent was not substantial (maximum pH difference, 1.1).

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.325-336
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• 2006

The presence of volatile organic compounds (VOC), produced and released from both anthropogenic and natural sources, can accelerate the degradation of air quality in the surrounding area. In this study, we investigated the emission concentrations of VOC based on a total of 115 sample analysis made from 47 companies (representing 17 types of industry) at the Ban Wall industrial complex (Jun. 2004 to Jan. 2005). Through a statistical analysis of these measurement data, we inspected the emission characteristics of VOC in relation with industrial type and processing unit. When these data were compared each other, toluene was found to record the highest value of 423 ppb followed by ethylbenzene (68.3 ppb), m, p-xylene (43.6 ppb), o-xylene (27.2 ppb), styrene (23.9 ppb), and benzene (16.4 pub). In addition, by converting these VOC concentration data into malodor intensity, we attempted to account for their distribution patterns in terms of relative contribution to the malodor formation. The results of odor intensity conversion generally indicated that the odor intensities of individual VOC do not exceed the degree of 1. When our VOC results were compared against other odorous compounds measured concurrently, the results were highly contrasting each other. Despite relative insignificance as odorous compounds, these VOCs are generally found ubiquitously and in abundant quantities in this strong source area.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.22 no.7
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• pp.823-836
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• 2013

Emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHGs) from aircraft activities at 11 small-scale airports were investigated using the emissions and dispersion modeling system (EDMS) version 5.1.3 during the two year period of 2009~2010. The number of landing and take-off (LTO) at these airports was dominant for the aircraft type B737, accounting for more than 60% of the total LTOs. Out of the 11 small-scale airports, Gwangju (GJ, RKJJ) airport was the largest emitter of air pollutants and GHGs, whereas Yangyang (YY, RKNY) airport was the smallest emitter. The emissions of $NO_x$ and VOCs in 2010 at the 11 airports ranged from 1.9 to 83 ton/y and 0.1 to 17 ton/y, respectively. In 2010, the emissions of $CO_2$ ranged from 394 to 21,217 ton/y. The emissions of most air pollutants (except for $NO_x$ and $PM_{10}$) and GHGs were estimated to be the highest in taxi-out mode. The highest emissions of $NO_x$ and $PM_{10}$ were emitted from climb-out and approach modes, respectively. In addition, the total LTOs at the 11 small-scale airports accounted for the range of 9.3~9.9% of those at four major international airports in Korea. The total emissions of air pollutants and GHGs at the 11 airports ranged from 4.8 to 12% of those at the four major airports.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.57-64
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• 2009

A material database has been developed for VOCs and formaldehyde emitted from building materials in this study. New classification system has been made by correlating the classification methods used in Korean Air Cleaning and Environmental Protection Agency. The developed databases include emission rates of TVOC, 5VOC and formaldehyde emitted from each building material. In addition, the databases can be used as an input variable to estimate indoor air quality (IAQ) using computer simulation since they also contain chemical component and general imformation. Box plot was used to do statistical analysis for emission rates of formaldehyde and TVOCs from different types of building materials. Also we confirmed the building materials worsening IAQ by categorizing the emission characteristic of different types of pollutants.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.261-268
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• 2014

In advanced countries, a variety of consumer exposure assessment models including CONSEXPO, are developed to manage risks of consumer products containing hazardous materials. The models are used to assess the risks of exposure to hazardous chemicals in consumer products, which serves as a foundation for regulation standards. In this study, exposure assessment models applicable for various scenarios were reviewed and a proper model was applied for the selected products and risk assessment was conducted at each stage to establish a risk assessment procedure for different types of products. Based on the exposure scenario, exposure factor was selected and according to the algorithm produced based on CONSEXPO exposure model, some level of phthalates were detected from some types of PVC flooring. However, a correlation between phthalate content and migration rate showed r-square 0.0065, little correlation, which is inadequate for estimating standard value. For this reason, it seems valid that the current standard be in place. Additionally, any new standard was not suggested as VOCs were not found harmful to human health, allowing the existing standard to be continuously applied. No migration rate was found for heavy metals and risk assessment was not performed accordingly. In this aspect, it is presumed that hazards to health through dermal exposure would be very little.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.188-198
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• 2008

Since 2003, the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) of Korea has been conducting "The monitoring study on exposure level and biomarkers of environmental pollutants" in the Ulsan industrial complex with the goals to establish a surveillance system for residents, to evaluate the health effects associated with chronic exposure to environmental pollutants and to develop the environmental health indicators in Ulsan industrial complex. This program consists of three phases an initial or foundation phase in which the program is developed, made operational and extended to the community, followed by an evaluation and accountability assessment of the surveillance system and finally an improvement in the quality of life and the maintenance of good health for Ulsan residents. In the period 2003 to 2008, the study program developed the surveillance system which will be used for the full-length survey. All participants in this study were contacted at a presentation meeting for residents, introduced to the objectives and protocols of the survey, and asked to participate. Informed consent was obtained from each participant. The study is now underway and includes questionnaires, health examinations and the analysis/collection/banking of bio-sample such as blood and urine. To date 828 subjects have participated and already 588 subjects have been followed up. We are committed to complete health examinations and to arrange storage of biosample for all participants. During the current year, we will analyze metals (Pb in blood and Cd, inorganic As and Hg in urine) in 1,972 samples and VOCs (11 species) and PARs (18 species) in 300 samples (blood sample). Moreover, the summary of the first step and the further preparation of the second step are currently underway. In this article, we introduce the study and its protocols and the distribution and size of the study participants. In conclusion, this survey will be continuously conducted on the established cohort and will enable the identification of relationship between environmental pollutant exposures and the health status of residents in Ulsan industrial complex.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.245-252
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• 2004

Two biofilter tests were conducted under different operating conditions. Test # 1 was performed to treat VOCs generated from a paint booth. The second test was performed to treat VOCs generated from chemical manufacturing processes. The volume of biofilter media was 4.3 $m^3$. For the test # 1, the biofilter was operated for 30 days with 99.9% reduction ratio. Range of temperature of each stage of the biofilter media was measured between $34^{\circ}C$ and $73^{\circ}C$. All the temperatures of stages reduced gradually after the initial dramatic increase. For the test # 2, the biofilter experiment was conducted for 14 days. In this case, the biofilter was installed outdoor and the experiment was performed during wintertime. Therefore, temperature management for the biofilter was needed. Seven-centimeter thick fiberglass insulation and $150^{\circ}C$ steam heating were used to overcome the outside freezing cold weather during test # 2. Temperature of stage # 5 was measured the highest and that of stage # 1 was the lowest. More acclimation time and test period was needed to determine the maximum loading rate.