The process of carbonization followed by a high-temperature halogenation removal of radionuclides is a promising approach to convert low-radioactivity spent ion-exchange (IE) resins into freereleasable non-radioactive waste. The first step of this process is to convert spent ion-exchange resins into the carbon granules that are stable under high-temperature and corrosive-gas flowing conditions. This study investigated the kinetics of carbonization of cation exchange resin (CER) and the changes in structures during the course of carbonization to 1,273 K. Both of model-free and modelfitted kinetic analysis of mixed reactions occurring during the course of carbonization were first conducted based on the non-isothermal TGAs and TGA-FTIR analysis of CER to 1,272 K. The structural changes during the course of carbonization were investigated using the high-resolution FTIR and C-13 NMR of CER samples pyrolyzed to the peak temperature of each reaction steps established by the kinetic analysis. Four individual reaction steps were identified during the course of carbonization to 1,273 K. The first and the third steps were identified as the dehydration and the dissociation of the functional group of —SO3-H+ into SO2 and H2O, respectively. The second and the fourth steps were identified as the cleavage of styrene divinyl benzene copolymer and carbonization of pyrolysis product after the cleavage, respectively. The temperature and time positions of the peaks in the DTG plot are nearly identical to those of the peaks of the Gram Schmidt intensity of FTIR. The structural changes in carbonization identified by high-resolution FTIR and DTG are in agreement with those by C-13 NMR. The results of a detailed examination of the structural changes according to NMR and FTIR were in agreement with the pyrolysis gas evolution characteristics as examined by TGA-FTIR.

The thermocatalytic decomposition of methane is a promising method for hydrogen production. To determine the cause of carbonaceous catalyst deactivation and to produce high-value carbon, methane decomposition behavior and deactivated catalysts were analyzed. The surface properties and crystallinity of a commercial activated carbon material, MSP20, used as a methane decomposition catalyst, varied with the reaction time at a reaction temperature of 900 °C. During the initial reaction, MSP20 provided a methane conversion of ≥ 50%; however, the catalyst exhibited rapid deactivation as crystalline carbon grew at surface defects; after 15 min of reaction, approximately 33% methane conversion was maintained. With increasing reaction time, the specific surface area of the catalyst decreased, whereas crystallinity increased. The R-square value of the conversion–crystallinity relationship was significantly higher than that of the conversion–specific surface area relationship; however, neither profile was linear. The activity of the activated carbon catalyst for methane decomposition is mainly determined by the complex actions of the specific surface area and defect sites. The activity was maintained after an initial sharp decline caused by the continuous growth of crystalline carbon product. This study presents the application of carbonaceous catalysts for the decomposition reaction of methane to form COx- free hydrogen, while simultaneously yielding porous carbon materials with an improved electrical conductivity.

This study evaluated a potential sterilization process that uses calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)2) as a disinfectant and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a neutralizing agent for monoculture processes of microalgae (Nannochloropsis oculata). The results showed that no contaminants (prokaryote) were present when the Ca(ClO)2 concentration was greater than 0.010%. The use of an equivalent amount of H2O2 completely neutralized Ca(ClO)2 and had an additional bactericidal effect because of the formation of singlet oxygen. No substantial difference was observed in the biomass accumulation and chlorophyll contents compared to those in cultures sterilized using conventional physical methods such as autoclaving. Therefore, chemical sterilization using Ca(ClO)2 and H2O2 has an excellent economic advantage, and we expect the proposed ecofriendly chemical sterilization method to become a critical culture technology for microalgae-related industrialization.

닭 사체를 이용하여 장소, 기온, 습도별 시식성 곤충상을 파악하기 위해 대전광역시 전민동 일대의 3개의 장소 를 선택하여 닭 사체별로 유인되는 곤충의 종류와 군집 상의 차이와 출현양상을 조사하였다. 이를 위해, 닭 사체에 유인되는 곤충을 주기적으로 채집하고 해당 일자의 온도와 습도를 조사하여 기록했으며, 채집한 곤충들은 외부 형태적 특징으로 분류하고 개체수를 확인했다. 조사결과, 딱정벌레목과 파리목의 개체가 가장 많았고, 그 외에 바퀴목, 벌목, 노린재목 분류군에 속하는 다양한 곤충들이 유인된 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 본 연구 결과는 법곤충 시식성 곤충을 연구하는데 중요한 기초자료로 활용될 수 있도록 결과를 종합정리하였다.

본 연구에서는 영종도에 위치한 인천과학고등학교 주변에 서식하는 개미와 개미집 근권토양을 두 차례에 걸쳐 채취한 것을 활용하여 토양미생물 순수분리 및 동정을 진행하였다. 채취된 개미의 더듬이의 모양, 털의 위치 및 분포 등의 형태학적 동정 및 DNA extraction을 통한 분자생물학적 동정을 통하여 채취한 개미를 Camponotus japonicus으로 결론하였다. 토양미생물을 연속희석법을 이용하여 확인한 결과 채취한 개미집 세 곳에서 각각 12, 18, 10개의 종이 동정되었다. 개미집 근권토양의 비옥도가 상대적으로 높다는 선행연구를 바탕 으로 ‘분리한 토양미생물이 다양한 유기물 분해 효소활성을 보일 것’이라는 가설을 세웠고, 이를 확인하기 위해 분별배지를 제작하여 디스크 확산법을 진행하였다. 실험 결과 개미집 근권 토양에서 분리된 균주가 일반 토양에 서 분리된 균주에 비해 높은 효소활성을 보임을 확인하였으며 개미집 근권 토양 미생물의 불용성인산 가용화능 이 우수함을 확인하였다. 이후 위 실험들을 바탕으로 개미집 근권 토양 미생물이 식물 생장을 촉진시켜 미생물을 접종한 토양에서의 식물의 건조 질량이 증가하였음을 확인하였다.

This paper explores the relationships of various cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioural responses of e-discount sales promotion technique preferences consumers have when making purchases through online food delivery services (OFDS). This paper highlights new findings towards expanding e-discount and sales promotion literature and thus provide relevant implications.

This study employed the Gini coefficient decomposition analysis to classify and examine fishery household income inequality according to income sources. The raw data from the Fisheries Economic Survey by the National Statistical Office were used for the analysis after equalization according to the recommended method of the OECD. In particular, the Gini coefficient was decomposed by classifying with and without public subsidies, and the contribution, correlation, and marginal effect by income source were presented.As a result of the analysis, the inequality of fishing income and non-fishing income of fishermen was worsening, and the inequality of transfer income was continuously easing. Among them, fisheries subsidies have been analyzed to have the greatest contribution to the Gini coefficient of gross income and the highest relative marginal effect, although distribution inequality has been alleviated. On the other hand, other subsidies, including public pensions, were found to have the opposite contribution, correlation, and marginal effect to fisheries subsidies. The results of this analysis showed that even within public subsidies, the contribution to income redistribution might differ depending on the nature of the subsidy. In addition, in the case of other public subsidies, it can be seen that the transition from selective welfare to universal welfare occurs.

Ammonia is a potential fuel for producing and storing hydrogen, but its usage is constrained by the high cost of the noble metal catalysts to decompose NH3. Utilizing non-precious catalysts to decompose ammonia increases its potential for hydrogen production. In this study, carborundum (SiC)-supported cobalt catalysts were prepared by impregnating Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) on SiC support. The catalysts were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, temperature programmed reduction, etc. The results show that the large specific surface area of SiC can introduce highly distributed Co3O4 NPs onto the surface. The amount of Co in the catalysts has a significant effect on the catalyst structure, particle size and catalytic performances. Due to the interaction of cobalt species with SiC, the 25Co/SiC catalyst provided the optimal ammonia conversion of 73.2% with a space velocity of 30,000 mL gcat −1 h− 1 at 550 °C, corresponding to the hydrogen production rate of 24.6 mmol H2 gcat −1 min− 1. This research presents an opportunity to develop highly active and cost-effective catalysts for hydrogen production via NH3 decomposition.

To analyze the radioactivity of 3H and 14C in miscellaneous radioactive wastes generated from nuclear power plants, a wet digestion method using sulfuric acid is currently used. However, sulfuric acid is classified as a special management material, and there is no disposal method for contaminated radioactive waste. Therefore, research on a thermal decomposition method that can analyze the DAW radioactive waste samples without using sulfuric acid is necessary. In this study, we will cover the final sample amount, sample injection method, and prevention of organic ignition to meet the minimum detection limit requirements of the analysis equipment. Through this research, optimal conditions for the thermal decomposition method for analyzing the radioactivity of 3H and 14C in DAW radioactive wastes generated from nuclear power plants can be derived.

Radioactive products generated by long-term operation at NPP can become deposited on the surfaces of the system and equipment, leading to radiation exposure for workers during the decommissioning process. Chemical decontamination is one of the methods to reduce radiation exposure of workers, and there are HP CORD UV, CITROX, CAN-DECON. In the chemical decontamination process, organic acids are generally used, and representative organic acids include oxalic acid and citric acid. There are various methods for removing residual organic acid in decontamination liquid waste, such as using an oxidizing agent and an ion exchange methods. However, there is a problem in that oxidizing agent is used excessively or secondary wastes are generated in excess during organic waste treatment. However, when organic acid is decomposed using a UV lamp, the amount of secondary waste is reduced because it tis decomposed into CO2 and H2O. In this study, organic acid decomposition was evaluated as the contact time of the UV lamp. The experimental equipment consists of a UV reactor, a mixing tank, a circulation pump. The experimental conditions involved preparing 60 L of organic liquid waste containing oxalic acid, hydrogen peroxide and iron chloride. Test A was conducted using one UV reactor, and Test B was performed by connecting two UV reactors in series. As a result of the experiment, a decomposition rate of over 95% was shown after one hour for oxalic acid, and it was confirmed that the initial decomposition rate was faster as the contact time increases. Therefore, in order to increase the initial decomposition rate, it is necessary to increase the contact time of the UV lamp by connecting the UV reactors in series.

Dry active wastes (DAWs) are a type of combustible radioactive solid waste, which includes decontamination paper, protective clothing, filters, plastic bags, etc. generated from operating nuclear facilities and decommissioning projects. The volume of DAWs could be increased over time, disadvantage to higher disposal costs and space utilitization of disposal site. Additionally, incineration methods cannot be applied to DAWs, unlike general environmental waste, due to concerns about air pollution and the release of harmful chemicals with radioactive nuclides into the atmosphere. Recently, KAERI developed an alternative thermochemical process for reducing the volume of DAW, which involves a step-wise approach, including carbonization, chlorination, and solidification. The purpose of this process is to selectively separate the radioactive nuclides from carbonized DAWs that are less than clearance criteria, which can be disposed of as non-radioactive waste. In this research, we investigated the thermal decomposition characteristics of DAWs using nonisothermal thermogravimetric analysis, which was performed with different categorized wastes and heating conditions. As a result, the cellulose DAWs such as decontamination paper and cotton were thermally decomposed in three or four-step depending on the heating conditions. On the other hand, the hydrocarbon and rubber DAWs such as plastic bags and latex were thermally decomposed in one or two-step. Therefore, it could be suggested the thermochemical treatment conditions that minimize the decomposition of DAWs by controlling the reaction steps, and we will try to apply these results for cellulose type DAWs such as decontamination paper and cotton, which is generated majorly from the nuclear facilities in the future.

The radiolytic decomposition of oxalic acid was investigated using gamma irradiation for decontamination of nuclear power systems. The study used high-purity analytical grade chemicals, with initial concentrations of oxalic acid prepared at 1, 2, 5, and 10 mM, and the initial pH was adjusted to 2-3 at each test condition. Gamma irradiation was performed using a high-level Co-60 source, and absorbed doses were 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50 kGy. The results showed that the efficiency of gamma irradiation decreased with longer gamma exposure time, and the G-value increased with the initial concentration of oxalic acid. Interestingly, the G-value decreased with accumulated radiation dose, but the removal increased. The dose constant ranged from 0.1695 to 0.0536 kGy-1 at different initial concentrations, and the G-value was inversely proportional to the dose constant. The study concluded that oxalic acid was successfully degraded by gamma irradiation, and 92% removal was obtained at the initial concentration of 10 mM. The mineralization of oxalic acid at higher concentrations was more difficult due to the great number of generated intermediates.

To investigate the effect of the catalyst and metal–support interaction on the methane decomposition behavior and physical properties of the produced carbon, catalytic decomposition of methane (CDM) was studied using Ni/SiO2 catalysts with different metal–support interactions (synthesized based on the presence or absence of urea). During catalyst synthesis, the addition of urea led to uniform and stable precipitation of the Ni metal precursor on the SiO2 support to produce Ni-phyllosilicates that enhanced the metal–support interaction. The resulting catalyst upon reduction showed the formation of uniform Ni0 particles (< 10 nm) that were smaller than those of a catalyst prepared using a conventional impregnation method (~ 80 nm). The growth mechanisms of methane-decomposition-derived carbon nanotubes was base growth or tip growth according to the metal–support interaction of the catalysts synthesized with and without urea, respectively. As a result, the catalyst with Ni-phyllosilicates resulting from the addition of urea induced highly dispersed and strongly interacting Ni0 active sites and produced carbon nanotubes with a small and uniform diameter via the base-growth mechanism. Considering the results, such a Ni-phyllosilicate-based catalyst are expected to be suitable for industrial base grown carbon nanotube production and application since as-synthesized carbon nanotubes can be easily harvested and the catalyst can be regenerated without being consumed during carbon nanotube extraction process.

To understand functional changes of forest ecosystems due to climate change, correlation between decomposition rate of leaf litter, an important function of forest ecosystems, and microclimatic factors was analyzed. After 48 months elapsed, percent remaining weight of Quercus mongolica leaf litter was 27.1% in the east aspect and 37.0% in the west aspects. Decay constant of Q. mongolica leaf litter was 0.33 in the east aspect and 0.25 in the west aspect after 48 months elapsed. Initial C/N ratio of Q. mongolica leaf litter was 38.5. After 48 months elapsed, C/N ratio of decomposing Q. mongolica leaf litter decreased to 13.43 in the east aspect and 16.72 in the west aspect. Average air temperature and soil temperature during the investigation period of the research site were 8.2±9.0 and 9.1±9.3 in the east and 8.5±7.4 and 9.3±7.3°C in the west aspect, respectively, with the west aspect showing higher air and soil temperatures. Soil moisture showed no significant difference between east and west aspects (average soil moisture: 19.4±11.0% vs. 20.5±5.7%). However, as a result of analyzing the correlation between decomposition rate and microclimatic factors, it was found that the decomposition rate and soil moisture has a positive correlation (r=0.426) in the east aspect but not in the west aspect. Our study shows that the correlation between decomposition rate and microclimatic factors can be significantly different depending on the direction of the aspect.

For the selective catalytic reduction of NOx with ammonia (NH3-SCR), a V2O5WO3/TiO2 (VW/nTi) catalyst was prepared using V2O5 and WO3 on a nanodispersed TiO2 (nTi) support by simple impregnation process. The nTi support was dispersed for 0~3 hrs under controlled bead-milling in ethanol. The average particle size (D50) of nTi was reduced from 582 nm to 93 nm depending on the milling time. The NOx activity of these catalysts with maximum temperature shift was influenced by the dispersion of the TiO2. For the V0.5W2/nTi-0h catalyst, prepared with 582 nm nTi-0h before milling, the decomposition temperature with over 94 % NOx conversion had a narrow temperature window, within the range of 365-391 °C. Similarly, the V0.5W2/nTi-2h catalyst, prepared with 107 nm nTi-2h bead-milled for 2hrs, showed a broad temperature window in the range of 358~450 °C. However, the V0.5W2/Ti catalyst (D50 = 2.4 μm, aqueous, without milling) was observed at 325-385 °C. Our results could pave the way for the production of effective NOx decomposition catalysts with a higher temperature range. This approach is also better at facilitating the dispersion on the support material. NH3-TPD, H2-TPR, FT-IR, and XPS were used to investigate the role of nTi in the DeNOx catalyst.

Radioactive mixed waste (RMW) is containing radioactive materials and hazardous materials. Radioactive wastes containing asbestos are include in RMW. These wastes thus must be treated considering both radioactive and hazardous aspects. In this study, a high temperature melt oxidation system consisting of an electric arc furnace and a molten salt oxidation furnace has been developed for the treatment of of radioactive waste containing asbestos. A surrogate waste of the radioactive waste containing asbestos (content of asbestos: 13wt%) was treated in this system. It was melted and fabricated into a glass waste form in the system. Asbestos was not detected in this glass waste form. This means that the asbestos was converted to a glass component in the glass waste form. The waste form was homogeneous glass, and it had a high value of compressive strength (475.13 MPa). It was also confirmed through a leaching test (ANS 16.1) that the waste form had a high chemical durability (Leaching Index > 6). Based on these results, it is considered that the high temperature melt oxidation system will be utilized for the treatment of a significant amount of radioactive waste containing asbestos generated from decommissioning a nuclear power plant.