본 연구는 국내 희귀 및 멸종위기야생식물 Ⅱ급인 초령목의 자생지에서의 분포와 생육 특성을 파악하고 보전지위를 평가하 고자 실시하였다. 초령목은 흑산도와 제주도에서 자생지가 확인되었는데, 4개의 개체군으로 구분되었다. 자생지에서 314개체 가 확인되었으며, 이중 약 45.9%(144개체)가 해발고도 401m~500m 범위에 분포하였다. 수고는 평균 2.7(±4.8)m였으며, 흉고직경은 12.6(±13.9)㎝였고 분지는 평균 1.0(±0.5)개로 나타났다. 초령목의 어린나무 개체들은 어미목에서 반경 30m 이내에 54.3%가 분포하였고, 31m~40m 사이에서 25.8%가 분포하였으며, 반경 60m 이내에 대부분(90.1%)이 확인되었다. 초령목의 어린나무 개체들이 일부 성숙목 주변에서도 확인되지 않고, 극히 한정된 지역에서만 출현하는 것은 자생지 환경뿐만 아니라 생육조건과 관계가 있는 것으로 판단된다. 초령목의 종자 산포는 천연하종과 더불어 조류가 관여하는 것으로 추정되는 데, 이는 천연하종의 범위 이상에서 발견되는 자생지는 조류가 쉴 수 있는 물웅덩이가 근처에 존재하는 공통적인 특징을 지녔기 때문이다. 초령목의 지역 및 국가수준의 IUCN 적색목록 평가기준의 범주는 위급(Critically Endangered) 범주에 해당하며 국내 개체군은 “CR B2ab(ⅴ); C2a(ⅰ); D” 범주로 평가되는 것으로 나타났다.

In this study, the fate and removal of 15 pharmaceuticals (including stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, etc.) in unit processes of a sewage treatment plant (STP) were investigated. Mass loads of pharmaceuticals were 2,598 g/d in the influent, 2,745 g/d in the primary effluent, 143 g/d in the secondary effluent, and 134 g/d in the effluent. The mass loads were reduced by 95% in the biological treatment process, but total phosphorous treatment did not show a significant effect on the removal of most pharmaceuticals. Also, mass balance analysis was performed to evaluate removal characteristics of pharmaceuticals in the biological treatment process. Acetaminophen, caffeine, acetylsalicylic acid, cefradine, and naproxen were efficiently removed in the biological treatment process mainly due to biodegradation. Removal efficiencies of gemfibrozil, ofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin were not high, but their removal was related to sorption onto sludge. This study provides useful information on understanding removal characteristics of pharmaceuticals in unit processes in the STP.

Total organic carbon(TOC) was introduced as the water quality index of the rivers and lakes in 2013. This paper evaluated factors affecting effluent TOC concentrations and treated and discharged loads of existing publicly owned treatment works(POTWs). For selected POTWs with greater treatment capacity than 500㎥/day, factorial analysis was used to consider effects of kinds of biological treatment processes, inflow of other types of wastewater(industrial, livestock, landfill leachate wastewater, etc.) with domestic wastewater, sewer separation rate, and effluent discharging zones in which different effluent criteria applied. As a result, those factors did not show significant effect on effluent TOC concentration of POTWs in effluent discharging zone Ⅰ and Ⅱ. However, In effluent discharging zone Ⅲ and Ⅳ, kinds of biological treatment processes, the inclusion of other waste in influent of domestic wastewater, and the sewer separation rate were significant factors. The treated TOC load in POTWs was also not affected significantly by the variables set in this study. On the other hand, those three factors influenced significantly on the TOC load discharged to water bodies. The sum of factorial effects and the contribution rate of three factors to the discharged TOC load was 60.23 and 41%, 59.57 and 41%, and 42.04 and 18%, respectively.

The aim of this study was to evaluate pretreatment methods for 27 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in various sewage samples using a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) and online solid-phase extraction with LC-MS/MS. Extraction efficiencies of PPCPs in the solid phase under different experimental conditions were evaluated, showing that the highest recoveries were obtained with the addition of sodium sulfate and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt dehydrate in acidified conditions. The recoveries of target compounds ranged from 91 to 117.2% for liquid samples and from 61.3 to 137.2% for solid samples, with a good precision. The methods under development were applied to sewage samples collected in two sewage treatment plants (STPs) to determine PPCPs in liquid and solid phases. Out of 27 PPCPs, more than 19 compounds were detected in liquid samples (i.e., influent and effluent) of two STPs, with concentration ranges of LOQ-33,152 ng/L in influents and LOQ-4,523 ng/L in effluents, respectively. In addition, some PPCPs such as acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, and ofloxacin were detected at high concentrations in activated sludge as well as in excess sludge. This methodology was successfully applied to sewage samples for the determination of the target compounds in STPs.

Total organic carbon (TOC) will replace chemical oxygen demand (CODMn) as an effluent water quality standard in public sewage treatment works (PSTWs) from 2021 in Korea. To ensure effective control of TOC in the effluent, investigation was carried out into TOC levels and sewage treatment operation factors in five target PSTWs using anaerobic-anoxic-aerobic (A2O) processes, media, membrane, and sequencing batch reactor (SBR) technologies. TOC removal efficiencies appeared to be 93-96% on average. As a fraction of TOC, biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC) was reduced from 64% in the influent to 9% in the effluent in these PSTWs. During the investigation, biological treatment processes were applied flexibly for operation factors such as HRT, SRT, MLSS, F/M ratios and BOD volume loads, based on the influent characteristics and design conditions. As a result, we suggest efficient operating conditions in PSTWs by evaluating relationships between TOC removal and operation factors.

Mold grows more easily when humidity is higher in indoor spaces, and as such is found more often on wetted areas in housing such as walls, toilets, kitchens, and poorly managed spaces. However, there have been few studies that have specifically assessed the level of mold in the indoor spaces of water-damaged housing in the Republic of Korea. We investigated the levels of airborne mold according to the characteristics of water damage types and explored the correlation between the distribution of mold genera and the characteristics of households. Samplings were performed from January 2016 to June 2018 in 97 housing units with water leakage or condensation, or a history of flooding, and in 61 general housing units in the metropolitan and Busan area, respectively. Airborne mold was collected on MEA (Malt extract agar) at flow rate of 100 L/min for 1 min. After collection, the samples were incubated at 25oC for 120 hours. The cultured samples were counted and corrected using a positive hole conversion table. The samples were then analyzed by single colony culture, DNA extraction, gene amplification, and sequencing. By type of housing, concentrations of airborne mold were highest in flooded housing, followed by water-leaked or highly condensed housings, and then general housing. In more than 50% of water-damaged housing, the level of airborne mold exceeded the guideline of Korea's Ministry of Environment (500 CFU/m3). Of particular concern was the fact that the I/O ratio of water-damaged housing was greater than 1, which could indicate that mold damage may occur indoors. The distribution patterns of the fungal species were as follows: Penicillium spp., Cladosporium spp. (14%), Aspergillus spp. (13%) and Alternaria spp. (3%), but significant differences of their levels in indoor spaces were not found. Our findings indicate that high levels of mold damage were found in housing with water damage, and Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium brevicompactum were more dominant in housing with high water activity. Comprehensive management of flooded or water-damaged housing is necessary to reduce fungal exposure.

The objective of this study was to determine whether crops and fruits absorb the naturally occurring asbestos (NOA). The concentration of asbestos in various crops and fruits grown in NOA areas was analyzed and background levels of asbestos in ambient air and soil samples were assessed. Actinolite/Tremolite asbestos were detected in all soil samples. Among 21 ambient air samples, 2 samples were recorded to contain 0.0005 f/cc (fiber per cubic centimeter) but no asbestos was detected in the other samples using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). However, no evidence suggesting that the crops and fruits could be contaminated by NOA was found in this study. The excess lifetime cancer risks (ELCRs) of ABS scenarios (agricultural activities) used in this study were calculated by using the Arithmetic (AM) and Geometric mean (GM) of ELCRs. The AM and GM of ELCRs estimated from digging soil and weeding activities did not exceed 1 × 10−4, which was defined as the general acceptable risk range for exposure. The results of this study would be informative to NOA managers and related policy makers to make plans to prevent unexpected exposure to asbestos to residents living in an NOA area.

As the issue of microplastics (MPs) detection in tap water was raised in other countries in 2017, monitoring of MPs in drinking and source water, and sewage treatment plant (STP) effluents was initiated. This study intends to look into other studies on MPs in STPs at home and abroad, and review the characteristics of MPs and their removal efficiencies in the STPs, the risk and effect of MPs on watersheds, and management practices in order to help better understand MPs in STPs. To manage MPs effectively in STPs, it is necessary to investigate the detection of MPs discharged from STPs, do research on human health risk and control measures, and build a monitoring system including standardized analytical methods.

As the modern society is rapidly developing and people become affluent in materials, many new chemical compounds in different forms of products (e.g., antibiotics, pesticides, detergents, personal care products and plastic goods) are produced, used, and disposed of to the environments. Some of them are persistently having a harmful impact on the environment and mimicking endocrine properties; in general they are present in the environment at low concentrations, so they are called organic pollutants. These organic micropollutants flow to sewage treatment plants via different routes. In this study, the generation characteristics, exposure pathways, detection levels, and environmental impacts of organic micropollutants were critically reviewed. In addition, currently available risk assessment methods and management systems for the compounds were reviewed. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), for example, has monitored organic micropollutants and set the monitoring and management of some of the compounds as a priority. To effectively manage organic micropollutants in sewer systems, therefore, we should first monitor organic micropollutants of potential concern and then make a watch list of specific substances systematically, as described in guidelines on listing water pollutants in industrial wastewater.

Nitrogen (N) loading from domestic, agricultural and industrial sources can lead to excessive growth of macrophytes or phytoplankton in aquatic environment. Many studies have used stable isotope ratios to identify anthropogenic nitrogen in aquatic systems as a useful method for studying nitrogen cycle. In this study to evaluate the precision and accuracy of denitrification bacteria method (Pseudomonas chlororaphis ssp. Aureofaciens (ATCC® 13985)), three reference (IAEA-NO-3 (Potassium nitrate KNO3), USGS34 (Potassium nitrate KNO3), USGS35 (Sodium nitrate KNO3)) were analyzed 5 times repeatedly. Measured the δ15N-NO3 and δ18O-NO3 values of IAEA-NO-3, USGS 34 and USGS35 were δ15N: 4.7±0.1‰ δ18O: 25.6±0.5‰, δ15N: -1.8±0.1‰ δ18O: -27.8±0.4‰, and δ15N: 2.7±0.2‰ δ18O: 57.5±0.7‰, respectively, which are within recommended values of analytical uncertainties. Also, we investigated isotope values of potential nitrogen source (soil, synthetic fertilizer and organic-animal manures) and temporal patterns of δ15N-NO3 and δ18O-NO3 values in river samples during from May to December. δ15N-NO3 and δ18O-NO3 values are enriched in December suggesting that organic-animal manures should be one of the main N sources in those areas. The current study clarifies the reliability of denitrification bacteria method and the usefulness of stable isotopic techniques to trace the anthropogenic nitrogen source in freshwater ecosystem.

The nitrogen isotope value in both ammonium and nitrate ion were determined at 9 stations during both June and August 2016, in order to understand the origin of DIN at the Han river. δ15N-NO3 and δ15N-NH4 values in 8 stations (CP, SB, MHC, P4, SJ, SBC, P2, SC) were no significant variation. However δ15N-NO3 and δ15N-NH4 values in KK (Kyeongan stream) showed significant different in comparison with 8 stations, with an apparent increase of nitrogen isotope values. These results indicate that antropogenic nitrogen source influence on KK station. Also the δ13C and δ15N isotope ratio of phytoplankton (Diatom and Cyanobacteria) in KK (Kyeongan stream) showed heavier values, compared to other study stations. These results indicate that nitrogen isotope value in phytoplankton effects by different nitrogen source in study sites. These results suggest that the analysis of stable isotope ratios is a simple but useful tool for the identification of dissolved inorganic nitrogen origin in aquatic environments.

This study investigated Extremely Low Frequency-Magnetic Fields (ELF-MF) exposure levels among housewives for a 24-Hour activity pattern to identify related factors for the exposures. To achieve the objective of the study, we surveyed ELF-MF levels using EMDEX II in a living environment from January to December 2016. We also made subjects write a Daily Activity Pattern in order to identify durations for staying and related information in the environment of exposures. Subjects showed that they spent the longest time in sleep and at home, at 487.5 minutes (KOSIS: 479.0 minutes) and 472.1 minutes (KOSIS: 428.0 minutes), respectively. Furthermore, the 24- hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 54 housewives was 1.24 ± 3.48 mG (GM: 0.52 mG). The ELF-MF exposure levels for all Multiuse Facilities were far below the recommended standards of EMF Guideline Korea and ICNIRP. Thus, these results will provide useful data for the determination of ELF-MF management and reduction methods in living environments.

In order to prevent secondary pollution of tap water, corrosion characteristics are investigated, and corrosion index are calculated using LI and LR to manage corrosiveness. As targeted water treatment plants from 2014 (July, once) to 2015 (July and October, 2 times), 70 plants are selected by making a division for each area and water system. (treated water samples, n=240, raw water samples, n=72). In result of pH analysis, treated water was lower than raw water to 7.12, and 7.29, respectively. LI were investigated in the order of Seomjin river, Nakdong river, Han river, Geum river, to -2.08, -1.24, -1.11, -1.10 (at raw water), and -2.18, -1.59, -1.51, -1.35 (at treated water), respectively. In case of water quality goal value (LI = -1) in Japan as control of corrosiveness, management object was investigated about 83.3%.

In this study, we investigated influent and effluent water pollutants in 53 Public Sewage Treatment Works (PSTWs) where industrial wastewater or landfill leachate is combined four times for two years from 2014 to 2015. Also, we analyzed the characteristics of heavy metals and volatile organic carbons at influent and effluent of these PSTWs caused by sewage treatment combined with industrial wastewater or landfill leachate. As a result, six heavy metals such as barium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel and zinc, and four volatile organic carbons (VOCs) including phenols, di(2-)ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), formaldehyde and toluene were observed above detection limits in most of PSTWs. Also, it was revealed that six heavy metals such as hexavalent chromium, mercury, cadmium, chromium, nickel and selenium, and four VOCs including 1,1-dichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, naphthalene, and epichlorohydrin were observed more frequently according to precipitation. As a result of reviewing the monitoring data on “Water Quality Monitoring Networks” in lower watersheds of PSTWs, both heavy metals and VOCs were below detection limits, indicating that the effluent water had little influence on the watershed. Nevertheless for the better management of influent and effluent pollutants in PSTWs, it is necessary to establish the advanced management plans for water pollutants in PSTWs, which include a list of priority substances management, monitoring plans, and guidelines for industrial wastewater and landfill leachate combined in PSTWs.

In many countries in order to manage corrosion of water treatment process, it is currently using Langelier index (LI). However, management of the Larson's ratio (LR) to compare corrosion management and LI which can be generated by the water treatment process is required. In this study, in order to ensure data LR, factors associated with the actual corrosion resistance of water treatment plant was measured. Using the measured data, the model equation can be estimated alkalinity, and using the statutory water quality data, LR and alkalinity is estimated. At comparison of the measured value and estimated value of alkalinity, it appeared in R2 = 0.629, using the statutory water quality data and estimated alkalinity model, LR and alkalinity (Whole water treatment plants : 472) is estimated. Concentration of estimated alkalinity is 0.5 mg/L to 107.5 mg/L (average : 23.2 mg/L), and LR is 0.1 to 10 (average : 1.3). At tendency to corrosion of investigated LR, “No metal tendency” (>0.5) is 39 water treatment plants, 8.26 %, and “corrosion metal tendency” is 433 water treatment plants, 91.74%.

Various kinds of processes are used in the Public Sewage Treatment Works(PSTWs) in order to achieve water quality criteria and TMDL in the watershed. The performance of the existing processes at PSTWs depends on influent characteristics, effluent quality target, amount of sludge production, power cost and other factors. In present, the Selection Guideline for the Available Treatment Process of PSTWs is used for a process decision in the country. But there are some problems regarding redundancy of assessment factors and complexity of assessment procedure in the guideline. In this study, we did a test application of AHP for process selection of PSTWs, which propose is to simplify assessment factors such as pollutant removal amount, sludge generation, electricity consumption, stability of operation, convenience of maintenance, easiness of existing process application, installation cost, and operating cost concerning of environmental factors, technical factors and economical factors. According to the study, the PSTWs selection procedure guideline can be improved using application of AHP method.

As the Enforcement Ordinance of Environmental Policy Act was revised in 2013, total organic carbon(TOC) was added as an indicative parameter for organic matter in Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Environmental Criteria. Under these imminent circumstances, a regulatory standard is needed to achieve the proposed TOC limitation control water quality from the public sewage treatment plants(PSTWs). This study purposes to present the determination method for TOC effluent limitation at the PSTWs. Therefore we investigate the TOC effluent limitation of foreign countries such as EU, Germany and USA, and analyse the effluent water qualities of PSTWs. In using these TOC data, we review apprehensively the statistics-based, the technology-based, and the region(water quality)-based determination method of TOC effluent limitation for PSTWs.

Although disinfection in drinking water treatment plants provides a safer water supply by inactivating pathogenic microorganisms, harmful disinfection by-products may be formed. In this study, the disinfectant, chlorine, was produced on-site from the electrolysis of salt (NaCl), and the by-products of the disinfection process, bromate and chlorate, were analyzed. The provisional guideline levels for bromate and chlorate in drinking water are 10 μg/L and 700 μg/L, in Korea, respectively. Bromide salt was detected at concentrations ranging from 6.0 ~ 622 mg/kg. Bromate and chlorate were detected at concentrations ranging from non-detect (ND) ~ 45.3mg/L and 40.5 ~ 1,202 mg/L, respectively. When comparing the bromide concentration in the salt to the bromate concentration in the chlorine produced by salt electrolysis, the correlation of bromide to bromate concentration was 0.870 (active chlorine concentration from on-site production: 0.6–0.8%, n=40). The correlation of bromate concentration in the chlorine produced to that in the treated water was 0.866.

In accordance with the Watershed Sewer System Maintenance Plan enforced on February 2, 2013, the different compliance concentration of effluent limit be applied to effluent discharged from public sewage treatment works(PSTWs) in each watershed on the basis of water quality thereof. With the introduction of watershed sewer system, it is necessary to set the compliance concentration of effluent limit for PSTWs situated in the watershed, by region and PSTW size, to achieve water quality criteria for regional watersheds or target water quality under TMDL program. Watershed Environmental Agencies establish the Watershed Sewer System Maintenance Plan and set the compliance concentrations of effluent limit for PSTWs under the plan. The agencies plan to apply tougher effluent BOD concentration limits in Class Ⅰ to Ⅳ areas. Effluent BOD concentration limits will be toughened from 5~10 mg/L to 3 mg/L in class Ⅱ~Ⅲ areas, from 10mg/L to 5mg/L in class Ⅳ areas. Uniform application of effluent BOD concentration limits to PSTWs in the watershed sewer system need to be complemented considering type of sewage treatment technology employed and watershed characteristics. Therefore, this study presents method to determine the compliance concentration of effluent limit from PSTWs in the watershed.

Under Korea’s Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Environmental Policy amended in 2013, total organic carbon (TOC) is newly added as water quality parameter to assess organic pollution in the aquatic ecosystem. To meet the TOC requirement and improve quality of effluent discharged into public watershed, it is also necessary to develop standards for TOC in effluent from public sewage treatment works (PSTWs).In this study, we reviewed the characteristics and removal efficiency of TOC in influent and effluent of PSTWs. The study found that phosphorus treatment process removed not only soluble phosphorus but also a portion of TOC remaining after the secondary treatment process. TOC concentration in effluent from PSTWs operated in tandem with industrial wastewater treatment work was higher due to influx of insoluble substances from the industrial wastewater treatment work.In order to lay a foundation for the management of TOC from PSTWs, it is necessary to carry out research on TOC from different perspectives. For example, studies on the generation mechanism of TOC and the impact of TOC on drinking water resources, assessment of effluent qualities through monitoring, and development of measures to control TOC for the preservation of aquatic ecosystem are needed.