• Clean Technology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.359-366
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• 2021

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), the multiwalled clay mineral with the composition of Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O, have been highlighted as a low-cost adsorbent for the removal of dyes from wastewater. Although a powder of halloysite presents a high specific surface area, forming media are significantly considered due to sludge-clogging induced by the water-bound agglomeration. However, higher firing temperature to achieve the structural durability of the media and lower utilization rate due to longer penetration depth into the media act as hurdles to increase the dye-adsorption capacity. In this work, the retention of the adsorption capacity of halloysite was evaluated with methylene blue solution after the heat treatment at 750 ℃. In order to improve the utilization rate, tubular media were fabricated by extrusion. The images taken by transmission electron microscopy show that HNTs present excellent structural stability under heat treatment. The HNTs also provide superb capacity retention for MB adsorption (93%, 18.5 mg g^-1), while the diatomite and Magnesol^® XL show 22% (7.65 mg g^-1) and 6% (11.7 mg g^-1), respectively. Additionally, compositing with lignin enhances adsorption capacity, and the heat treatment under the hydrogen atmosphere accelerates the adsorption in the early stage. Compared to the rod-type, the tubular halloysite media rapidly increases methylene blue adsorption capacity.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.133-146
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• 2021

Aragonite is one of common polymorphs of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and formed via biological or physical processes through precipitation in many different environments including marine ecosystems. It is noted that aragonite formation and growth as well as the substitution of trace elements such as strontium (Sr) in the aragonite structure would be dependant on several key parameters such as concentrations of chemical species and temperature. In this study, properties of the incorporation of Sr into aragonite were investigated over a wide range of various saturation conditions and temperatures similar to the marine ecosystem. All pure aragonite samples were inorganically synthesized through a constant-addition method with varying concentrations of the reactive species ([Ca]=[CO₃] 0.01-1 M), injection rates of the reaction solution (0.085-17 mL/min), and solution temperatures (5-40 ℃). Pure aragonite was also formed even under the Sr incorporation conditions (0.02-0.5 M, 15-40 ℃). When temperature and saturation index (SI) with respect to aragonite increased, the crystallinity and the crystal size of aragonite increased indicating the growth of aragonite crystal. However, it was difficult to interpret the crystal growth rate because the crystal growth rate calculated using BET-specific surface area was significantly influenced by the crystal morphology. The distribution coefficient of Sr (K_Sr) into aragonite decreased from 2.37 to 1.57 with increasing concentrations of species (Ca²⁺ and CO₃^2-) at a range of 0.02-0.5 M. Similarly, it was also found that K_Sr decreased 1.90 to 1.54 at a range of 15-40 ℃. All K_Sr values are greater than 1, and the inverse correlation between the K_Sr and the crystal growth rate indicate that Sr incorporation into aragonite is in a compatible relationship.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.84-87
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• 2018

Purpose The radiopharmaceutical used in the nuclear medicine department is used only for the specific patient according to the prescription or instruction of the doctor without selling, so it is dispensed and it is distributed and used for the examination. Radiopharmaceuticals administered to patients should be managed appropriately as well as radiation safety management during dispensation. The purpose of this study is to investigate microbial contamination during dispensation of radiopharmaceuticals Materials and Methods This study distinguished between general workbench and clean workbench and performed three tests. First, microbial cultivation test of radiopharmaceutical prepared and dispensed in general workbenches and sterile workbenches were carried out five times, respectively. The second test was performed settle plate method three times before and after the use of the exhaust filter. Finally, Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) measurement was performed in each workbench to measure bacterial counts. In addition, ATP measurement were carried out by designating locations and items that may be contaminated during dispensation. Results In the microbial culture test, no microorganisms were detected in both samples. In the settle plate method, it was detected without using of the exhaust filter in a general workbench once. In the ATP measurement test, it was measured at the level of 400 RLU or less, which is the standard value of contamination, in both workbenches surface. In additional ATP measurement test, the refrigerator handle in the distribution room was measured above the reference value of 1217 RLU, the vacuum vial shield of the Tech Generator at 435 RLU, and the syringe holder at 1357 RLU. After environmental disinfection, the results were reduced to 311 RLU, 136 RLU, and 291 RLU. Conclusion No contamination by bacteria was found in both workbenches. However, microbial contamination may occur if the use of an exhaust filter or proper hand hygiene is not achieved. Regular inspections and management for aseptic processing themselves will be necessary.

• Clean Technology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.107-114
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• 2021

Material Life Cycle Assessment (MLCA) was performed to analyze the environmental impact characteristics of the Mg₂NiH_x-5 wt% CaO hydrogen storage composites' manufacturing process. The MLCA was carried out by Gabi software. It was based on Eco-Indicator 99' (EI99) and CML 2001 methodology. The Mg₂NiH_x-5 wt% CaO composites were synthesized by Hydrogen Induced Mechanical Alloying (HIMA). The metallurgical, thermochemical characteristics of the composites were analyzed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), specific surface area analysis (Bruner-Emmett-Teller, BET), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). As a result of the CML 2001 methodology, the environmental impact was 78% for Global Warming Potential (GWP) and 22% for Eutrophication Potential (ETP). In addition, as a result of applying the EI 99' methodology, the acidification was the highest at 43%, and the ecotoxicity was 31%. Accordingly, the amount of electricity used in the manufacturing process may have an absolute effect on environmental pollution. Also, it is judged that the leading cause of Mg₂NiH_x-5 wt% CaO is the addition of CaO. Ultimately, it is necessary to research environmental factors by optimizing the process, shortening the manufacturing process time, and exploring eco-friendly alternative materials.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.689-698
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• 2021

Since the mine reclamation scheme was implemented from 2007 in Korea, various remediation programs have been decontaminated the pollution associated with mining and 254 mines were managed to reclamation from 2011 to 2015. However, as the total amount of contaminated mine drainage has been increased due to the discovery of potential hazards and contaminated zone, more efficient and economical treatment technology is required. Therefore, in this study, the adsorption properties of arsenic was evaluated according to the adsorbents which were derived from water treatment sludge(Alum based adsorbent, ABA-500) and granular ferric hydroxide(GFH), already commercialized. The alum sludge and GFH adsorbents consisted of aluminum, silica materials and amorphous iron hydroxide, respectively. The point of zero charge of ABA-500 and GFH were 5.27 and 6.72, respectively. The result of the analysis of BET revealed that the specific surface area of GFH(257 m²·g^-1) was larger than ABA-500(126~136 m²·g^-1) and all the adsorbents were mesoporous materials inferred from N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherm. The adsorption capacity of adsorbents was compared with the batch experiments that were performed at different reaction times, pH, temperature and initial concentrations of arsenic. As a result of kinetic study, it was confirmed that arsenic was adsorbed rapidly in the order of GFH, ABA-500(granule) and ABA-500(3mm). The adsorption kinetics were fitted to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model for all three adsorbents. The amount of adsorbed arsenic was increased with low pH and high temperature regardless of adsorbents. When the adsorbents reacted at different initial concentrations of arsenic in an hour, ABA-500(granule) and GFH could remove the arsenic below the standard of drinking water if the concentration was below 0.2 mg·g^-1 and 1 mg·g^-1, respectively. The results suggested that the ABA-500(granule), a low-cost adsorbent, had the potential to field application at low contaminated mine drainage.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.38 no.6_2
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• pp.1691-1707
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• 2022

Cheonji Lake, the caldera of Baekdu Mountain, located on the border of the Korean Peninsula and China, alternates between melting and freezing seasonally. There is a magma chamber beneath Cheonji, and variations in the magma chamber cause volcanic antecedents such as changes in the temperature and water pressure of hot spring water. Consequently, there is an abnormal region in Cheonji where ice melts quicker than in other areas, freezes late even during the freezing period, and has a high-temperature water surface. The abnormal area is a discharge region for hot spring water, and its ice gradient may be used to monitor volcanic activity. However, due to geographical, political and spatial issues, periodic observation of abnormal regions of Cheonji is limited. In this study, the degree of ice change in the optimal region was quantified using a Landsat -5/-7/-8 optical satellite image and a Modified U-Net regression model. From January 22, 1985 to December 8, 2020, the Visible and Near Infrared (VNIR) band of 83 Landsat images including anomalous regions was utilized. Using the relative spectral reflectance of water and ice in the VNIR band, unique data were generated for quantitative ice variability monitoring. To preserve as much information as possible from the visible and near-infrared bands, ice gradient was noticed by applying it to U-Net with two encoders, achieving good prediction accuracy with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 140 and a correlation value of 0.9968. Since the ice change value can be seen with high precision from Landsat images using Modified U-Net in the future may be utilized as one of the methods to monitor Baekdu Mountain's volcanic activity, and a more specific volcano monitoring system can be built.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.183-193
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• 2022

The growth inhibitory effect of Microcystis aeruginosa according to the ultrasonic irradiation time was evaluated using a large algae sample volume (10 L) for various ultrasonic irradiation times (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 hr) at a laboratory scale. Based on the analysis of Chl-a and cell number of M. aerginosa, algae growth inhibition was observed with the decrease in Chl-a and cell number in all experimental groups after the ultrasonic irradiation. For the experimental group (T_B, T_C, T_D) with an ultrasonic irradiation time of less than 2 hours, rapid regrowth of algae was observed after growth inhibition, but the experimental group (T_E, T_F, T_G) with an irradiation time of more than 2 hours successfully inhibited algal growth lasting one or two more days. Based on the comparison of the recovery time to initial cell number the experimental group (T_B, T_C, T_D) took less than 20 days whereas the experimental group (T_E, T_F, T_G) took about 30 days. Correspondingly, the experimental group showed a high first order decay rate (𝜅) in proportion to the ultrasonic irradiation time during the growth inhibition period. Additionally, the specific growth rates (𝜇) during regrowth in the experimental group with irradiation time of more than 2 hours were relatively low compared to those in the experimental group with less than 2 hours. Therefore, ultrasonic irradiation for more than 2 hours is required for long-term (30 days) inhibition of algal growth in stagnant waters. However, the appropriate ultrasonic irradiation time for algae growth inhibition should be determined according to various field conditions such as the volume of stagnant water, water depth, flow rate, algae concentration, etc. Finally, damages to the algal cell surface and cell membrane were clearly observed, and both destruction and disturbance of gas vesicles of M. aeruginosa in the experimental group were discovered, indicating the growth inhibitory effect of Microcystis aeruginosa according to the ultrasonic irradiation time was confirmed.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.285-299
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• 2023

Estimating the evapotranspiration is very important factor for effective water resources management, and FAO Penman-Monteith (FAO P-M) model has been applied for reference evapotranspiration estimation by many researchers. However, because various input data are required for the application of FAO P-M model, understanding the effect of each input data on FAO P-M model is necessary. Therefore, in this study, for 56 study stations located in South Korea, the effects of 8 meteorological factors (maximum and minimum temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, solar radiation, vapor pressure deficit, net radiation, ground heat flux), energy and aerodynamic terms of FAO P-M model, and elevation on FAO P-M reference evapotranspiration (RET) estimation were analyzed. The relative sensitivity analysis was performed to determine how 10% increment of each specific independent variable affects a reference evapotranspiration under given set of condition that other independent variables are unchanged. Furthermore, to select the 5 representative stations and perform the monthly relative sensitivity analysis for those stations, 56 study stations were classified into 5 clusters using cluster analysis. The study results showed that net radiation was turned out to be the most sensitive factor in 8 meteorological factors for 56 study stations. The next most sensitive factor was relative humidity, solar radiation, maximum temperature, vapor pressure deficit and wind speed, followed by minimum temperature in order. Ground heat flux was the least sensitive factor. In case of ground surface condition, elevation showed very low positive relative sensitivity. Relativity sensitivities of energy and aerodynamic terms of FAO P-M model were 0.707 for energy term and 0.293 for aerodynamic term respectively, indicating that energy term was more contributable than aerodynamic term for reference evapotranspiration. The monthly relative sensitivities of meteorological factors showed the seasonal effects, and also the relative sensitivity of elevation showed different pattern each other among study stations. Therefore, for the application of FAO P-M model, the seasonal and regional sensitivity differences of each input variable should be considered.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.235-243
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• 2023

Due to the revision of the River Act and the enactment of the Act on the Investigation, Planning, and Management of Water Resources, a regular bed change survey has become mandatory and a system is being prepared such that local governments can manage water resources in a planned manner. Since the topography of a bed cannot be measured directly, it is indirectly measured via contact-type depth measurements such as level survey or using an echo sounder, which features a low spatial resolution and does not allow continuous surveying owing to constraints in data acquisition. Therefore, a depth measurement method using remote sensing-LiDAR or hyperspectral imaging-has recently been developed, which allows a wider area survey than the contact-type method as it acquires hyperspectral images from a lightweight hyperspectral sensor mounted on a frequently operating drone and by applying the optimal bandwidth ratio search algorithm to estimate the depth. In the existing hyperspectral remote sensing technique, specific physical quantities are analyzed after matching the hyperspectral image acquired by the drone's path to the image of a surface unit. Previous studies focus primarily on the application of this technology to measure the bathymetry of sandy rivers, whereas bed materials are rarely evaluated. In this study, the existing hyperspectral image-based water depth estimation technique is applied to rivers with vegetation, whereas spatio-temporal hyperspectral imaging and cross-sectional hyperspectral imaging are performed for two cases in the same area before and after vegetation is removed. The result shows that the water depth estimation in the absence of vegetation is more accurate, and in the presence of vegetation, the water depth is estimated by recognizing the height of vegetation as the bottom. In addition, highly accurate water depth estimation is achieved not only in conventional cross-sectional hyperspectral imaging, but also in spatio-temporal hyperspectral imaging. As such, the possibility of monitoring bed fluctuations (water depth fluctuation) using spatio-temporal hyperspectral imaging is confirmed.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.87-97
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• 2023

In this study, we examined the effects of a large wildfire in the coastal area of Uljin-gun. The analysis of water quality and the dominant species, species composition, and community structure of marine algal was conducted quarterly in 2022 at Nagok (F-1), Hujeong (F-2), Bongpyeong (F-3), and Gongse Port (F-C) in Uljin-gun. As a result of water quality analysis, the pH, a factor of wildfire impact was 8.07~8.30 and 8.12~8.48 in surface and bottom layers, respectively, which are normal values in coastal waters of the East Sea, suggesting no direct impact from wildfires. By marine algal species composition, the coastal areas show the following order: Rhodophyta (58.1%) > Ochrophyta (25.8%) > Chlorophyta (14.5%) > Magnoliophyta (1.6%). By season, Undaria pinnatifida was the most dominant at Nagok and Hujeong in March and June, which in September and November, Gelidium elegans and Lithophyllum sp. were the most dominant in Bongpyeong and Gongse Port, respectively. In the cluster analysis, the stations were divided into two groups according to presence and absence of specific marine algal by season. The dominant species were U. pinnatifida, G. elegans and D. divaricata in group A, and Lithophyllum sp. was mainly present in group B. Thus, the species composition and group structure reflected the normal seasonal change pattern with water temperature variation and showed little significant difference from the control site, suggesting no direct effects of the wildfire on algae distribution in Uljin.