• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.671-687
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• 2022

It has been reported that about 47% of groundwater wells within 10 km from the coastline in the western/southern coastal areas of Korea were affected by seawater. It has been interpreted that the cause of groundwater salinization is seawater intrusion. The Gilsan stream in the Seocheon area was a tidal stream until the Geumgang estuary dam was constructed and operated. Therefore, it is likely that the Gilsan stream catchment was deposited with sediments containing high-saline formation water prior to the use of landfill farmland at this catchment area. The groundwater in this study area showed EC values ranging from 111 to 21,000 µS/cm, and the water quality types were diverse including Ca(or Na)-HCO₃, Ca(or Na)-HCO₃(Cl), Na-Cl(HCO₃), Na-Cl types. It is believed that this diversity of water quality is due to the mixing of seawater and fresh groundwater generated by infiltration of precipitation and surface water through soil and weathered part. In this study, we discussed whether this water quality diversity and the presence of saline groundwater are due to present seawater intrusion or to remnant high-saline pore water in sediments during flushing out process. For this, rain water, surface water, seawater, and groundwater were compared regarding the water quality characteristics, tritium content, oxygen/hydrogen stable isotopic composition, and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio. The oxygen/hydrogen stable isotopic compositions indicated that water composition of saline groundwaters with large EC values are composed of a mixture of those of fresh groundwater and surface water. Also, the young groundwater estimated by tritium content has generally higher NO₃ content. All these characteristics showed that fresh groundwater and surface water have continued to affect the high-saline groundwater quality in the study area. In addition, considering the deviation pattern in the diagrams of Na/Cl ratio versus Cl content and SAR (sodium adsorption ratio) versus Cl content, in which two end members of fresh surface-ground water and seawater are assumed, it is interpreted that the groundwater in the study area is not experiencing present seawater intrusion, but flush out and retreating from ancient saline formation water.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.727-736
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• 2022

Ice wedges are subsurface ice mass structures that formed mainly by freezing precipitation with airborne dust and surrounding soil particles flowed through the active layer into the cracks growing by repeating thermal contractions in the deeper permafrost layer over time. These ice masses characteristically contain high concentrations of solutes and solids. Because of their unique properties and distribution, the possibility of harnessing ice wedges as an alternative archive for reconstructing paleoclimate and paleoenvironment has been recently suggested despite limited studies. It is imperative to preserve the physicochemical properties of the ice wedge (e.g., solute concentration, mineral particles) without any potential alteration to use it as a proxy for reconstructing the paleo-information. Thawing the ice wedge samples is prerequisite for the assessment of their physicochemical properties, during which the paleo-information could be unintentionally altered by any methodological artifact. This study examined the effect of thawing conditions and procedures on the physicochemical properties of solutes and solid particles in ice wedge samples collected from Cyuie, East Siberia. Four different thawing conditions with varying temperatures (4 and 23℃) and oxygen exposures (oxic and anoxic) for the ice wedge sample treatment were examined. Ice wedge samples thawed at 4℃ under anoxic conditions, wherein biological activity and oxidation were kept to a minimum, were set as the standard thawing conditions to which the effects of temperature and oxygen were compared. The results indicate that temperature and oxygen exposure have negligible effects on the physicochemical characteristics of the solid particles. However, the chemical features of the solution (e.g., pH, electric conductivity, alkalinity, and concentration of major cations and trace elements) at 4℃ under oxic conditions were considerably altered, compared to those measured under the standard thawing conditions. This study shows that the thawing condition of ice wedge samples can affect their chemical features and thereby the geochemical information therein for the reconstruction of the paleoclimate and/or paleoenvironment.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.737-760
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• 2022

For the geological disposal of high-level radioactive wastes (HLW), an understanding of deep subsurface environment is essential through geological, hydrogeological, geochemical, and geotechnical investigations. Although South Korea plans the geological disposal of HLW, only a few studies have been conducted for characterizing the geochemistry of deep subsurface environment. To guide the hydrogeochemical research for selecting suitable repository sites, this study overviewed the status and trends in hydrogeochemical characterization of deep groundwater for the deep geological disposal of HLW in developed countries. As a result of examining the selection process of geological disposal sites in 8 countries including USA, Canada, Finland, Sweden, France, Japan, Germany, and Switzerland, the following geochemical parameters were needed for the geochemical characterization of deep subsurface environment: major and minor elements and isotopes (e.g., ³⁴S and ¹⁸O of SO₄^2-, ¹³C and ¹⁴C of DIC, ²H and ¹⁸O of water) of both groundwater and pore water (in aquitard), fracture-filling minerals, organic materials, colloids, and oxidation-reduction indicators (e.g., Eh, Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺, H₂S/SO₄^2-, NH₄⁺/NO₃^-). A suitable repository was selected based on the integrated interpretation of these geochemical data from deep subsurface. In South Korea, hydrochemical types and evolutionary patterns of deep groundwater were identified using artificial neural networks (e.g., Self-Organizing Map), and the impact of shallow groundwater mixing was evaluated based on multivariate statistics (e.g., M3 modeling). The relationship between fracture-filling minerals and groundwater chemistry also has been investigated through a reaction-path modeling. However, these previous studies in South Korea had been conducted without some important geochemical data including isotopes, oxidationreduction indicators and DOC, mainly due to the lack of available data. Therefore, a detailed geochemical investigation is required over the country to collect these hydrochemical data to select a geological disposal site based on scientific evidence.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.55-72
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• 2023

This study aims to identify the fault zone architecture and geometric and kinematic characteristics of the Yeongdeok Fault, based on the geometry and kinematic data of various structural elements obtained by detailed field survey and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) of the fault rocks. The Yeongdeok Fault extends from Opo-ri, Ganggu-myeon, Yeongdeok-gun to Gilgok-ri, Maehwa-myeon and Bangyul-ri, Giseong-myeon, Uljin-gun, and cuts various rock types from the Paleo-proterozoic to the Mesozoic with a range of 4.6-5.0 km (4.77 km in average) of right-lateral offset or forms the rock boundaries. The fault is divided into four segments based on its geometric features and shows N-S to NNW strikes and dips of an angle of ≥ 54° to the east at most outcrops, even though the outcrops showing the westward dipping (a range of 54°-82°) of fault surface increase as it goes north. The Yeongdeok Fault shows the difference in the fault zone architecture and in the fault core width ranging from 0.3 to 15 m depending on the bedrock type, which is interpreted as due to differences in the physical properties of bedrock such as ductility, mineral composition, particle size, and anisotropy. Combining the results of paleostress reconstruction and AMS in this and previous studies, the Yeongdeok Fault experienced (1) sinistral strike-slip under NW-SE maximum horizontal principle stress (σ_Hmax) and NE-SW minimum horizontal principle stress (σ_Hmin) in the late Cretaceous to early Cenozoic, and then (2) dextral strike-slip under NE-SW maximum horizontal principle stress (σ_Hmax) and NW-SE minimum horizontal principle stress (σ_Hmin) in the Paleogene. It is interpreted that the deformation caused by the Paleogene dextral strike-slip movement was the most dominant, and the crustal deformation was insignificant thereafter.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.365-373
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the fusion pulses and fusion media on fusion rate and the development of embryos produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer in Hanwoo (Korean cattle). Nuclear donor cumulus and fetal fibroblast cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum at 38.5$^{\circ}C$ in a humidified atmosphere of 5% $CO_2$in air. The in vitro matured oocytes were enucleated and then the isolated donor cells were introduced. The cumulus cell and cytoplast were fused using one pulse of 70 volts for 40$mutextrm{s}$, two pulses of 70 volts for 40$mutextrm{s}$ and one pulse of 180 volts for 15$mutextrm{s}$. The fetal fibroblast cell and cytoplast were fused using one pulse of 180 volts for 15$mutextrm{s}$ or 30$mutextrm{s}$. The cumulus cell and cytoplast were fused using mannitol and Zimmerman cell fusion medium (ZCFM) as a fusion medium. The fused embryos were activated after the fusion with 10 $\mu$M calcium ionophore for 5 min and 2 mM 6-dimethyl- aminopurine for 3 h. The nuclear transfer embryos were cultured in 500 ${mu}ell$ well of modified CR1aa supplemented with 3 mg/$m\ell$ BSA in th $\varepsilon$ four well dish cove red with mineral oil. After 3 days culture, culture medium was changed into modified CRlaa medium containing 1.5 mg/$m\ell$ BSA and 5% FBS for 4 days. The incubation environment was 5% $CO_2$, 5% $O_2$, 90% $N_2$ at 38.5$^{\circ}C$. When the cumulus cells were fused with enucleated oocytes by three different fusion pulses, one pulse of 180 volts for 15 $mutextrm{s}$ yielded the highest fusion rate and developmental rate to blastocyst among the pulses (P＜0.05). When the fetal fibroblast cells were fused with enucleated oocytes, one pulse of 180 volts for 30$mutextrm{s}$ yielded significantly higher fusion rate compared with that for 15 $mutextrm{s}$(P＜0.05). The present result indicates that the fusion rate between karyoplast and cytoplast was affected by the cell type and the optimal fusion condition was different according to cell type or size. When the fusion was conducted by the use of mannitol and ZCFM, the fusion rate was 71.2% and 65.8%, respectively. The developmental rates to blastocyst were 37.8% and 39.8%, respectively. There was no significant difference between two fusion media in the developmental rate of cumulus cell nuclear transfer embryos. These results indicate that optimal electric current should be selected according to cell type.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.83-91
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• 2017

Purpose: To investigate the clinical outcomes of distal hook augmentation using a pedicle screw in thoracolumbar fusion in elderly patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective multicenter study recruited 20 patients aged 65 years or older, who underwent anterior support and long level posterior fusion in the thoracolumbar junction with a follow-up of one year. To assess the effect of distal hook augmentation, the patients were divided into two groups; the pedicle screw with hook group (PH group, n=10) and the pedicle screw alone group (PA group, n=10). Results: The average age was 72.4 years (65-83 years). The average fusion segment was 4.6 segments (3-6 segments). There were no significant differences in age, sex, causative diseases, bone mineral density of lumbar and proximal femur, number of patients with osteoporosis, and number of fused segments between the two groups (p≥0.05). At 1 year follow-up after surgery, parameters related with distal screw pullout were significantly worse in the PA group. No patients in the PH group had distal screw pullout. However, six patients (60%, 6/10) in the PA group had distal screw pullout. There were no significant differences in the progression of distal junctional kyphosis between the two groups. Conclusion: Distal hook augmentation is an effective procedure in protecting distal pedicle screws against the pullout when long level thoracolumbar fusion was performed in elderly patients aged 65 years or older.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.311-330
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• 2023

Development of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technique is becoming increasingly important as a method to mitigate the strengthening effects of global warming, generated from the unprecedented increase in released anthropogenic CO₂. In the recent years, the characteristics of basaltic rocks (i.e., large volume, high reactivity and surplus of cation components) have been recognized to be potentially favorable in facilitation of CCS; based on this, research on utilization of basaltic formations for underground CO₂ storage is currently ongoing in various fields. This study investigated the feasibility of underground storage of CO₂ in basalt, based on the examination of the CO₂ storage mechanisms in subsurface, assessment of basalt characteristics, and review of the global research on basaltic CO₂ storage. The global research examined were classified into experimental/modeling/field demonstration, based on the methods utilized. Experimental conditions used in research demonstrated temperatures ranging from 20 to 250 ℃, pressure ranging from 0.1 to 30 MPa, and the rock-fluid reaction time ranging from several hours to four years. Modeling research on basalt involved construction of models similar to the potential storage sites, with examination of changes in fluid dynamics and geochemical factors before and after CO₂-fluid injection. The investigation demonstrated that basalt has large potential for CO₂ storage, along with capacity for rapid mineralization reactions; these factors lessens the environmental constraints (i.e., temperature, pressure, and geological structures) generally required for CO₂ storage. The success of major field demonstration projects, the CarbFix project and the Wallula project, indicate that basalt is promising geological formation to facilitate CCS. However, usage of basalt as storage formation requires additional conditions which must be carefully considered - mineralization mechanism can vary significantly depending on factors such as the basalt composition and injection zone properties: for instance, precipitation of carbonate and silicate minerals can reduce the injectivity into the formation. In addition, there is a risk of polluting the subsurface environment due to the combination of pressure increase and induced rock-CO₂-fluid reactions upon injection. As dissolution of CO₂ into fluids is required prior to injection, monitoring techniques different from conventional methods are needed. Hence, in order to facilitate efficient and stable underground storage of CO₂ in basalt, it is necessary to select a suitable storage formation, accumulate various database of the field, and conduct systematic research utilizing experiments/modeling/field studies to develop comprehensive understanding of the potential storage site.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.148-169
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• 2023

Hayeob pigment is known as one of the traditional dark green pigments, but the color, raw material, and manufacturing method have not been clearly identified. However, comparing the analysis results of the particle shape and constituent minerals of Hayeob pigments revealed through pigment analysis studies of colored cultural properties such as Dancheong, Gwaebul, and paintings, Hayeob pigments appear to be the same as Dongrok pigments produced by salt corrosion. Therefore, in order to restore Hayeob pigment, the manufacturing method of Dongrok pigment was studied based on the records of old literature. The Dongrok pigment manufacturing method confirmed in the old literature records is a natural corrosion method in which copper powder and a caustic are mixed and then left in a humid condition to corrode. Based on this, artificial corrosion using a corrosion tester was adopted to corrode the copper powder more efficiently, and an appropriate mixing ratio was selected by analyzing the state of corrosion products according to the mixing ratio of the caustic agent. In addition, the manufacturing method of Dongrok pigment was established by adding a salt removal process to remove residual caustic agents and a purification process to increase chroma during pigment coloring. The prepared Dongrok pigments have a bluish green or green color, show an elliptical particle shape and a form in which small particles are aggregated, and a porous surface is observed. The main constituent elements are copper(Cu) and chlorine(Cl), and the main constituent mineral is identified as atacamite [Cu₂Cl(OH)₃]. As a result of an accelerated weathering test to evaluate the stability of the prepared Dongrok pigments, it was found that the greenness partially decreased and the yellowness significantly increased as deterioration progressed. Before deterioration, the Dongrok pigments had lower yellowness compared to the Hayeob pigments of the old Dancheong, but after deterioration, yellowness increased significantly, and it was found to have a similar chromaticity range as Dancheong's Hayeob pigments. As a result, the prepared Dongrok pigments were confirmed to be similar to Dancheong's Hayeob pigments in terms of color as well as particle shape and constituent minerals.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.61-70
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• 2023

In order to select high-quality winter cereal crops with high yield and to increase self-sufficiency rate of forage, their growth, yield, and feeding value of several cereal crops cultivated in winter were investigated in the paddy field of the southern region. Four wheat cultivars and green barley headed in early and mid-April, while oat and Italian ryegrass headed in early May. Fresh forage yields of wheats, green barley, and oat were significantly higher than that of Italian ryegrass, and dry forage yields of wheats and green barley were significantly higher than those of not only Italian ryegrass but also oat. In particular, the yield of a wheat cultivar 'Cheongwoo' was the highest. Mineral contents of wheat forages, even though low, were in the range 27.8~33.7mg·g^-1 DW suitable for feeding cattle and young female cows. Crude protein content of a wheat cultivar 'Cheongwoo' was high up to 7.6%, similarly to 7.0% requiring for feeding cattle. Feeding values such as total digestible nutrients (TDN) and relative feed value (RFV) of wheats and green barley were superior to those of oat and Italian ryegrass. In addition, dry matter rates of 4 wheat cultivars and green barley were in the range 30~40%, indicating that wheat cultivars and green barley could be used for various feeding purposes such as green or dried forage, and silage. Based on these results, wheat cultivars including 'Cheongwoo' and green barley could be encouraged to be cultivated in paddy fields, as high-quality winter forage crops with high yield.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.297-302
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• 2006

This study has examined the physicochemical properties of the Pleurotus eryngii, including their proximate components, amount mineral content, total dietary fiber, total sugar, reducing sugar and free sugar. Additionally, it measured the P. egii ethanol extracts and the total amounts of polyphenol compounds as well as its electron donating ability (EDA) of the substance fraction (SF). The P. eryngii powder's moisture content was 9.0% and each of the other element content such as carbohydrate, crude protein, crude ash and crude fat was found to be 63.06%, 20.70%, 5.20% and 2.0% respectively. Potassium (K) was shown to be the greatest inorganic content and manganese (Mn) was the lowest. Furthermore fructose, galactose, glucose lactose and maltose free sugar content was found in this order. 387 mg% of the total amounts of polyphenol was found in the P. eryngii whole body ethanol extract, 158 mg% in the stipe extract, 593 mg% in the pileus extract and 607 mg% in the substance fraction (SF). Electron donating ability (EDA) was highest at 91.12% in the whole body extract and lowest at 62.90% in the stipe extract. Additionally, the EDA for substance fraction (SF) 0.02%-0.1% was found to be 57.78-77.33%, which was lower than the 0.02%-tocopherol (93.92%) and BHT (96.72%). From these results, it can be assumed that P. eryngii offers superior antioxidative effects with its high content of fiber, inorganic materials and total amounts of polyphenol as well as high electron donating ability (EDA), thereby making it ideal for use in functional foods and industrial materials.