This study investigated the behavior and environmental impact of expanded polystyrene (EPS) in a simulated marine environment, focusing on the effects of UV exposure. Through a series of controlled experiments, it was found that UV-induced weathering increased the formation of smaller EPS degradation products, leading to higher concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the seawater. Additionally, it was suggested that the assembly behavior of dissolved organic matter (DOM) contributed to the reduction of DOC levels over time. The EPS layer exhibited slightly higher DOC concentrations compared to the seawater, likely due to hydrophobic interactions that retained degradation products near the EPS. Analysis of the soil layer revealed that EPS particles and degradation products settled or adsorbed more extensively under UV conditions, indicating a greater risk of sediment contamination. Soil layer elution experiments further confirmed that EPS particles and their degradation products could migrate through soil pores, posing a potential contamination risk to other environments. UV exposure resulted in a twentyfold increase in DOC release from EPS compared to dark conditions. These findings highlight the persistent pollution potential of EPS in marine environments, especially under UV exposure, and emphasize the need for effective EPS waste management and further research into its environmental impacts.

ABSTRACT
1. 서 론
2. 재료 및 방법
    2.1 재료
    2.2 해양 환경 모사 실험
    2.3 토양층 EPS 분해물질 유출 특성 실험
    2.4 분석방법
    2.5 자료 해석
3. 결과 및 고찰
    3.1 해수층의 DOC와 POC 거동 및 특성
    3.2 해수층과 EPS층의 DOC 농도 비교
    3.3 토양층 EPS 분해물질 유출 특성
    3.4 EPS로부터 기인한 DOC 생성량 추정
4. 결 론
사 사
References

• 고해성(부산대학교 사회환경시스템공학과) | Haeseong Ko (Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University)
• 황인성(부산대학교 사회환경시스템공학과) | Inseong Hwang (Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University) Corresponding author