• Advances in environmental research
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.31-38
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• 2022

The current observational epidemiological study analyzed blood lead levels (BLLs) in occupationally exposed workers from Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia and correlated them with the alterations in the differential cell populations of the WBC panel (lymphocytes [Lym %], mixed [Mid %] cells, and neutrophils [Neu %]). In addition, we examined the effect of confounding factors and their relation to BLLs. BLLs were estimated using the LeadCare II analyzer and hematological parameters using the ADVIA 120 analyser. An inferential analysis was conducted to detect association between the observations and the subjects' clinical characateristics. A total of 132 male subjects were included in the final analyses. Based on CDC guidelines, the subjects were categorized as Group I (BLL <10 ㎍/dL; n=118) or Group II (BLL >10 ㎍/dL; n=14) with average BLLs of 4.4 ㎍/dL and 18.1 ㎍/dL, respectively (p <0.0001). The percentages of Mid cells (p <0.0001) and neutrophils (p=0.048), were significantly altered in subjects with High BLL. A regression analysis indicated that subjects > 50 years of age had significantly higher BLLs (53.2 ㎍/dL) than younger age sub-groups (p <0.0001). Age, education, and profession were significant predictors for lead toxicity. Pb exposure is a major public health issue in Saudi Arabia and calls for further investigations on the cellular and molecular effects on hematological system.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.133-147
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• 2004

Environmental quality(water and sediment) was analyzed in the tidal flat of Saemangum of Jeonbuk Province, the west coast of Korea, using the 101 sediment samples and 69 water samples collected in September 4~13, 2001. Major water quality parameters with the means of 69 surface water samples are as follows; $25.51{\pm}0.68^{\circ}C$ for water temperature, $29.88{\pm}5.01$ for salinity, $1.40{\pm}0.78mg/L$ for COD, $0.352{\pm}0.417mg/L$ for DIN, and $0.027{\pm}0.023mg/L$ for phosphate, respectively. Higher values were found at the subestuary of Dongjin and Mangyung River, and lower values at the Saemangum embayment and Gomso Bay. There was a significant negative correlation between salinity and the other water quality parameters(p<0.0001) such as COD, nutrients, SS and N/P. This correlation suggested that the major pollution sources be from terrestrial inputs through tributaries in this area. Principal component analysis clearly revealed a spatial variation of water quality; stations with higher values of nutrients and COD located subestuary of tributaries. 14 sediment quality parameters including 8 trace metals were measured using the 101 surface sediment samples. Average values for the parameters are as follows; Al $2.28{\pm}0.92%$, Cd $0.61{\pm}0.27ppm$, Cu $8.95{\pm}4.06ppm$, Fe $1.19{\pm}0.37%$, Mn $182.31{\pm}77.45ppm$, Ni $10.83{\pm}4.97ppm$, Pb $15.20{\pm}4.35ppm$, Zn $41.34{\pm}34.62ppm$, COD $2.68{\pm}1.85mg/g\;dry$, AVS $0.04{\pm}0.08mg/g\;dry$, IL $1.29{\pm}1.08%$, water content $24.11{\pm}4.49%$, TN $0.02{\pm}0.02%$, TC $0.22{\pm}0.30%$. Spatial variations of sediment quality were not clear as water quality. Some higher values were found at the subestuary of Gum River and lower values at the other area. There was a significant positive correlation between the heavy metal concentrations and organic materials within the sediment(p<0.05). Enrichment factors showed the ranges of 1~2 for most of the metals in the sediment except zinc(1~6), indicating no serious exogenous input of heavy metals in the study area. Also, the heavy metal concentrations in the sediment were within the ranges found at the natural marine environments.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.336-344
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• 1996

The extraction of trace cobalt, copper, nickel, cadmium, lead and zinc in urine samples of organic and alkali metal matrix into chloroform by the complex with a dithizone was studied for graphite furnace AAS determination. Various experimental conditions such as the pretreatment of urine, the pH of sample solution, and dithizone concentration in a solvent were optimized for the effective extraction, and some essential conditions were also studied for the back-extraction and digestion as well. All organic materials in 100 mL urine were destructed by the digestion with conc. $HNO_3$ 30 mL and 30% $H_2O_2$ 50 mL. Here, $H_2O_2$ was added dropwise with each 5.0 mL, serially. Analytes were extracted into 15.0 mL chloroform of 0.1% dithizone from the digested urine at pH 8.0 by shaking for 90 minutes. The pH was adjusted with a commercial buffer solution. Among analytes, cadmium, lead and zinc were back-extracted to 10.00 mL of 0.2 M $HNO_3$ from the solvent for the determination, and after the organic solvent was evaporated, others were dissolved with $HNO_3-H_2O_2$ and diluted to 10.00 mL with a deionized water. Synthetic digested urines were used to obtain optimum conditions and to plot calibration-eurves. Average recoveries of 77 to 109% for each element were obtained in sample solutions in which given amounts of analytes were added, and detection limits were Cd 0.09, Pb 0.59, Zn 0.18, Co 0.24, Cu 1.3 and Ni 1.7 ng/mL, respectively. It was concluded that this method could be applied for the determination of heavy elements in urine samples without any interferences of organic materials and major alkaline elements.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.267-275
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• 2024

Artemisia fukudo Makino belongs to the Asteraceae family, is a halophyte that can grow in salinity soils and is known for its various physiological activities. However, few studies were comparing it according to the growth environment. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the antioxidant activity, functional ingredients, and safety of Artemisia fukudo Makino according to the growth environment. Total polyphenol content was the highest in native mature leaves, but 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity was higher in cultivated leaves than in native leaves. The total mineral content, excluding sodium, was higher in cultivated than in native leaves. The content of potassium and calcium was higher in cultivated leaves than in native leaves. In addition, heavy metal analysis showed that cultivated leaves were generally lower than those of native leaves. Residual pesticides were not detected in all samples. In conclusion, since there is no significant difference in cultivated leaves compared to native leaves, it was judged that cultivated leaves could be used as a variety to be grown and mass-produced.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.179-187
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• 1996

This study was conducted to investigate the possibility of composting of household garbage. The composter with the double layer walls was operated for 60 days in each season. The following results were obtained at the end of the experiment, if the time was not specified. 1) The maximum temperature was $31^{\circ}C$ in spring, $36^{\circ}C$ in summer and $50^{\circ}C$ in winter. 2) The mass was reduced to an average of 58.5%. 3) pH values of the compost were 8.21 in spring, 8.29 in summer and 7.94 in winter. 4) The ash contents were 55.8% in spring, 57% in summer and 73.8% in winter. 5) The nitrogen contents were in the range of $0.2{\sim}5.8%$. Its values were the highest in winter and the lowest in summer. 6) Inorganic contents of the compost were in the range of : $P_2O_5$ ; $1.5{\sim}4.41%$, $K_2O$ ; $0.02{\sim}1.31%$, CaO $0.13{\sim}1.68%$ and MgO $0.05{\sim}1.22%$. 7) Heavy metal contents of the compost were in the range of : Zn ; $13{\sim}89mg/kg$, Cu ; $4{\sim}62mg/kg$, Cd ; $1{\sim}21mg/kg$, Pb ; $N.D.{\sim}97mg/kg$, Cr ; $N.D.{\sim}37$ and Hg ; $N.D.{\sim}1.38mg/kg$.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.13 no.7
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• pp.1015-1024
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• 2019

In the medical field, X-rays are essential in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, and the use of X-rays continues to increase with the development of imaging technology, but X-rays have the disadvantage of radiation exposure. Although lead protection tools are used in clinical practice to protect against radiation exposure, lead is classified as a heavy metal and can cause harmful reactions such as lead poisoning. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the usefulness of the shield fabricated using materials of FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printer. In order to confirm the filament's line attenuation factor, phantoms were fabricated using PLA, XT-CF20, Wood, Glow and Brass, and CT scan was performed. And the shielding sheet of 100 × 100 × 2 mm size was modeled, the dose and shielding rate was measured by using a diagnostic X-ray generator and irradiation dose meter, and the shielding rate with lead protection tools. As a result of the experiment, the CT number of the brass was measured to be the highest, and the shielding sheet was manufactured by using the brass. As a result of confirming with the diagnostic X-ray generator, the shielding rate was increased in the shielding sheet having a thickness of 6 mm upon X-ray irradiation under the condition of 100 kV and 40 mAs. It measured by 90% or more, and confirmed that the shielding rate is higher than apron 0.25 mmPb. As a result of this study, it was confirmed that the shield fabricated by 3D printing technology showed high shielding rate in the diagnostic X-ray region. there was.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.560-566
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• 2008

In this paper, the solidification behaviour and compressive strength of fly ash, cement, and waste stone powder were studied each separately and with addition of each in different proportions. And also, we assessed stabilizing ability of waste stone powder in cement which was added in fly ash. The particle size of waste stone powder was found smaller than the fly ash and cement particle sizes. Moreover, when mixing all(fly ash, cement, and waste stone powder) showed distinctive crystal structure, and improved stiffness. In case of mixing fly ash, cement and waste stone powder in different proportions, the compressive strength was exceeded to the predicted compressive strength of 10 kgf/cm$^2$. The XRD analysis showed high contents of CaO in fly ash and SiO$_2$ in case of waste stone powder sample. Heavy metal emission experiment showed the 3mg/L of Pb after 14 days of mixing 150 kg/m$^3$ of cement with the 80$\sim$100 kg/m$^3$ of waste stone powder, which is fulfilling the National Waste Management Policy.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.125-135
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• 2015

The purpose of this study were to sample particulate matter and analyze its elements and microorganisms for secondary school science project. The particulate matter was sampled on the rooftop a four-store building at a university in Chungju province. A simplified capturing system was developed with the parts, motor-pump, innet, $1.0{\mu}m$ teflon filter, filter-holder, etc. Using the system, this study had sampled particulate matter during Dec., 2013-Jun., 2014. Then, this study analyzed the elements and microorganisms of the sampled particulate matter. Results have been shown that the particulate matter derived China urban area is mainly consisted of the artificial pollutant, such as Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb. In addition, this study has been shown that microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, are included in the particulate matter. Therefore, this study suggests a new systemic investigation and monitoring about the particulate matter, specially originated from China. Also, this study provides a sample for secondary school science experiment.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.11
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• pp.1422-1426
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to test characteristics between normal and autistic children via comparison of nutrient intakes, hair mineral, blood free radical, and serotonin contents. A total of 50 children aged 3-9 were divided into two main groups of normal control children (n=22) and autistic children (n=28) tested by child psychiatrist. The nutrient intakes by 24-hour recall method were no significantly different between the two groups. The concentrations of toxic mineral, such as cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in hair of autistic children were significantly higher, while concentration of antioxidant mineral (Cu, Zn, Fe) was lower than that of normal children. The autistic children had significantly higher concentrations of blood free radical than that of normal children. No significant difference was observed in serotonin concentration between the two groups. Our results suggest a possible role of increased toxic mineral and free radical, both of which may be relevant to the pathophysiology of autism in children with developmental delay.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.282-288
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• 1996

Because of the high water content of the household garbage, it is difficult to compost it. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the possibility of using coal fly ash as humidity conditioner for the household garbage composting. The summarized results are as follows : 1. The maximum temperatures were $35^{\circ}C$ in spring, $47^{\circ}C$ in summer, and $43^{\circ}C$ in winter during the composting periods. 2. The mass was reduced to 70.5% after 60 days. The average volume reduced down to 74.7% after 60 days. 3. The seasonal variation of pH values showed a similar tendency and reached 8.5 after 60 days. 4. The water content was reduced at an early stage of composting and not much changed thereafter. It had 49.7% in spring, 33.9% in summer, and 56.5% in winter after 60 days. Ash contents were not much changed during the composting periods. 5. The contents of inorganic compounds were in the range of $0.06{\sim}4.03%$ $P_2O_5$, $0.01{\sim}2.87%$ CaO, $0.18{\sim}1.43%$ MgO, and $0.39{\sim}2.03%$ $K_2O$. Heavy metal contents were in the range of $ND{\sim}14.08$ Hg ${\mu}g/kg$, $ND{\sim}0.80$ Cd mg/kg, $4.99{\sim}28.95$ Cu mg/kg, $ND{\sim}242.62$ Cr mg/kg, $ND{\sim}20.24$ Pb mg/kg, and $ND{\sim}59.87$ Zn mg/kg.