Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can adversely affect human and plant health by generating secondary pollutants such as ozone and fine particulate matter, through photochemical reactions, necessitating systematic management. This study investigated the distribution characteristics of gaseous VOCs in ambient air, with a focus on interpreting data from a photochemical pollution perspective. This paper analyzed the presence and concentration distribution of VOCs in industrial areas, identifying toluene, m-xylene, p-xylene, and n-octane as the most frequently detected components. Particularly, toluene was found to significantly contribute to the formation of ozone and fine particulate matter, highlighting the need for stricter regulation of this compound. Although n-octane and styrene were present in relatively low concentrations overall, their significant contributions to ozone generation and secondary organic aerosol formation, respectively, emphasize their importance in air pollution management.

This study evaluated the importance of assessing personal exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by monitoring indoor, outdoor, and personal VOC levels in 15 Seoul residents over a 3-month period using passive samplers. Results indicated that limonene had the highest concentrations across indoor, outdoor, and personal samples, with this compound primarily originating from household cleaners and air fresheners. Other VOCs, such as 2-butanone and toluene, also varied by location. Health risk assessments showed that most VOCs had a Hazard Index (HI) below 1, while the HI of individual exposures were relatively higher. Notably, cancer risk assessments for chloroform and ethylbenzene exceeded permissible levels in some scenarios, suggesting potential cancer risks. This underscores the importance of diverse microenvironment monitoring for accurate health risk evaluations, as relying solely on indoor and outdoor levels can underestimate actual exposure risks. This study highlights the need for future research to monitor VOC levels in various microenvironments, in addition to the necessity of investigating personal activity patterns in depth to accurately assess personal exposure levels. Such an approach is crucial for precise health risk assessments, and it provides valuable foundational data for evaluating personal VOC exposures.

Since 2010, the Odor Prevention Act has identified and regulated four types of fatty acids as substances that cause odors. Four types of fatty acids are contributors to odor pollution and are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. However, the current analysis method has several limitations, including dependency on the timing of sampling before and after the procedure, as well as dependency on the specific analysis method employed. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of the ion chromatography analysis method by utilizing ultrapure distilled water as a means to improve the current approach. Initially, the analysis system underwent a quality assessment. The results indicated a linearity (R2) of 0.99, a limit of 10 nmol/mol or lower, supporting the conclusion that it is suitable. Furthermore, the investigation focused on the substance’s tendency to change over time in ultrapure water and under alkali absorption (0.01N NaOH). At a concentration of 0.95 ng (low-concentration standard sample), the confirmed peak area values ranged from 0.0004 μg/min to 0.0010 μg/min, resulting in an injection variation of approximately ± 0.001. At 23.7 ng (high-concentration standard sample), the peak area value fluctuated between 0.008 μg/min and 0.013 μg/ min, with an average of ± 0.002. Therefore, storing the material at temperatures below 4°C for up to 3 days (72 hours) after manufacturing seemed to facilitate the optimal conditions for maintaining its stability without significant changes taking place. Finally, blank samples from the laboratory, equipment, and site were analyzed. Out of the four substances analyzed, only n-butyl acid was detected in all three background samples. It was confirmed that it represented 4% of the peak area in the 4.94 ng standard sample.

This study analyzed the effects of different nitrogen sources in substrate composition on the growth of Pleurotus ostreatus, as well as the subsequent changes in flavor and antioxidant activity. The T2, composed of poplar sawdust, beet pulp, cotton seed dregs, and cotton seed coat in a ratio of 40:20:20:20, exhibited the highest yield at 156.6 g. The total polyphenol content and ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities were 8.25 mg GAE/g, 70%, and 49%, respectively, showing higher radical scavenging activity compared to the Control and T1. Additionally, varying nitrogen content resulted in distinct aroma patterns and is presumed to influence taste profiles such as sourness, umami, and saltiness.

목적 : 본 연구는 국민건강영양조사 제8기(2019-2021) 원시자료를 이용하여, 생체지표를 통한 휘발성 실내환 경요인(휘발성 유기 화합물, VOCs)과 백내장의 연관성을 파악하고자 하였다. 방법 : 백내장 의사진단 여부 및 가정 실내공기질 측정에 참여한 만 40세 이상의 성인 총 1,150명을 대상으로 하였다. 일반적 특성에 따른 휘발성 실내환경요인의 농도와 백내장의 유 ‧무에 따른 휘발성 실내환경요인의 농도를 비교하기 위해 복합표본 기술통계 분석과 로지스틱회귀분석을 하였다. p<0.050인 경우 유의한 것으로 판단하였다. 결과 : 대부분의 실내 휘발성 환경오염물질의 생체지표는 백내장을 진단받은 대상자에서 높게 나타났다. 특히 Benzene, Xylene, Acrolein, 1-Bromopropane, 1,3-Butadiene의 생체지표 평균농도(GM)가 백내장 진단받은 대상자들이 유의하게 높게 나타났다. 연령, 성별, 결혼, 알콜, 흡연, 소득을 보정한 복합표본 로지스틱회귀분석에 서, 1,3-Butadiene의 생체지표는 약 2배(OR 1.905(95% CI: 1.001, 3.625))의 위험도로 백내장에 영향을 미칠 수 있는 것으로 나타났다. 결론 : 본 연구는 기존에 밝혀지지 않은 휘발성 실내환경요인과 백내장의 연관성을 파악함으로써, 일부 휘발성 실내환경물질은 백내장의 원인물질로 작용할 수 있는 가능성을 보여주었다.

Considering the characteristics of aldehydes among volatile organic compounds, a combined process was established by linking an absorbent and a photocatalytic reactor. Experiments to find the optimal operating conditions of the combined process showed that as the amount of photocatalyst coating increases, the wavelength of the ultraviolet lamp used becomes shorter, the photodegradation rate becomes faster, and the removal efficiency increases. It was also demonstrated that by controlling the relative humidity during the connection process of the combined process, the re-evaporation phenomenon at the front end (absorption area) of the hybrid process can be improved and the removal efficiency at the back end (photocatalytic reaction area) can be significantly enhanced. This confirmed the need for a combined process that complements the advantages and disadvantages of each process.

Mushrooms have a unique taste and aroma, so in the processing of mushroom products with other ingredients, a separate pre-processing step is often taken to eliminate the mushroom aroma. In this study, we analyzed the changes in the concentration of volatile compounds according to drying conditions to promote the activation of processing using the fruiting bodies of yellow oyster mushrooms(Pleurotus citrinopileatus) and pink oyster mushrooms(P. djamor). The caps and stipes of yellow oyster and pink oyster mushrooms were separated and freeze-dried at -70oC for 120 hours. Subsequently, they were hot air-dried at temperatures of 40, 50, 60, and 70oC for 24, 24, 16, and 12 hours, respectively. The dried samples were pulverized and quantitatively analyzed by SPME-GC-MS. In the case of yellow oyster mushrooms, the concentration of t-2-nonenal in caps and stipes during freeze-drying was 164.43 g/g d.w. and 174.80 g/g d.w., respectively, whereas during hot air-drying, it significantly decreased to 0.35~3.41 g/g d.w. and 0.98~59.88 g/g d.w. In a similar manner, for pink oyster mushrooms, the concentration of 1-octen-3-ol during freeze-drying in caps and stipes was 31.05 g/g d.w. and 176.17 g/g d.w., respectively, whereas during hot air-drying, it significantly decreased to 1.59~9.66 g/g d.w. and 1.96~15.77 g/g d.w. Furthermore, most volatile compounds showed a tendency to decrease in concentration as the temperature during hot air-drying increased.

Within the air purification system of a nuclear power plant, specific radioactive isotopes are extracted from gases through adsorption onto activated carbon. To properly dispose of used activated carbon, it is essential to determine the concentration of radioactive nuclides within it. This study discusses the application of the pyrolysis method for analyzing the concentrations of 3H and 14C in spent activated carbon. The pyrolysis was conducted using Raddec’s Pyrolyser, with adjustments made to parameters such as temperature profiles, airflow rates, sample quantities, and trapping solution volumes. The evaluation method for the pyrolysis of activated carbon to analyze 3H and 14C involved adding 3H and 14C sources to the activated carbon before use and subsequently assessing the recovery rates of the added sources in comparison to the analysis results.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a paramount factor in air pollution of the environment. VOCs are vastly present in the wastewater discharged by the pharmaceutical industries. As it is evaporative in nature, it enters the environment spontaneously and causes air pollution, global warming, acid rain and climate change. VOCs must be treated before discharging or any other aerobic methods using an efficient catalyst. As the catalytic oxidation in the liquid phase is facile compared to the gas phase, this study investigated on catalytic liquid-phase oxidation of VOCs in model and real pharmaceutical wastewater. The model compounds of toluene-, ethylbenzene- and chlorobenzene-contaminated waters were treated separately along with the VOCs present in real pharmaceutical wastewater using a tungsten-based carbon catalyst. The tungsten was impregnated on the low-cost activated carbon matrix as it has good selectivity and catalytic property toward VOCs for facile catalytic operations. The metal catalysts were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction studies, and scanning electron microscopy with elemental and mapping analysis. The treatability was monitored by total organic carbon, ultra-violet spectroscopy and high-pressure liquid chromatography analysis. The tungsten-impregnated activated carbon matrix (WACM) has a catalytic efficiency toward toluene by 85.45 ± 1.78%, ethylbenzene by 93.9 ± 1.16%, chlorobenzene by 85.9 ± 2.26% and pharmaceutical VOCs by 85.05 ± 1.73% in 20 treatment cycles. The results showed that WACM worked efficiently in VOCs treatment, preventing the environment from air pollution. Furthermore, liquid-phase oxidation could easily be implementable on an industrial scale.

The emission of off-gas streams from used fuel recycling is a concern in nuclear energy usage as they contain radioactive compounds, such as, 3H, 14C, 85Kr, 131I, and 129I that can be harmful to human health and environment. Radioactive iodine, 129I, is particularly troublesome as it has a half-life of more than 15 million years and is prone to accumulate in human thyroid glands. Organic iodides are hazardous even at very low concentrations, and hence the capture of 129I is extremely important. Dynamic adsorption experiments were conducted to determine the efficiency of sodium mordenite, partially exchanged silver mordenite, and fully exchanged silver mordenite for the removal of methyl iodide present at parts per billion concentrations in a simulated off-gas stream. Kinetic analysis of the system was conducted incorporating the effects of diffusion and mass transfer. The possible reaction mechanism is postulated and the order of the reaction and the values of the rate constants were determined from the experimental data. Adsorbent characterization is performed to investigate the nature of the adsorbent before and after iodine loading. This paper will offer a comprehensive understanding of the methyl iodide behavior when in contact with the mordenites.

We used the measurement data derived from a proton transfer reaction time-offlight mass spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS) to ascertain the source profile of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from 4 major industrial classifications which showed the highest emissions from a total of 26 industrial classifications of A industrial complex. Methanol (MOH) was indicated as the highest VOC in the industrial classification of fabricated metal manufacture, and it was followed by dichloromethane (DM), ethanol (EN) and acetaldehyde (AAE). In the industrial classification of printing and recording media, the emission of ethylacetate (EA) and toluene (TOL) were the highest, and were followed by acetone (ACT), ethanol (EN) and acetic acid (AA). TOL, MOH, 2-butanol (MEK) and AAE were measured at high concentrations in the classification of rubber and plastic manufacture. In the classification of sewage, wastewater and manure treatment, TOL was the highest, and it was followed by MOH, H2S, and ethylbenzene (EBZ). In future studies, the source profiles for various industrial classifications which can provide scientific evidence must be completed, and then specified mitigation plans of VOCs for each industrial classification should be established.

본 연구는 소맥 위주 사료에 xylanase 효소제의 첨가가 육성돈의 사양성적, 영양소 소화율, 혈액성상, 분 중 휘발 성 지방산 및 암모니아성 질소 농도에 미치는 영향을 알 아보기 위하여 실시하였다. 총 192두(4처리, 8반복, 반복당 6두)의 육성돈(25.14±0.11 kg)을 공시하여 xylanase 첨가수 준(0, 0.0125, 0.025, 0.0375%)으로 6주간 사양시험을 실시 하였다. xylanase의 첨가수준이 증가함에 따라 전체 사양 구간에서의 일당증체량(ADG), 일일사료섭취량(ADFI) 및 사료요구율(FCR)이 유의적으로 개선되는 효과를 나타냈 다(p<005). 영양소 소화율에 있어서, xylanase 첨가수준이 증가함에 따라 phase Ⅰ에서는 건물 및 에너지, phase Ⅱ 에서는 조단백질 소화율이 유의적으로 개선되었으며, 또 한 육성돈의 혈중 GLU 농도는 사료 내 xylanase의 첨가 수준이 증가함에 따라 유의적으로 증가하는 효과를 보였 다(p<0.05). 반면에, 휘발성 지방산 및 암모니아성 질소 농 도에서 xylanase의 유의적인 첨가효과는 나타나지 않았다 (p>0.05). 결론적으로, 소맥 위주의 사료 내 xylanase의 첨 가는 육성돈의 사양성적, 영양소 소화율 및 혈중 GLU 농 도를 증가시키는데 긍정적인 효과를 보였으며, 육성돈 사 료내 소맥을 주원료로 사용할 경우 xylanse의 적정 첨가 수준은 0.0375%으로 사료된다.

Radioactive waste must be stored for at least 300 years and must bear astronomical costs. In addition, unexpected potential risk factors are also a considerable burden. In the case of low-level radioactive waste, combustible and liquid low-contamination radioactive waste can be treated relatively easily through high-temperature plasma which the volume can be reduced by 1/250 and the weight by 1/30. It is possible to permanently dispose of the ash leached after plasma treatment in a more stable manner compared to the conventional methods. Types of low-level combustible radioactive waste, including paper, vinyl, clothing, filters, and resins, account for more than 30% of the total waste volume. Furthermore, high-temperature plasma treatment of low-level radioactive waste from petrochemical plants and medical institutions have many advantages, namely astronomical cost savings, securing free space in existing storage facilities, and improving the image of nuclear energy. Korea is preparing to decommission the Kori No. 1 nuclear power plant, and small and mediumsized enterprises and related organizations are conducting various studies to incinerate radioactive waste. In foreign countries, Britain began incineration technology in the 1970s, and Plasma Energy Group, LLC, headquartered in Florida, USA, physically changed the molecular structure of the material by combining plasma chambers and plasma arcs and obtained a patent application in 1992. Germany was approved for operation in 2002, and Switzerland completed a trial run of a plasma technologybased facility in 2004. Important radionuclides in terms of radioactive gas waste treatment include inert gases, radioiodine, and radioactive suspended particles. Gas waste is compressed in a compressor through a surge tank in the gas waste treatment system and filters at each stage. after that, the shortlife nuclide is naturally collapsed for 30 to 60 days in the storage or activated carbon adsorbent in the attenuation tank and released through HEPA filters. The radioactive concentration at discharge is monitored and managed using continuous monitoring equipment, and the oxygen concentration is managed in the gas waste treatment system to prevent explosion risk. The problem of radioactive waste disposal is not only a problem for people living in the present era, but also a big social issue that brings a burden to future generations While interest in plasma treatment is increasing from the decommissioning of the Kori Unit 1. in Korea, it is showed that there is a lack of systematic management and research especially in the radioactive volatile gases fields, that’s why I propose some ideas as follows. First, the government and related institutions should invest to the continuous radioactive monitoring system to produce and distribute continuous radioactive monitoring facilities with an affordable price. Second, it is recommended that radioactive waste incineration would be connected to the GRS system of the plant’s gas radwaste treatment system, and radioactive volatile materials should be monitored through continuous monitoring system. Third, radioactive volatile materials generated according to the temperatures and times during plasma incineration treatment are different. Therefore, prior classification of each expected radioactive volatile substance must be performed before incineration.

In case of damaged spent fuels, it would require additional treatment for their transportation and storage to capture the radioactive fission products in a defined space. The canning container for the damaged spent fuels is one way to seal the radioactive fission products inside the container. In the Post Irradiation Examination Facility (PIEF) of KAERI, the Quiver container has been introduced for canning damaged spent fuels from Westinghouse Sweden. The main container body has been manufactured for particle-tightness of spent fuel. In addition, drying equipment is being prepared for gas-tightness of spent fuel. The drying equipment can remove water and fill the inert gas inside the container. Before drying inside the container, we evaluated the volatile fission products inventory because volatile fission products could be released during the drying process. Despite assuming highly conservative hypotheses for the inventory remaining in damaged fuel rods, the amount that could be released during the drying process was less and dose rate levels around the evacuation piping system were low.