• Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.347-370
• /
• 2013

A study on the presence of benthic dinoflagellates in the intertidal zone along the coasts of Jeju Island, Korea was conducted during 2011 and 2012. Identification and taxonomic observations were made of the benthic dinoflagellate samples using light and epifluorescence microscopy. Thirty-seven dinoflagellate taxa belong to five orders, nine families, 18 genera and 30 species, which are new records for Korean waters, were detected in this study. The detailed nomenclature, references, distribution, and illustrations are presented here. The commonly occurring genera were Amphidinium, Coolia, Ostreopsis, Prorocentrum, and Thecadinium. Among the recorded species, 26 were found only in sand sediment, seven in macroalgal samples, and four were found in both sand and macroalgal samples. Of the 37 species, nine were potentially toxic. These results suggest that diversified benthic dinoflagellates including several potentially toxic species occur in sand sediment and macroalgae in the intertidal zone along the coasts of Jeju Island. The morphological features of the identified species were more or less similar to observations made by previous studies in Korea and elsewhere. The presence of known toxic species may indicate a potential risk of toxicity in the marine ecosystem of Jeju Island. The present study can be helpful for further detailed taxonomic, toxicological, molecular phylogenetic studies and may help in the management and conservation of Jeju Island's marine ecosystem.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.15-24
• /
• 2018

Purpose: This study was conducted to analyze the factors associated with intoxicated patient's disposition in the pediatric emergency department. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated pediatric intoxicated patients visiting the pediatric emergency department of a hospital between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2013. Specifically, we analyzed the association between hospitalization recommended rate and the following variables: patient age group, symptoms, intentional poisoning, decontamination and toxic level of substance. Results: We collected data from 345 patients. A high incidence was noted in the 1-4 years of age group and 10-15 years of age group. Unintentional poisoning occurred in 306 patients (88.7%). A total of 115 patients (33.3%) had symptoms when visiting. Forty three patients (12.5%) ingested cleaning substances, which was the most common agent. Potentially-toxic level was the most common level of the substance. The hospitalization recommended rate associated with visits in 2011 was 2.5 times greater than in 2012 and 2013, decontamination was 2.0 times greater than no decontamination, and poisoning with potentially-toxic substances was 2.6 times greater than poisoning with other toxic substances. Additionally, the hospitalization recommended rate associated with symptomatic patients was 2.4 times greater than that of asymptomatic patients and intentional poisoning was 2.4 times greater than unintentional poisoning. Conclusion: Patients with decontamination, ingestion of potentially-toxic substances, symptoms and intentional poisoning had increased hospitalization rates. In addition, the hospitalization rate for patients who visited in 2011 was greater than that of patients who visited in 2012 or 2013.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.31 no.6
• /
• pp.509-518
• /
• 1998

Fly ashes have been deposited around Youngwol power plant until electrostatic precipitator was installed in 1981. Fresh fly ash samples from electrostatic precipitator and weathered fly ash from ash disposal site were collected from Youngwol power plant, along with 65 soil samples of nearby area to look into the influence of PFA deposit on the soils in surrounding area. In chemistry, EPA does not contain high level of toxic elements and there is no notable concentration of toxic elements in soil near power plant. Total concentrations of Co, Cr, Cu, V, and Zn are 13 ppm, 89 ppm, 73 ppm, 157 ppm and 57 ppm in PFA. Concentrations of theses elements in ash-rich soils are 15 ppm, 78 ppm, 60 ppm, 133 ppm and 68 ppm, and those in ash-poor soils are 19 ppm, 70 ppm, 38 ppm, 91 ppm and 97 ppm. But these metal elements are highly concentrated in magnetic fractions of EPA (Co, 129 ppm; Cr, 217 ppm; Cu, 210 ppm; V, 197 ppm; Zn 90 ppm). Considering the process of long-term weathering of PFA, potentially toxic substances from the ash could be leached into soils and groundwater.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.57 no.3
• /
• pp.153-156
• /
• 2014

Toxic epidermal necrolysis is an unpredictable and severe adverse drug reaction. In toxic epidermal necrolysis, epidermal damage appears to result from keratinocyte apoptosis. This condition is triggered by many factors, principally drugs such as antiepileptic medications, antibiotics (particularly sulfonamide), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, allopurinol, and nevirapine. Lamotrigine has been reported potentially cause serious cutaneous reactions, and concomitant use of valproic acid with lamotrigine significantly increases this risk. We describe a case of an 11-year-old girl with tic and major depressive disorders who developed toxic epidermal necrolysis after treatment with lamotrigine, and who was diagnosed both clinically and pathologically. Children are more susceptible to lamotrigine-induced rash than adults, and risk of serious rash can be lessened by strict adherence to dosing guidelines. Unfortunately, in our case, the patient was administered a higher dose than the required regimen. Therefore, clinicians should strictly adhere to the dose regimen when using lamotrigine, especially in children.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.89-103
• /
• 1997

The purpose of this research is to investigate the enrichment and distribution patterns of naturally occurring potentially toxic elements in soils derived from black shales and slates. Soil samples were collected from the Chubu area covered with uranium-enriched black shales and slates of the Changri Formation of the Okchon Super Group, and analysed for multiple-elements using INAA, ICP-AES and AAS. Soil pH and loss-an-ignition were also measured. Trace element contents in black shale and slate of the Chubu area are relatively lower than those in black shales, and higher than those in black slates reported elsewhere (Chon, Jung, 1991; Chon et al., 1996). Soil pH values range from 3.5 to 6.5, and loss-an-ignition values are in the range from 3 to 10%. Potentially toxic elements including As, Ba, Cr, Cu, Mo and U are highly enriched in residual soils with maximum content of $540{\mu}g/g$, $35,000{\mu}g/g$, $280{\mu}g/g$, $300{\mu}g/g$, $240{\mu}g/g$ and $860{\mu}g/g$, respectively. Significant concentrations of those elements were found in soils taken from the Tojangkol, the Chubu tunnel and the Meokti areas. Soils derived from black shales and slates, calcareous and phyllitic rocks, and intrusions were discriminated in terms of As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Sc and U contents. Enrichment index was calculated using the concentrations of As, Ba, Cr and Mo, and enrichment index map shows very similar trend with U distribution in soils.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.495-508
• /
• 1996

This study had three purposes: (1) to investigate dispersion and enrichment level of potentially toxic elements; (2) to identify uranium-bearing minerals in black shales; and (3) to assess the chemical speciation of heavy metals in soils and sediments. Rock, surface soil and stream sediment samples were collected in the Chungjoo area covered with black shales in Korea. These samples were analyzed for multi-elements using INAA and ICP-AES. The maximum abundance of U in black shales is 56 ppm and radioactivity counts up to 240CPM. Molybdenum, V, Ba, Cu, and Pb are enriched in black shales and most of soils show high concentrations of U, Mo, Ba, Cu, Pb and Zn. Concentrations of potentially toxic elements decrease in the order of mountain soil > farmland soil > paddy soil. Enrichment index of soils and sediments are calculated and higher than 1.0 in the black shale area with the highest value of 6.1. In order to identify U-bearing minerals, electron probe micro analysis was applied, and uraninite and brannerite in black shale were found. Uraninite grains are closely associated with monazite or pyrite with the size of $2{\mu}m$ to $10{\mu}m$ in diameter whereas brannerite occurs as $50{\mu}m$ euhedral grains. With the results of sequential extraction scheme, residual fractions of Cu, Pb and Zn in soils are mainly derived from weathering of black shale but Cu, Pb and Zn in sediments are present as non-residual fractions. Lead is predominantly present as oxidizable phase in soils whereas Zn is in exchageable/water-acid soluble phase in sediments.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.40-42
• /
• 2003

Korean people use a lot of herbal agents for medical purposes, such as curing diseases, improving health state, but some of the herbal agents have toxic side effects. In terms of toxicology, herbal agents classified into 3 categories generally nontoxic, potentially toxic and toxic. But, there are few studies about the mechanisms and clinical features of intoxication of herbal agents. So detoxification or initial treatment of these agents is very difficult to clinicians in hospital. Authors experienced an uncommon case of intoxication after Arisaematis Rhizoma Ingestion. We report this case with review of Arisaematis Rhizoma.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.63 no.3
• /
• pp.21.1-21.6
• /
• 2023

The increasing prevalence of toxic substance-exposure in pets in South Korea endangers the health and safety of numerous companion animals, and has become a cause for concern. Notably, the annual incidence of forensic analysis in pets has increased by more than 150% in South Korea, mainly in populous regions such as Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi. In response to this growing issue, veterinary forensic examinations were conducted on 549 dogs and cats from 2019 to 2022. This study revealed the presence of various toxic substances, including pesticides, insecticides, and drugs such as analgesics, anesthetics, antidepressants, and muscle relaxants, in pets. Among the 38 different toxins identified in pets, coumatetralyl, methomyl, terbufos, and buprofezin were the most frequently detected. In this study, toxic substances for pets were identified based on the "toxic agent list for humans," developed by the National Forensic Services, because no list of toxic agents for animals currently exists and data regarding potentially toxic substances for dogs and cats is limited. This is one of the limitations of this study, and necessitates the establishment of a toxic agent list for animals. Continued monitoring and research is also recommended to reveal the incidence, causes, and solutions of toxicity in animals.

• Ocean Science Journal
• /
• v.43 no.1
• /
• pp.25-30
• /
• 2008

Potentially toxic diatoms Pseudo-nitzschia calliantha and P. fraudulenta were found in bottle samples of phytoplankton collected in Amurskii Bay (East/Japan Sea) and in the coastal waters of Sakhalin Island (East/Japan Sea and Sea of Okhotsk) in different seasons during 2002-2006. The mass development of these species occurred in October and November 2002 at water temperatures of $6-16^{\circ}C$ and salinities of 28.8-33.5 PSU. The highest concentrations of P. calliantha and P. fraudulenta were about $2{\times}10^5\;cells\;L^{-1}$ and $1.5{\times}10^5\;cells\;L^{-1}$, respectively. P. fraudulenta was found for the first time in the Russian waters of the East/Japan Sea. Morphological descriptions of these species based on observation with light and electron microscopy and information on their ecology are presented. Data on the geographical distribution of these species are supplemented.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.40 no.1 s.182
• /
• pp.15-28
• /
• 2007

The study is for contaminations of major, rare earth and trace elements of the farmland soils from the Boeunjeil mine area. The results are compared with the soils of Chungjoo, Deokpyeong, Boeun and Chubu areas. Fe and S contents of the contaminated area are high relative to those from the uncontaminated areas, Chungjoo and Boeun areas. Trace elements of the contaminated area are high relative to those from uncontaminated area, Chunajoo, Deokpyeong, Boeun and Chubu areas. The trace elements ares divided into Cd, Ni, Sr, U, V, Zn and As, Co, Cu, Mo, Pb, Sb, based on these dispersion and correlation. Two groups show the positive correlation. Enrichment factor of potentially toxic elements from contaminated area is >5 value, but <4 value in the uncontaminated area. In the geoaccumulation index of the minor elements, the contaminated area has >1 value and the uncontaminated area has <1 value except Mn. Enrichment index of potentially toxic elements(As, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, U, Zn) ranges from 0.3 to 87.0 in the contaminated area and from 0.4 to 3.9 in the uncontaminated area. Overall results show that the high contents of farmland soils for the elements(Fe, S, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, U, Zn) indicate the contamination by coal-related activities.