• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.25-34
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• 2014

In winter 2013, extreme air pollution by fine particulate matter ($PM_{2.5}$) in China attracted much public attention. In order to simulate the $PM_{2.5}$ pollution, the Community Multiscale Air Quality model driven by the Weather Research and Forecasting model was applied to East Asia in a period from 1 January 2013 to 5 February 2013. The model generally reproduced $PM_{2.5}$ concentration in China with emission data in the year 2006. Therefore, the extreme $PM_{2.5}$ pollution seems to be mainly attributed to meteorological (weak wind and stable) conditions rather than emission increases in the past several years. The model well simulated temporal and spatial variations in $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations in Japan as well as China, indicating that the model well captured characteristics of the $PM_{2.5}$ pollutions in both areas on the windward and leeward sides in East Asia in the study period. In addition, contribution rates of four anthropogenic emission sectors (power generation, industrial, residential and transportation) in China to $PM_{2.5}$ concentration were estimated by conducting zero-out emission sensitivity runs. Among the four sectors, the residential sector had the highest contribution to $PM_{2.5}$ concentration. Therefore, the extreme $PM_{2.5}$ pollution may be also attributed to large emissions from combustion for heating in cold regions in China.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.907-914
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• 2019

Ammonia (NH₃) that reacts with nitric or sulfuric acid in the air is the major culprit contributing to the formation of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5). NH₃ volatilization mainly originates from nitrogen fertilizer and livestock manure applied to arable soil. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) of peat moss (PM) and zeolite (ZL) is high enough to adsorb ammonium (NH₄⁺) in soil. Therefore, they might inhibit volatilization of NH₃. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of PM and ZL on NH₃ volatilization from upland soil. For this, a laboratory experiment was carried out, and NH₃ volatilization from the soil was monitored for 12 days. PM and ZL were added at the rate of 0, 1, 2, and 4% (wt wt^-1) with 354 N g m^-2 of urea. Cumulative NH₃-N volatilization decreased with increasing addition rate of both materials. Mean value of cumulative NH₃-N volatilization across application rate with PM was lower than that with ZL. CEC increased with increasing addition rate of both materials. While the soil pH increased with ZL, it decreased with PM. Increase in CEC resulted in NH₄⁺ adsorption on the negative charge of the external surface of both materials. In addition, decrease in soil pH hinders the conversion of NH₄⁺ to NH₃. Based on the above results, the addition of PM or ZL could be an optimum management to reduce NH₃ volatilization from the soil. However, PM was more effective in decreasing NH₃ volatilization than ZL due to the combined effect of CEC and pH.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.27 no.7
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• pp.543-554
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• 2018

From November 2013 to December 2016, ambient fine particulate matter ($PM_{2.5}$) was sampled in the downtown area of Jeju City, South Korea, which has seen rapid urbanization. The atmospheric concentrations of elements were measured in the $PM_{2.5}$ samples. This study focused on Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, As, Sb, Sn, V, and Zn. The concentrations of Al, Na, K, Fe, Ca, Mg, Sr, and La were also obtained for reference. The objectives of this study were to examine the contributions of these elements to $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations in downtown Jeju City, and to investigate the inter-element relationships and the elemental sources by using enrichment factors and principal components analysis (PCA). A composition analysis showed that the 19 elements constituted 6.65 % of the $PM_{2.5}$ mass, and Na, K, Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, and Zn constituted 98 % of the total ion mass. Seasonal trend analysis for the sampling period indicated that the concentrations of the elements increased from November to April. However, no substantial seasonal variations were found in the concentrations of the elements. The composition ratios of some elements (Cu/Zn, Cu/Cd, Cu/Pb, V/Ni, and V/La) were found to be out of range when compared to the literature from other urban areas. The ratios between the elements and the PCA results showed that local contaminant sources in Jeju City rarely influence the composition of $PM_{2.5}$. This suggests that the major sources of $PM_{2.5}$ in Jeju City may include long-range transport of fine particulate matter produced in other areas.

• Particle and aerosol research
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.31-47
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• 2020

Although interest in air quality has increased due to the frequent occurrence of high-concentration fine particulate matter recently, the official fine particulate matter measuring network has failed to provide spatial detailed air quality information. This is because current measurement equipment has a high cost of installation and maintenance, which limits the composition of the measuring network at high resolution. To compensate for the limitations of the current official measuring network, this study constructed a spatial high density measuring network using the fine particulate matter simple measuring device developed by Observer, W-Station. W-Station installed 48 units on Jeju Island and measured PM_2.5 for six months. The data collected in W-Station were corrected by applying the first regression equation for each section, and these measurements were compared and analyzed based on the official measurements installed in Jeju Island. As a result, the time series of PM_2.5 concentrations measured in W-Station showed concentration characteristics similar to those of the environmental pollution measuring network. In particular, the results of comparing the measurements of W-Station within a 2 km radius of the reference station and the reference station showed that the coefficient of determination (R²) was 0.79, 0.81, 0.67, respectively. In addition, for W-Station within a 1 km radius, the coefficient of determination was 0.85, 0.82, 0.68, respectively, showing slightly higher correlation. In addition, the local concentration deviation of some regions could be confirmed through 48 high density measuring networks. These results show that if a network of measurements is constructed with adequate spatial distribution using a number of simple meters with a certain degree of proven performance, the measurements are effective in monitoring local air quality and can be fully utilized to supplement or replace formal measurements.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.185-196
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• 2024

Objectives: Excess mortality associated with long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) has been documented. However, research on the disease burden following short-term exposure is scarce. We investigated the cause-specific mortality burden of short-term exposure to PM_2.5 by considering the potential non-linear concentration-response relationship in Korea. Methods: Daily cause-specific mortality rates and PM_2.5 exposure levels from 2010 to 2019 were collected for 8 Korean cities and 9 provinces. A generalized additive mixed model was employed to estimate the non-linear relationship between PM_2.5 exposure and cause-specific mortality levels. We assumed no detrimental health effects of PM_2.5 concentrations below 15 ㎍/m³. Overall deaths attributable to short-term PM_2.5 exposure were estimated by summing the daily numbers of excess deaths associated with ambient PM_2.5 exposure. Results: Of the 2 749 704 recorded deaths, 2 453 686 (89.2%) were non-accidental, 591 267 (21.5%) were cardiovascular, and 141 066 (5.1%) were respiratory in nature. A non-linear relationship was observed between all-cause mortality and exposure to PM_2.5 at lag0, whereas linear associations were evident for cause-specific mortalities. Overall, 10 814 all-cause, 7855 non-accidental, 1642 cardiovascular, and 708 respiratory deaths were attributed to short-term exposure to PM_2.5. The estimated number of all-cause excess deaths due to short-term PM_2.5 exposure in 2019 was 1039 (95% confidence interval, 604 to 1472). Conclusions: Our findings indicate an association between short-term PM_2.5 exposure and various mortality rates (all-cause, non-accidental, cardiovascular, and respiratory) in Korea over the period from 2010 to 2019. Consequently, action plans should be developed to reduce deaths attributable to short-term exposure to PM_2.5.

• Journal of Korean Society for Quality Management
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.47-57
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• 2019

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the Seoul area by predicting unhealthy days due to PM2.5 and comparing the regional differences. Methods: The extreme value theory is adopted to model and compare the PM2.5 concentration in each region, and each best model is selected through the goodness of fitness test. The maximum likelihood estimation technique is applied to estimate the parameters of each distribution, and the fitness of each model is measured by the mean absolute deviation. The selected model is used to estimate the number of unhealthy days (above $75{\mu}g/m^3$ PM2.5 concentrations) in each region, with which the actual number of unhealthy days are compared. In addition, the level of PM2.5 concentration in each region is analyzed by calculating the return levels for periods of 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years. Results: The Mapo (MP) area revealed the most unhealthy days, followed by Gwanak (GW) and Yangcheon (YC). On the contrary, the number of unhealthy days was low in Seodaemun (SDM), Songpa (SP) and Gangbuk (GB) areas. The return level of PM2.5 was high in Gangnam (GN), Dongjak (DJ) and YC. It will be necessary to prepare for PM2.5 than other regions. On the contrary, Gangbuk (GB), Nowon (NW) and Seodaemun (SDM) showed relatively low return levels for PM2.5. However, in most of the regions of Seoul, PM25 is generated at a very poor level ($75{\mu}g/m^3$) every 6months period, and more than $100{\mu}g/m^3$ PM2.5 occur every 3 years period. Most areas in Seoul require more systematic management of PM2.5. Conclusion: In this paper, accurate prediction and analysis of high concentration of PM2.5 were attempted. The results of this research could provide the basis for the Seoul Metropolitan Government to establish policies for reducing PM2.5 and measuring its effects.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.257-266
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• 2024

Background: Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and ozone (O₃) poses potential health risks. The Indoor-to-Outdoor ratio (I/O ratio) is a valuable tool for understanding indoor air quality and identifying potential indoor sources. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine I/O ratios of PM_2.5 and O₃ by different microenvironments and seasons in Korea. Methods: From December 2021 to November 2023, indoor concentrations of PM_2.5 and O₃ were monitored every hour in 13 microenvironments (residential indoor, office, school, restaurant, pub, café, study café, private educational institute, PC room, billiard room, screen golf center, supermarket, and shopping mall) in Korea. Hourly outdoor concentrations of PM_2.5 and O₃ were obtained from local air quality monitoring stations, provided by airkorea.or.kr. The hourly I/O ratio was calculated by the indoor and outdoor concentrations. Results: At the pub, billiard room, and PC room, the median PM_2.5 I/O ratio exceeded 1 in all seasons, except in spring at the PC room (0.9), suggesting indoor smoking as a potential cause. The median PM_2.5 I/O ratio at the restaurant exceeded 1 in winter, autumn, and summer, except for spring (0.9), indicating significant PM_2.5 emission sources in the restaurant. The median O₃ I/O ratio was below 0.5 in all seasons and microenvironments. Conclusions: This study provided useful data on relationships between indoor and outdoor pollution in various microenvironments by seasons. These I/O ratios could be applied for more accurate exposure assessment to protect health of human.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.213-221
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• 2002

The emission characteristics of particulate matter (PMs) and heavy metals from hazardous industrial wast incinerators were investigated. The particle size distribution (PSD) of PM-10 showed different patterns for two tripes of incinerators; stoker and rotary kiln. However both types showed bimodal form at inlet of air pollution control devices (APCD) and each peak (mode) is located at smaller than 1 ${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ and near 10 ${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$. It could explain the growth of fine PM by nucleation/coagulation/condensation of metal vapors for fine mode. The PSD of PM-10 after APCD was also influenced by APCD types that had different collection mechanism, and both electrostatic precipitator and bag filter showed less collection efficiency for particles ranged from 0.2 to 0.4 ${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ and led to a mode in the range of 0.2 to 0.8 ${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$. However the hag filter showed two modes of PSD, while the electrostatic precipitator had one peak. The PMs and heavy metals emission factors, the representative value of emission quantity for sources, for tested facilities were developed. The emission factor of uncontrolled total PM and PM-10 were 14.7 and 7.05 kg/ton waste, respectively. The emission factors from this study were a little bit different with those from US EPA AP-42. It may thus be appropriate to use these results in the course of developing national emission factors.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.338-352
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• 2023

As of 2019, Korea's fine dust is the most severe among 38 OECD countries, and in the same year, 「the Framework on Disaster and Safety Management」 was revised to define fine dust as a social disaster. Currently, the government is working to achieve its emission reduction goals by preparing a comprehensive fine dust management plan (2022-2023) consisting of a total of five areas, 42 tasks, and 177 detailed tasks. However, it is necessary to come up with measures in consideration of the various spatial characteristics of the city, not just as a source of emission. Therefore, in this study, the shape of the city was classified using the LCZ (Local Climate Zone) classification system into 17 types by building type and land cover type in Busan, and the average annual PM10 and PM2.5 concentration were mapped using the IDW technique. In addition, Fragstats and Moving Window were used to quantify the LCZ classification system. Finally, correlation analysis and regression analysis were conducted to analyze the relationship between the LCZ classification system and PM10 and PM2.5. As a result, it was confirmed that the type of low height of the building and the type of green space with trees had a positive effect on the concentration of PM10 and PM2.5. Therefore, this study is expected to be used as basic data to establish fine dust reduction policies based on efficient spatial planning.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.96-103
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• 2012

Ambient particulate matter (PM) and particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations were measured continuously for 70 days at a Korean elementary school located near a highway. The $PM_{10}$, $PM_{2.5}$, and $PM_1$ values were measured with a light-scattering, multi-channel, aerosol spectrometer (Grimm, Model 1.107). The number concentrations of the particles were measured using a scanning mobility particle sizer and counter (SMPS+C) which counted particles from 11.1 to 1083.3 nm classified in 44 channels. Particle-bound PAHs were measured with a direct reading, photoelectric aerosol sensor. The daily $NO_2$, $SO_2$, and CO concentrations were obtained from a national air-monitoring station located near the school. The average concentrations of $PM_{10}$, $PM_{2.5}$, and $PM_1$ were 75.3, 59.3, and $52.1{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively. The average number concentration of the ultrafine particles (UFPs) was $46,307/cm^3$, and the averaged particle-bound PAHs concentration was $17.9ng/cm^3$ during the study period. The ambient UFP variation was strongly associated with traffic intensity, particularly peak concentrations during the traffic rush hours. Particles <100 nm corresponded to traffic-related pollutants, including PAHs. Additional longterm monitoring of ambient UFPs and high-resolution traffic measurements should be carried out in future studies. In addition, transient variations in the ambient particle concentration should be taken into consideration in epidemiology studies in order to examine the short-term health effects of urban UFPs.