Component-specific information is crucial for identifying sources of PM2.5 in indoor environments. However, profiles of PM2.5 at various locations, including subway tunnels are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between PM2.5 and its component across tunnels, platforms, and outdoor environments at underground subway stations in Incheon. The study was conducted at six underground subway stations in Incheon. PM2.5 concentrations were measured twice at each station, simultaneously covering the tunnel, platform, and outdoor areas. Carbon (two types), ion (eight types), and metal components (20 types) were analyzed using each analytical instruments. The mean PM2.5 concentration in the tunnel was 33.0±15.7 μg/ m3, significantly higher than the concentrations observed on the platform (12.9±4.6 μg/m3) and outdoors (13.1±7.6 μg/m3). The proportion of total metal concentrations in PM2.5 was highest in the tunnel (57.8%), followed by the platform (22.2%) and outdoor areas (11.3%). Significant correlations between the platform and tunnel were observed for organic carbon, SO4 2–, NO3 –, NH4 +, Ba, Mn, Fe, and Se. Significant correlations between the platform and outdoor were observed for SO4 2–, NO3 –, NH4 +, and Ti, while the tunnel and outdoor showed correlations for SO4 2– and NH4 +. PM2.5 concentrations and total metal concentrations were highest in the tunnel. While PM2.5 concentrations on the platform and outdoors were similar, total metal concentrations were higher on the platform than outdoors. From the platform’s perspective, the concentrations of Ba, Mn, Fe, and Se were only associated with the tunnel, while SO4 2–, NO3 –, and NH4 + had tendency of correlations between both the tunnel and outdoors. The findings suggest that for platform PM2.5 concentrations, Ba, Mn, Fe, and Se may serve as indicators of tunnel-originating PM2.5, while SO4 2–, NO3 –, and NH4 + may serve as indicators for outdoor sources.

Subway trains with air cleaners have been newly deployed in the Seoul Metro system. The purpose of this study was to determine differences regarding in-cabin particulate matter with respect to concentrations less than 10 um (PM10) and 2.5 um (PM2.5) through the operation of air cleaners in subway trains. One subway train newly installed with in-cabin air cleaners on Seoul Metro Line number 2 was chosen monitoring in 2020. In-cabin air cleaners were turned-on at both front and back areas while those in the middle area were turned-off while the train was running. In-cabin PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were measured in each area using a real-time aerosol monitor. Average in-cabin PM10 concentrations were statistically significantly lower (by 15%) in areas with air cleaners turned-on (43.8±12.1 μg/m3) compared to those areas where the air cleaners were turned-off (51.4±15.0 μg/m3). Average incabin PM2.5 concentrations were significantly lower (by 14%) in areas with air cleaners turned on (33.7±12.2 μg/m3) compared to those areas where air cleaners were turned-off (39.2± 14.4 μg/m3). In-cabin PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations ratios were similar regardless of area with air cleaners turned-on or turned-off. The in-cabin PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were not associated with commute time. Use of air cleaners in subway trains effected reductions in in-cabin PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations.

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.