In the dismantling of nuclear power plants, various forms of radioactive gaseous waste are generated when cutting concrete and metal structures. Large amounts of radioactive dust and aerosols generated during the cutting process of each structure can cause radiation exposure to the environment around the workplace and to the radiation exposure in the body of workers. When cutting structures, water is sprayed to reduce the generation of aerosols, so early saturation of the filter is expected due to radioactive aerosols and fine particles containing a large amount of moisture. A mobile air purification device is being developed to a fast and efficient air purifier that can be used for a long time operation to protect workers from radiation exposure in high radiation areas and to minimize the amount of secondary waste generated. In this paper, the direction for a new concept of unit technology that can achieve the development purpose is described.

KORAD (Korea Radioactive Waste Agency, http://www.korad.or.kr) has stored slightly contaminated ascon (asphalt coated concrete mixture) that was introduced to Gyeongju repository about a decade ago waiting for a final disposal. It is believed to be mainly contaminated by radioisotope 137Cs due to impurities introduced from the outside during the ascon manufacturing process. We studied characteristics of the radioactive waste to see whether this material would be proper enough to be disposed in Gyeongju LILW repository or be other ways to reduce the disposal volume including self-disposal before its final disposal otherwise. KORAD looked into the properness of characteristics of ascon in terms of WAC (Waste Acceptance Criteria) documented by KORAD that includes general chemical and physical properties of asphalt, density, size of grains, content of organic material and possibility of existence of chelate materials that qualitatively limited to be disposed by the criteria. And other associated characteristics such as gas generation and bio degradation were also investigated. Based on the data obtained from the study, we proposed various plausible solutions in associated with operational and disposal safety and economic view points. This study will be used for KORAD’s decision on how to control and safely dispose the spent ascon within a reasonable time period. And also those experiences may be applied for other LILW issues that require treatment or conditioning of radioactive wastes in the future.

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate a systematic design’s effectivity in remediating actual uranium-contaminated soil. The emphasis was placed on practical and engineering aspects, particularly in assessing the capabilities of a zero liquid discharge system in treating wastewater derived from soil washing. The research method involved a purification procedure for both the uranium-contaminated soil and its accompanying wastewater. Notably, the experimental outcomes demonstrated successful uranium separation from the contaminated soil. The treated soil could be self-disposed of, as its uranium concentration fell below 1.0 Bq·g−1, a level endorsed by the International Atomic Energy Agency for radionuclide clearance. The zero liquid discharge system’s significance lay in its distillation process, which not only facilitated the reuse of water from the separated filtrate but also allowed for the self-disposal of high-purity Na2SO4 within the residues of the distilled filtrate. Through a comparative economic analysis involving direct disposal and the application of a remediation process for uranium-contaminated soil, the comprehensive zero liquid discharge system emerged as a practical and viable choice. The successful demonstration of the design and practicality of the proposed zero liquid discharge system for treating wastewater originating from real uranium-contaminated soil is poised to have a lasting impact.

Nitrogen and phosphorous dual-doped carbon nanotubes (N,P/CNT) have been grown in a single-step direct synthesis process by CVD method using iron-loaded mesoporous SBA-15 support, as an electrode material for the energy storage device. For comparison, pristine nanotubes, nitrogen and phosphorous individually doped nanotubes were also prepared. The basic characterization studies clarify the formation of nanotubes and the elemental mapping tells about the presence of the dopant. Under three-electrode investigations, N,P/CNT produced a maximum specific capacitance of about 358.2 F/g at 0.5 A/g current density. The electrochemical performance of N,P/CNT was further extended by fabricating as a symmetric supercapacitor device, which delivers 108.6 F/g of specific capacitance for 0.5 A/g with 15 Wh/kg energy density and 250 W/kg power density. The observed energy efficiency of the device was 92.3%. The capacitance retention and coulombic efficiency were 96.2% and 90.6%, respectively, calculated over 5000 charge–discharge cycles.

PURPOSES : The evaluation of the low-temperature performance of an asphalt mixture is crucial for mitigating transverse thermal cracking and preventing traffic accidents on expressways. Engineers in pavement agencies must identify and verify the pavement sections that require urgent management. In early 2000, the research division of the Korea Expressway Corporation developed a three-dimensional (3D) pavement condition monitoring profiler vehicle (3DPM) and an advanced infographic (AIG) highway pavement management system computer program. Owing to these efforts, the management of the entire expressway network has become more precise, effective, and efficient. However, current 3DPM and AIG technologies focus only on the pavement surface and not on the entire pavement layer. Over the years, along with monitoring, further strengthening and verification of the feasibility of current 3DPM and AIG technologies by performing extensive mechanical tests and data analyses have been recommended. METHODS : First, the pavement section that required urgent care was selected using the 3DPM and AIG approaches. Second, asphalt mixture cores were acquired from the specified section, and a low-temperature fracture test, semi- circular bending (SCB) test, was performed. The mechanical parameters, energy-release rate, and fracture toughness were computed and compared. RESULTS : As expected, the asphalt mixture cores acquired from the specified pavement section ( poor condition – bad section) exhibited negative fracture performances compared to the control section (good section). CONCLUSIONS : The current 3DPM and AIG approaches in KEC can successfully evaluate and analyze selected pavement conditions. However, more extensive experimental studies and mathematical analyses are required to further strengthen and upgrade current pavement analysis approaches.

기후변화 대응과 새로운 소득작물로 아열대작물이 도입되어 재배면적이 증가하고 있다. 그린빈은 아메리카 중남부가 원산지인 콩과 작물로 미성숙 꼬투리를 다양한 요리에 이용하는데 최근 수요가 증가하면서 재배면적 이 확대되고 있다. 새로운 작물이 도입됨에 따라 안정재배를 위한 방제 대상 해충을 설정하기 위하여 재배시기별 해충 종류와 피해정도를 조사하였다. 4월 중순에 파종한 그린빈에서는 생육초기부터 총채벌레 발생이 많았으 며, 5월 하순 이후 발생밀도가 급격하게 증가하는 경향을 보였다. 7월 상순에 파종한 그린빈에서는 8월 하순부터 아메리카잎굴파리 피해가 증가하여 9월 상순에 피해엽률이 50% 이상으로 발생이 심하였으며, 응애류와 총채벌 레류 발생이 많은 경향이었다.

토마토반점위조바이러스(TSWV)는 총채벌레가 매개하는 대표적인 바이러스로 고추 등 여러작물에서 심각 한 피해를 준다. 노지고추에서 토마토반점위조바이러스 발생 경감을 위한 총채벌레 방제시기를 설정하고자 시기별 총채벌레 발생량과 토마토반점위조바이러스병 발생량을 조사하였다. 2023년 전북 익산 노지 고추포장 에서 청색끈끈이트랩을 이용하여 총채벌레 발생량을 조사한 결과 4월 상순부터 채집되기 시작하여 5월 하순과 6월 하순에 발생최성기를 보였다. 반면 고추 꽃에서는 정식 2주후부터 꽃당 10마리 이상 관찰되었다. 토마토반점 위조바이러스병은 정식 30일 이후 증상이 발생하기 시작하여 빠르게 확산되는 경향이었다. 따라서 노지고추에 서 토마토반점위조바이러스병 경감을 위하여 총채벌레 방제를 활착 이후부터 시작하는 것이 좋을 것으로 판단 되었다.

열대거세미나방이 2019년 국내에 첫 비래한 이후 매년 비래하고 있으며 옥수수 등에서 피해를 주고 있음에 따라 전북지역 주요 옥수수 재배지역에서의 열대거세미나방 발생양상과 약제방제 효과를 조사하였다. 2022년 도에 성페로몬트랩을 이용하여 성충유인량을 조사한 결과 7월 1일 첫 채집되었으며 8월 중순이후 채집량이 증가 하여 9월 중순과 10월 중순에 발생최성기를 보였으며 11월 상순까지 유인되었다. 2022년과 2023년에 식용 옥수 수 재배지역에서 열대거세미나방 유충 피해 조사 결과 6월 수확하는 옥수수에서는 열매피해가 없었으나 9월에 수확하는 옥수수에서는 피해열매율이 30% 이상인 포장들이 관찰되어 재배시기에 따라 피해 정도 차이가 매우 큰 경향이었다. 옥수수 포장에서 열대거세미나방 유충 방제를 위해 2~3령기에 인독사카브 액상수화제를 7일 간격으로 2회 살포한 결과 처리 7일 후 방제효과는 91.7%로 높았다.

Parasitic rate of A. orientalis was calculated and compared with parasitic rate five years ago, immediately after release, and parasitic rate was also compared according to the distance away from the release point. In addition, haplotype of A. orientalis was confirmed and the association with life cycle characteristics was decided. The survey was conducted in 2022 and 2023. The parasitic rate of release point in Buyeo increased significantly from 3.6% in 18 years to 91.21% in 22. And the parasitic rate by distance from release point is 91.21% (200m), 44.46% (12km), and 65.75% (46km). At all points of survey, only haplotype C and D were found, and there was no significant difference between haplotype C and D in the parasitic rate and sex ratio.

Golden apple snails(GAS) are native to warm regions such as Central and South America and Southeast Asia, and were first introduced as a high-protein food. GAS are omnivorous and have a habit of eating plants submerged in water, so they have been used for eco-friendly weed control in rice fields since 1992. When the GAS was first introduced, it was thought that it would be impossible to overwinter in Korea. However after 2000, overwintering individuals were founded and damage to rice occurred and the development of means to control GAS has been required. In this study, we tested the effectiveness of an eco-friendly pest control agent using Styrax japonicus that grow naturally in Korea. As a result of exposing GAS to S. japonicus fruit powder, a 100% molluscicidal effect was confirmed at 66.7ppm. To investigate the duration of effect, treatment was performed at the same concentration and molluscicidal effect of more than 90% was up to 3 days after treatment. The killing effect of each part of the S. japonicus was compared, and the seed extracts showed no killing effect at all concentrations, while the sarcocarp extracts showed a 100% killing effect up to 33.3ppm, and the fruit extracts showed a 100% killing effect up to 200ppm.

Honeybees are pollinating agent of economic importance, and a model organism for microbiome analysis. The microbiota plays a great role in honeybee health and development as such needs to be fully elucidated among Apis mellifera in Korea. using 16S rRNA gene illumina sequencing, the gut microbiota of Apis mellifera at four developmental stages under natural condition shows dysbiosis of essential microbiota, especially between the 5-days larvae and workers.

The Eurytoma appendigaster species-group is a second large group within the genus Eurytoma Illiger found in the Palearctic region. This group comprises 44 species by Zerova, but in Korea, only one species, E. appendigaster (Swederus), has been previously reported. They are well-known for their predation on phytophagous insects, mainly the genus Tetramesa which is belonged to the family Eurytomidae and associated with grasses (Poaceae). In this study, we report seven species of the appendigaster species-group from Korea for the first time. Also, key to Korean species of appendigaster species-group and photos of diagnostic characteristics are provided.

사막이리응애(Neoseiulus californicus)는 칠레이리응애에 비하여 고온건조한 조건에서 유리하고 점박이응 애, 차응애, 차먼지응애 등 응애류 뿐만 아니라 가루이, 총채벌레 등 다양한 미소해충을 포식 포식하는 광식성 천적으로서 전세계적으로 산업화되고 있다. 사막이리응애를 농가수준에서 증식하기 위하여 간단한 대량생산 방법을 개발하였다. 천적의 먹이원인 가는다리고기진드기와 배지로서 밀기울(70%) 및 팽창질석(30%)을 멸균 팩에 넣고 사막이리응애를 사육하였다. 그 결과 사막이리응애의 밀도는 3주차에 18배로 증식되었다. 증식된 사막이리응애를 딸기 농장에 2월초부터 4월초까지 8주간 매주 투여한 결과 잎당 점박이응애의 밀도는 무처리구 에서 41.5마리이고 천적처리구는 7.0마리로서 점박이응애 방제효과가 83%로 나타났다. 본 연구를 통하여 자가 생산한 사막이리응애를 활용하여 딸기농가의 점박이응애 방제에 효과적으로 사용할 수 있을 것으로 판단된다.

경북대학교 친환경농업연구센터에서는 농업인들의 효과적인 천적 활용을 증진시키기 위하여 2016년부터 경상북도 농민사관학교의 지원을 받아서 친환경천적 교육과정을 개설하고 천적 자가생산 및 현장적용 기술의 실습교육을 실시하였다. 그동안 토양 포식성 천적인 총채가시응애(Gaeolaelaps aculeifer)와 뿌리이리응애 (Stratiolaelaps scimitus), 그리고 점박이응애의 포식성 천적인 칠레이리응애(Phytoseiulus persimilis)와 사막 이리응애(Neoseiulus californicus)의 간편하고 경제적인 대량생산기술을 개발하고 그 기술을 약 180명의 농업 인에게 전수하였다. 즉, 농업인들이 스스로 천적을 자가생산하여 시설재배지에 적용함으로서 비용절감 및 청정 농산물 생산 효과를 높히는데 기여했다. 또한, 간편한 천적생산기술을 전국적으로 농업기술원, 농업기술센터, 그리고 친환경농업인단체 등 20여개 기관에 전수하였다. 최근, 경북의 농업기술센터(안동, 고령, 경주)에서 농업 인을 대상으로 천적 대량생산 시스템 보급 시범 사업을 실시하면서 뿌리이리응애 및 칠레이리응애 등의 천적 자가생산시설을 구축하고 자체적으로 생산함으로서 지속적인 천적 활용이 가능하게 되고 해충 방제 효과를 증가시킬 수 있었다. 즉, 농업인들이 직접 천적을 생산하고 활용하게 함으로서 천적농업의 성공사례가 증가하였 을 뿐만 아니라 국내 천적 공급 시스템이 다양화되어 천적농업의 활성화에 크게 기여한다고 판단한다.

경북 안동의 진걸맘농장은 딸기와 쪽 농사를 주로 하고 있으며 10년 이상 친환경 무농약 농법을 인증받은 농가로서 천적을 활용하여 토경 1,000평 규모의 시설 하우스에 딸기 재배를 하고 있다. 2018-2020에 경북농민사관학교 친환경 천적과정을 통하여 천적의 자가생산 기술을 배우고 2021년부터 농가에서 직접 자가생산을 시작하였다. 그래서, 진걸맘농가는 칠레이리응애를 자가사육하여 지속적으로 딸기 재배지에 처리함으로서 점박이응애 방제에 성공한 농업인으로서 국내 첫 사례로 꼽힌다. 또한, 2022년 안동시농업기술센터에서 안전농산물 생산을 위한 천적 배양시 스템 보급 시범 사업에 선정되어 딸기 해충의 생물적 방제를 위한 뿌리이리응애, 칠레이리응애, 보리뱅커플랜트 등의 천적 배양시설 완공, 천적의 자가생산 및 성공적인 현장적용 기술로서 농산물의 지역특화, 브랜드화를 통한 농산물 가격 차별화에 크기 기여하였으며 국내 천적농업의 발전을 위해 앞장서고 있는 선도농가로 인정받고 있다.