• Proceedings of KOSOMES biannual meeting
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• 2007.11a
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• pp.43-49
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• 2007

The metals we are familiar with(Al, Ag, Au, Cu, Cd, Co, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn, etc) are common elements and conservative pollutants. Although metals are often vital constituents of the metabolism of living organisms(trace elements}, a number of them are toxic if their concentration exceeds a certain threshold. It has long been recognized that measurements of trace metals in natural waters are often subject to large errors in terms of precision and accuracy. Since 1975 in US and European countries, seawater concentration of many trace metals have been shown to be factors of 10-1,000 lower than those previously accepted. Vertical profiles have been found to be consistent with known biological, physical and/or geochemical processes. These are resulted from major advances in analytical instrumentation and methodology for trace elements, and greater attention has been given to assuring the elimination of contamination during sampling, storage, and analysis.

• Journal of Korea Technology Innovation Society
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.60-84
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• 2011

This study accomplished technology improvement assessment of Gashydrate R&D project using ANP method which can deal with the sophisticated decisions involving a variety of interactions and dependencies. Criteria were selected by consultation and questionnaires with experts in four technology parts of gas hydrate project, and then the network was formed from relation with criteria and alternatives. As the result of analysis, the weight matrix was derived and the various relation in the network was able to be verified. The analysis was accomplished with four technology parts - geophysical exploration technology, geological and geochemical technology, analysis of deep-drill cores and stability technology, production technology - and the 'reliability' criterion ranked the highest of all parts. The rank of other criteria and the result of technology improvement assessment reflected the level of each technology. Thus, the result of this study will contribute to policy decision-making for developing and evaluating gas hydrate technology and other R&D projects.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.455-467
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• 1995

In order to investigate the dispersion patterns and speciations of Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd in soils, stream sediments and stream waters, geochemical studies of soil, stream sediment and stream water samples collected in the vicinity of the Shi-Heung Cu-Pb-Zn mine was carried out Cation exchange capacity measurement, size analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis and batch test were performed to select applicable soil for adsorption treatment The average content of Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd in soils collected from tailings and ore dressing plant is 1084 ppm, 2292 ppm, 3512 ppm and 29.2 ppm, respectively, and therefore, tailings and ore dressing plant site may be the major contamination sources in this study area. The mean content of Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd in stream sediments is extremely high up to 794 ppm, 1633 ppm, 2946 ppm and 25.2 ppm, respectively. Tailing particles and heavy metal ions are dispersed along the tributary system. Results from the sequential extraction analysis indicate; (1) most of Cu is bound to organic matters and sulphides, (2) fraction of Pb is mainly bound to Fe and Mn oxides. Most of Zn is largely bound to Fe and Mn oxides and residual fraction. Ion exchangeable fraction of Cd is relatively higher than those of Cu, Pb and Zn. Batch test on soils collected from the kaolinite and/or pyrophyllite mines and from the control areas was carried out to select an applicable soil samples for adsorption treatment The sample, S10, collected from the control area 2 (clay content 33.2%) shows the highest $K_d$ (distribution coefficient). Organic content in soils and several clay minerals shows relatively good correlation with $K_d$. It means that applicable soils for adsorption treatment of heavy metals show high organic and clay content.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.55 no.9
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• pp.3268-3276
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• 2023

The practice of identifying the potential zones for mineral exploration in a speedy and low-cost method includes the use of satellite imagery analysis as a part of remote sensing techniques. It is challenging to explore the iron mineralization of a region through conventional methods which are a time-consuming process. The current study utilizes the Hyperion satellite imagery for mapping the iron mineralization and associated geological features in the Irikkur region, Kannur, Kerala. Along with the remote sensing results, the field study and laboratory-based analysis were conducted to retrieve the ground truth point and geochemical proportion to verify the iron ore mineralization. The MC simulation showed for shielding properties indicate an increase in the linear attenuation coefficient with raising the Fe₂O₃+SiO₂ concentrations in the investigated rocks where it is varied at 0.662 MeV in the range 0.190 cm^-1 - 0.222 cm^-1 with rising the Fe₂O₃+SiO₂ content from 57.86 wt% to 71.15 wt%. The analysis also revealed that when the γ-ray energy increased from 0.221 MeV to 2.506 MeV, sample 1 had the largest linear attenuation coefficient, ranging from 9.33 cm1 to 0.12 cm^-1. Charnockite rocks were found to have exceptional shielding qualities, making them an excellent natural choice for radiation shielding applications.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.105-119
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• 2012

Indigenous bacteria isolated from contaminated sites play important roles to remediate contaminated groundwater. Chromium has the most stable oxidation states. Cr(VI) is toxic, carcinogenic, and mobile, but Cr(III) is less toxic and immobile. In this study, indigenous microorganism (MMPH-0) was enriched from Cr(VI) contaminated groundwater, and identified by 16S rRNA gene analysis. Using MMPH-0, the effect of stimulating with e-donors (glucose, lactate, acetate, and no e-donor control), respiration conditions, biomass, tolerance, and geochemical changes on Cr(VI) reduction were investigated in batch experiments for 4 weeks. The changes of Cr(VI) concentration and geochemical conditions were monitored using UV-vis-spectrophotometer and Eh-pH meter. And the morphological and chemical characteristics of MMPH-0 and precipitates in the effluents were characterized by TEM-EDS and SEM-EDS analyses. MMPH-0 (Enterobacter aerogenes) was able to tolerate up to 2000 mg/L Cr(VI) and reduce Cr(VI) under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. MMPH-0 performed faster and higher efficiency of Cr(VI) reduction with electron donors (over 70% after 1 week with e-donor, 10-20% after 4 weeks without e-donor). The changes of Eh-pH in effluents showing the tendency from oxidizing to reducing condition and a bit of acidic change in pH due to microbial oxidation of organic matters donating electrons and protons suggested the roles of MMPH-0 on Cr(VI) in the contaminated water catalyzing to transit geochemical stable zone for more stable $Cr(OH)_3$ or Cr(III) precipitates. TEM/SEM-EDS analyses of MMPH-0 and precipitates indicate direct and indirect Cr(VI) reduction: extracellular polymers capturing Cr component outside cells. These results suggested diverse indigenous bacteria and their biogeochemical reactions might enhance more effective and feasible remediation technology of redox sensitive heavy metals in metal-contaminated in groundwater.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.123-133
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• 2011

The lab scale experiments to investigate the geochemical reaction among supercritical $CO_2$-mineral-brine which occurs at $CO_2$ sequestration sites were performed. High pressurized cell system (l00 bar and $50^{\circ}C$) was designed to create supercritical $CO_2$ in the cell, simulating the sub-surface $CO_2$ storage site. From the high pressurized cell experiment, the surface changes of Ca-feldspar, amphibole (tremolite) and olivine, resulted from the supercritical $CO_2$-mineral-brine reaction, were observed and the dissolution of minerals into the brine was also investigated. The mineral slabs were polished and three locations on the surface were randomly selected for the image analysis of SPM and the surface roughness value (SRV) of those locations were calculated to quantify the change of mineral surface for 30 days. At a certain time interval, SPM images and SRVs of the same mineral surface were acquired. The secondary minerals precipitated on the mineral surfaces were also analyzed on SEM/EDS after the experiment. From the experiments, the average SRV of Ca-feldspar increased from 2.77 nm to 20.87 nm for 30 days, suggesting that the dissolution of Ca-feldspar occurs in active when the feldspars contact with supercritical $CO_2$ and brine. For the amphibole, the average SRV increased from 2.54 nm to 8.31 nm and for the olivine from 0.77 nm to 11.03 run. For the Ca-feldspar, $Ca^{2+}$, $Na^+$, $Fe^{2+}$, $Si^{4+}$, $K^+$ and $Mg^{2+}$ were dissolved in the highest order and $Si^{4+}$, $Ca^{2+}$, $Fe^{2+}$ and $Mg^{2+}$ for the amphibole. Fe (or Mg) - oxides were precipitated as the secondary minerals on the surfaces of amphibole and olivine after 30 days reaction. Results suggested that $Ca^{2+}$, $Fe^{2+}$ and $Mg^{2+}$ rich minerals would be significantly weathered when it contacts with the supercritical $CO_2$ and brine at $CO_2$ sequestration sites.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.323-343
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• 2018

This study defines the mineralogical, micro-textural and geochemical characteristics for the carbonate rocks and discusses the fluids that have affected the depositional environment of the Lower Makgol Formation in Seokgaejae section. Based on analysis of X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (SEM-EDS), Electron Probe Micro Analyzer-Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EPMA-WDS) and Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), carbonate miorofacies in the basal and the lower members of the Makgol Formation are distinguished and classified into four types. Type 1 dolomite (xenotopic interlocking texture) and Type 2 dolomite (idiotopic interlocking texture) have relatively high Mg/Ca ratio, flat REE pattern, low Fe and Mn. Extensively interlocking textures in these dolomites indicate constant supply of Mg ion from hypersaline brine. Type 3 and Type 4 dolomite (scattered and loosely-aggregated texture) have relatively moderate Mg/Ca ratio, MREE enriched pattern, low to high Fe and Mn. These partial dolomitization indicate limited supply of Mg ion under the influx of meteoric water with seawater. Also, the evidence of Fe-bearing minerals, recrystallization and relatively high Fe and Mn in Type 4 indicates the influence of secondary diagenetic fluids under suboxic conditions. Integrating geochemical data with mineralogical and micro-textural evidence, the discrepancy between the basal and the lower members of the Makgol Formation indicates different sedimentary environment. It suggest that hypersaline brine have an influence on the basal member, while mixing meteoric water with seawater have an effect on the lower member of the Makgol Formation.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.76-90
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• 2018

To determine the distribution of mercury (Hg) in the coastal surface sediments around the Korean peninsula, the baseline concentration of Hg was estimated, the extent of contamination was assessed, and the factors controlling the distribution were discussed. The concentrations of Hg in surface sediments were significantly high in Jinhae-Masan Bay in the South Sea, Ulsan-Onsan Bay and Yeongil Bay in the East Sea, but Hg in other sediments showed a similar distribution to Cs and relatively very low concentration between 0.21 and $39.5{\mu}g/kg$ ($13.6{\pm}7.80{\mu}g/kg$). Compared to the sediment quality guidelines in Korea, 8 % of the surface sediments (n=282) analyzed in this study exceeded the values of the threshold effects level (TEL), and six sediments collected around Onsan Port were higher than the value of the probable effects level (PEL). The contamination levels of Hg were assessed by the enrichment factors using the baseline concentration (2.06Cs+1.75) based on the residual analysis from the linear regression line for Cs, and further, factors controlling the distribution of Hg were discussed by the comparison with geochemical substances depending upon the Hg enrichment level. Hg concentrations were correlated well with Cs concentration in the range of less than 1.69 of EF implying grain size control, while in the range of 1.69 and 4.03 Hg concentrations were correlated well with Fe oxyhyroxide and organic carbon contents, which indicates Hg was enriched by superior sorption capability. On the meanwhile, samples with higher EFs (4.03 to 74.9) showed fairly positive correlations with other metals (Cu, Zn, Pb) rather than geochemical substances. For samples in Youngil Bay and Ulsan-Onsan Bay (n=30), Hg concentrations were correlated only with other metals rather than geochemical substances implying simultaneous supply of metal particles from metal refineries. But samples at Gosung, Sokcho and Uljin coast were correlated well with organic carbon even though they had high EFs. In addition, samples in Jinhae-Masan Bay with high contents of S were enriched by relatively high sulfide formation.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.409-421
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• 2022

Achieving a highly resolved spatial distribution of Mn-bearing minerals and elements in the natural ferromanganese nodules can provide detailed knowledge of the temporal variations of geochemical conditions affecting the formation processes of nodules. While a recent study utilizing Raman spectroscopy has reported the changes in the manganate mineral phases with growth for spherical nodules from the Arctic Sea, the distributions of minerals and elements in the nodules from the shallow Arctic Sea with non-spherical forms have not yet fully elucidated. Here, we reported the micro-laser Raman spectra with varying data acquisition points along three different profiles from the center to the outermost rim of the non-spherical ferromanganese nodules collected from the East Siberian Sea (~73 m). The elemental distributions in the nodule (such as Mn, Fe, etc.) were also investigated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis to observe the internal structure and mineralogical details. Based on the microscopic observation, the internal structures of a non-spherical nodule can be divided into three different regions, which are sediment-rich core, iron-rich substrate, and Mn-Fe layers. The Raman results show that the Mn-bearing mineral phases vary with the data acquisition points in the Mn-Fe layer, suggesting the changes in the geochemical conditions during nodule formation. In addition, we also observe that the mineral composition and structural characteristics depend on the profile direction from the core to the rim. Particularly, the Raman spectra obtained along one profile show the lack of Fe-(oxy)hydroxides and the noticeably high crystallinity of Mn-bearing minerals such as birnessite and todorokite. On the other hand, the spectra obtained along the other two profiles present the presence of significant amount of amorphous or poorly-ordered Fe-bearing minerals and the low crystallinity of Mn-bearing minerals. These results suggest that the diagenetic conditions varied with the different growth directions. We also observed the presence of halite in several layers in the nodule, which can be evidence of the alteration of seawater after nodule formation. The current results can provide the opportunity to obtain detailed knowledge of the formation process and geochemical environments recorded in the natural non-spherical ferromanganese nodule.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.16-23
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• 2020

In this work, ²²²Rn activity, major dissolved ions, and microbial community in ground- and surface waters were investigated to characterize groundwater inflow to the stream located in an urban area, Daejeon, Korea. The measured ²²²Rn activities in groundwater and stream water ranged from 136 to 231 Bq L^-1 and 0.3 to 48.8 Bq L^-1, respectively. The spatial distributions of ²²²Rn activity in the stream strongly suggested groundwater inflow to the stream. The change of geochemical composition of the stream water indicated the effect of groundwater discharge became more pronounced as the stream flows downstream. Furthermore, microbial community composition of the stream water had good similarity to that of groundwater, which is another evidence of groundwater discharge. Although groundwater inflow could not be estimated quantitatively in this study, the results can provide useful information to understand interactions between groundwater and surface water, and determine hydrological processes governing groundwater recharge and hydrogeological cycles of dissolved substances such as nutrients and trace metals.