This study evaluated the field applicability of a real-time odor monitoring system combined with ozone water spraying technology to effectively control odors generated in livestock manure recycling facilities. Research was conducted at a Natural Circulation Agriculture Center located in N City, where concentrations of ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured in real time. Based on real-time data, ozone water was sprayed to assess the odor reduction rate, and the impact on surrounding areas was predicted through odor dispersion modeling. The results showed that the ammonia concentration measured at the upper section of the liquid aeration tank before ozone water spraying was 8.02 ppm, exceeding the emission limit of 1 ppm. VOCs were also found to have significantly contributed to odor generation. However, after spraying ozone water at a rate of 7 L/min and maintaining a concentration of 2.5 mg/L, ammonia was reduced by approximately 50%, and VOCs were reduced by about 98%, demonstrating a strong odor-reducing effect. Odor dispersion modeling using the CALPUFF modeling system simulated the range of odor dispersion before and after ozone water spraying. The results indicated that after ozone water spraying, the ammonia concentration at the facility boundary met the emission limit, effectively suppressing odor dispersion. In particular, the ozone water spraying system linked with the real-time sensor enabled automated odor control based on real-time data, demonstrating its potential for resolving odor complaints and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are designated as offensive odor substances, and they are known for their strong polarity and adsorptive properties, which can lead to significant losses during sample collection and analysis. This study evaluates two analytical methods currently outlined in the odor process test standards, alongside an analytical system utilizing adsorption tubes and another system that uses ion chromatography (IC). Furthermore, suitable analytical methods were proposed for analyzing concentrations below the odor threshold and emission limits. When assessing SPME-GC/FID, SPME-GC/MSD, TD-GC/MSD, and IC based on the internal quality control standards specified in the process test standards, all methods were found to have met these criteria. The absolute injection amounts (1 atm, 25oC) satisfying the emission limits ranged from 3 to 95 ng, while those that met the odor thresholds ranged from 0.2 to 6.5 ng. Based on these criteria, analytical systems suitable for the specified concentration range and odor thresholds were identified. The results are as follows. 1. The analytical systems confirmed to be suitable for quantifying limits were TD-GC/ MS and IC. 2. In terms of recovery and precision, both TD-GC/MSD and IC were found to be suitable. 3. Regarding detection limits, both previously mentioned systems were satisfactory. 4. Finally, concerning quantitation limits, both systems were adequate; however, TD-GC/MSD slightly exceeded the odor threshold analysis range for propionic acid by approximately 1.5 ng. The odor thresholds for the four VFAs were converted to absolute quantities (1 atm, 25oC), confirming that the IC system met the following criteria: (1) calibration range and curve, (2) accuracy and precision, and (3) instrumental detection and quantitation limits.

This study aims to enable early detection of low-concentration airborne respiratory viruses in multi-use facilities using a cyclone-based air sampler (Coriolis® m , Bertin). To achieve this, bacteriophage MS2 of Escherichia coli was aerosolized into a chamber at varying concentrations, reflecting levels observed in indoor environments. The rationale for differentiating viral concentrations was to assess field applicability and optimize sampling conditions. Sampling efficiency was maximized by adjusting sampling time, flow rate, and media volume to determine optimal detection parameters. The effectiveness of the optimized conditions was further validated through cross-validation using Influenza A and field testing. Field experiments conducted on 10 samples across five locations confirmed airborne virus detection in one of the samples (10%), demonstrating the feasibility of the cyclone-based air sampler method for airborne virus collection and detection.

This study examined the simultaneous application of absorption and adsorption by adding granular activated carbon to tap water (Absorbent-A) and sodium hypochlorite (Absorbent-B), with the aim of improving the removal performance of gaseous acetaldehyde applying hybrid process. Prior to the main experiment, preliminary tests were conducted to assess the effects of HOCl concentration (50~150 ppm) and reactor temperature (25~35oC). In the main experiment, the removal performance under activated carbon-added conditions was compared using the concentration ratio (Co/ Ci) and its rate of change over time. As a result, the addition of activated carbon led to a more gradual saturation and concentration change compared to the non-addition condition, with the addition showing the most stable trend. This study suggests a basic reference for improving the performance of conventional absorbents enhancing the durability and efficiency with the activated carbon as an auxiliary material for future field applications.

This study aims to examine the validity of current environmental safety standards and propose necessary improvements to minimize health risks posed by heavy metals in children’s activity zones. Compared to adults, children are more vulnerable to hazardous substances, and exposure to heavy metals can severely impact their neurological development and physical growth. In Korea, the amendment of the Enforcement Rules of the Environmental Health Act (Annex 4-20) in July 2021 reduced the acceptable threshold for lead (Pb) in paints and finishing materials used in children’s activity zones. However, regulatory standards for other heavy metals remain insufficient. Therefore, this research investigates and analyzes both domestic and international standards for heavy metals in commonly used materials such as wallpaper, flooring, finishing materials, and paints. This paper proposes guidelines for improving current regulatory criteria based on scientific validity and potential exposure. The findings are expected to serve as foundational data for advancing proactive environmental safety management strategies to better protect children’s health.

This study examined the influence of multiple factors—particularly occupant presence and air purifier operation—on indoor PM2.5 concentrations across 104 households in the Seoul metropolitan area. Both indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations were continuously monitored and integrated with time-specific survey data to analyze spatial and temporal patterns of indoor exposure. Results showed that occupant presence significantly elevated indoor PM2.5 concentrations, especially during periods of high activity (08:00~15:00 and 18:00~20:00). The indoor/outdoor (I/ O) concentration ratio was also significantly higher during these periods, indicating that occupant activities were a major contributor to indoor PM2.5 concentrations. Air purifier use was found to be associated with a consistent reduction in indoor PM2.5 concentrations, regardless of occupancy status. Notably, the I/O ratio also decreased when air purifiers were in operation, demonstrating their effectiveness in controlling both indoor emissions and the infiltration of outdoor pollutants. These findings provide empirical evidence of the multifactorial dynamics governing indoor PM2.5 exposure and highlight the importance of occupant-centered and time-specific strategies for effective residential air quality management.

This study analyzed the emission characteristics of major air pollutants (dust, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen chloride, and carbon monoxide) emitted from domestic public waste incineration facilities based on their operating elements. Using automatic measuring equipment for smokestacks (TMS), data was collected from 97 facilities from 2015 to 2023. The emission source unit (kg/ton) was evaluated based on the facility’s capacity, aging level, and incineration type. Emissions were calculated, and descriptive statistical analysis was performed based on the mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation. As a result of the analysis, it was found that the larger the facility capacity, the lower the average emission and volatility, which suggests that the operational stability of large facilities is high. On the other hand, facilities that had deteriorated for 10 to 15 years had the highest emission rates, and emissions decreased in facilities that were aged more than 20 years. In addition, the pyrolysis and high-temperature melting incineration facilities had lower NOx and HCl emissions than the conventional incineration type. Furthermore, CO showed the greatest volatility overall, which was found to be particularly difficult to manage in facilities in the early to mid stages of aging. These results provide empirical evidence that the structural characteristics and incineration type of incineration facilities have a significant impact on air pollutant emissions and can serve as useful basic data for policy-making, including for implementing region-wide initiatives and planning major repairs in the future.

This paper focuses on methods for quantifying landfill gas emissions, including odor, odor generation mechanisms, odor emission characteristics according to the time of waste deposition, and odor measurement data from landfills. This study analyzed the concentration ranges and median values of 22 odor compounds measured at landfill gas collection wells and various landfill surface locations across both domestic and international landfill sites. These locations included active operational areas, final cover surfaces, and leachate treatment zones. The odor with the highest measured concentration at the landfill gas collection well was H2S (with a median value of 818,616 mg m–3). During landfill operations and on the surface of uncovered landfill layers, the concentrations of NH3 (with a median value of 1,613 mg m–3) and H2S (with a median value of 279.5 mg m–3) were found to be high . Concentrations of toluene, xylene, ketones, and sulfide odors were also high at covered landfill surfaces. Additionally, NH3, styrene, and H2S had high concentrations in the leachate treatment area. The odor intensity, measured on the surface of covered sanitary landfills for domestic waste, ranged from 6 to 2,080 mg m–3 (dilution to threshold). The concentrations of NH3 and H2S were relatively high in domestic sanitary landfills. The odorous compounds that contributed the most to odor intensity were nitrogen-containing odors, sulfur-containing odors, and aldehydes. In order to effectively manage landfill odors in the future, research should be continuously conducted to accurately measure and predict odor emission fluxes from landfills. In addition, it will be necessary to develop emission reduction technologies that take into account landfill odor emission characteristics.