Carbon is not only an essential element for life but also a key player in climate change. The radiocarbon (14C) analysis using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is a powerful tool not only to understand the carbon cycle but also to track pollutants derived from fossil carbon, which have a distinct radiocarbon isotope ratio (Δ14C). Many studies have reported Δ14C of carbon compounds in streams, rivers, rain, snow, throughfall, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and wastewater treatment plant effluents in South Korea, which are reviewed in this manuscript. In summary, (1) stream and river carbon in South Korea are largely derived from the chemical weathering of soils and rocks, and organic compounds in plants and soils, strongly influenced by precipitation, wastewater treatment effluents, agricultural land use, soil water, and groundwater. (2) Unprecedentedly high Δ14C of precipitation during winter has been reported, which can directly and indirectly influence stream and river carbon. Although we cannot exclude the possibility of local contamination sources of high Δ14C, the results suggest that stream dissolved organic carbon could be older than previously thought, warranting future studies. (3) The 14C analysis has also been applied to quantify the sources of forest throughfall and PM2.5, providing new insights. The 14C data on a variety of ecosystems will be valuable not only to track the pollutants derived from fossil carbon but also to improve our understanding of climate change and provide solutions.

Water contamination is one of the most pressing environmental issues of the present. There is a significant amount of interest in the slow pyrolysis of biomass to produce biochar, a solid byproduct that is stable and rich in carbon. Adsorbents manufactured from hydrochars, sometimes referred to as hydrochar created by hydrothermal methods, have been tested for the removal of possible contaminants from wastewater. The hydrothermal processes of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and liquefaction (HTL) yield hydrochars, a distinct category of biochar. Because of its peak efficiency, large surface area, large size of pore and capacity to regenerate, hydrochar is an acceptable option for the rehabilitation of a range of pollutants. The formation, activation, identification, and use of biochar and hydrochar were highlighted in this review. The physiochemical properties of the char produced by the two processes are very different, which has an impact on their potential uses in areas like wastewater pollution remediation, soil improvement, greenhouse gas emission and carbon sequestration among others.

Biochar obtained from the thermal conversion of biomass has high potential as a substitute material for activated carbon and other carbon-based materials because it is economical, environmentally friendly, and carbon-neutral. The physicochemical properties of biochar can also be controlled by a range of activation methods such as physical, chemical, and hydrothermal treatments. Activated biochar can be used as a catalyst for the catalytic pyrolysis of a biomass and as an absorbent for the removal of heavy metal ions and atmospheric pollutants. The applications of biochar are also expanding not only as a key component in producing energy storage materials, such as supercapacitors, lithium ion batteries, and fuel cells, but also in carbon capture and storage. This paper reviews the recent progress on the activation of biochar and its diverse present and future applications.

Stable isotope approach for aquatic ecology and environmental sciences has been introduced as very useful technique since 1980s and also has been applied to investigate various issues in aquatic ecology and environmental study last 10 years in Korea. Especially carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios have been mainly used to understand food web energy flow and ecosystem structure. In addition, nitrogen isotope ratio has been applied for nitrogen cycle and source identification as well as biomagnification studies. However, large temporal or spatial variations of nitrogen isotope ratio of primary producer have been found in many aquatic environments, and it is regarded as the critical problems to determine trophic level of aquatic animals. Recently, the compound specific isotope analysis of nitrogen within individual amino acids has been developed as an alternative method for trophic ecology. This article introduces the progress history of stable isotope application in aquatic ecology and environmental sciences, and also suggests new direction based on future prospects in stable isotope ecology and environmental study.

Porous materials play a vital role in science and technology. The ability to control their pore structures at the atomic, molecular, and nanometer scales enable interactions with atoms, ions and molecules to occur throughout the bulk of the material, for practical applications. Three-dimensional (3D) porous carbon-based materials (e.g., graphene aerogels/hydrogels, sponges and foams) made of graphene or graphene oxide-based networks have attracted considerable attention because they offer low density, high porosity, large surface area, excellent electrical conductivity and stable mechanical properties. Water pollution and associated environmental issues have become a hot topic in recent years. Rapid industrialization has led to a massive increase in the amount of wastewater that industries discharge into the environment. Water pollution is caused by oil spills, heavy metals, dyes, and organic compounds released by industry, as well as via unpredictable accidents. In addition, water pollution is also caused by radionuclides released by nuclear disasters or leakage. This review presents an overview of the state-of-the-art synthesis methodologies of 3D porous graphene materials and highlights their synthesis for environmental applications. The various synthetic methods used to prepare these 3D materials are discussed, particularly template-free self-assembly methods, and template-directed methods. Some key results are summarized, where 3D graphene materials have been used for the adsorption of dyes, heavy metals, and radioactive materials from polluted environments.

오감을 포함한 스토리의 상황 공유라 할 수 있는 스토리텔링이라 함은 물체나 대상의 단순한 집합이나 일차원적인 형이하적인 접근의 측면이 아니라, 인과 관계와 유기적인 스토리를 대상에게 적용하여 뇌리에 남는 디자인을 하기 위한 기법의 한 가지이다. 그 표현을 환경디자인을 통하여 보여 줌으로써 디자이너와 사용자가 소통할 수 있는 여지를 줄 수 있다. 이런 배경을 통하여 자연스럽게 문화가치 자체를 통해서 경제 효과를 나타내는 컬처노믹스가 이루어져 경제적인 효과까지 따라온다고 할 수 있다. 환경디자인에서 이 관계의 유기적 효과를 위해서 스토리텔링을 할 때부터 컬처노믹스의 관점에서 풀어낼 수 있는 것을 주도면밀하게 적용하여 디자인을 하는 것이 유리하다고 할 수 있다.

The purpose of this study was attempted to establish concepts of environmental-friendly applications of flood plain and to suggest the application plans. The results of this study can be summarized as follows; 1.Roles of flood plain as biotop (restoration, preservation, and creation of stream corridor ecosystem) should be considered. 2.Application methods considering environmental and scenic values should be reviewed. 3.Application methods reflecting values as regional ecological resources should be planned. 4.Preservation and application should be considered together, and obtaining a means of living for regional residents and creation of economic profits should be considered together. 5.Land application and approach method by usages (integrated management model) should be applied to utilize and manage flood plain efficiently. 6.Flood plain application programs should be designed reflecting opinions of regional residents. 7.With respect to space planning of flood plain, introduction of facilities focused on ecosystempreservation/ecosystemrestoration/experiences/observation/learning/culture/ recreation/water purification could be reviewed positively.