NIER Annual Report 2021
2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 4 5
CONTENTS Message from the President
Part. 1 About NIER Part. 2 Achievement in 2020 The National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) in Korea has the best infrastructure in the entire environmental research areas, including Environmental Health, Climate&Air, Water, Message from the President 5 2020 NIER Achievements at a Glance Resources, and the Living Environment. Through innovative research based on the outstanding infrastructure, we have served •NIER in the Press a key role in supporting environmental policies that people feel Introduction (Outline of Major Coverage) 28 deeply related to. For a better environment we have put our energy •History 8 •2020 NIER Achievements and time in the research areas. •2021 NIER Projects Overview 9 at a Glance 38 •Vision & Mission 10 In the Climate and Air research area, we have laid the foundation •Goal 12 Major Research Outputs in 2020 to take preemptive action on particulate matter and air pollutants •Organization 13 •Environmental Health with air quality information disclosed from environmental satellite •Workforce 14 Research Department 40 verified data. And in the Environmental Health area, we have put •Budget 14 •Climate and Air Quality efforts assessing the impact of biocide substances from household •Research Volume 15 Research Department 48 chemical products on people’ health to ensure people can use these products safely. •Research Equipment 15 •Water Environment
•Research Facility 16 Research Department 58 As part of our efforts in the water environment, we have conducted •Affiliated Centers 16 •Environmental Resources research to provide scientific basis to establish water-related Research Department 64 policies and legal provisions. Through these efforts, we are to Research Field •Environmental Infrastructure reach the goal of improving water resources management for •Environmental Health Research 18 Research Department 73 a sustainable future between people and nature. What’s more, •Climate and Air Quality Research 19 •Transportation Pollution our endeavor made in the Resource area leads to the improved •Water Environment Research 20 Research Center 80 standards diversifying sterilization and pulverization system to •Environmental Resources Research 21 •Four Major River deal with increasingly growing number of medical waste in a safe •Environmental Infrastructure Research 22 Research Centers 82 NIER will lead innovation manner. •Transportation Pollution Research 23 NIER’s contribution to the Living Environment area was that a wide •Four Major River Research 24 AnnexⅠ: Research Achievement in 2020 in research supporting range of detailed investigations were conducted from drinking •Research Project List in 2020 88 water to sewage for trace chemicals management, resulting •Science Citation Index (SCI) environmental policies for in strengthening environmentally safe water supply and sewer Paper List in 2020 98 future generations and infrastructures. Annex Ⅱ : International Cooperation in 2020 Slowly but surely, we will move forward a better environment living a clean environment. up to people’s expectations. With the aim of becoming a world- •International Conference and leading environmental research institute, NIER will continue to Academic Activities 108 make efforts for its development. •International Joint Research 110 •International Partnership 110 We ask for your continued support.
Thank you.
Y.S. Chang, President of NIER Part. 1 ● Introduction ● Research Fields
About NIER • History • Environmental Health Research • 2021 NIER Projects Overview • Climate and Air Quality Research • Vision & Mission • Water Environment Research • Goal • Environmental Resources Research • Organization • Environmental Infrastructure Research • Workforce • Transportation Pollution Research • Budget • Research on the Four Major Rivers • Research Volume • Research Equipment • Research Facility • Affiliated Centers 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 8 9
Introduction
History 2021 NIER’s Strategic Plans
Through our Research and Knowledge Vision NIER will create a Safe Environment with Improved Evironmental Quality for the Public 1978. 7. Established as the National Environmental Protection Institute (NEPI) in Seoul
1980. 1. Reorganized as a subsidiary body of the National Environment Agency Future-oriented Environmental 2014. 5. Environmental Research for Quality Research Reorganized into 5 Departments, 17 Research Strategy Safety Network Supporting Carbon to Research toward 2000. 7. Divisions, 5 Research Centers and 3 Centers Neutrality and Environmental Pleasant Living Relocated at the Environmental Green New Deal People’s Environment Research Complex in Incheon 2018. 3. Policy Satisfaction Extended to the Environmental Satellite Center (5 Departments, 17 Research Divisions, 2005. 7. 5 Research Centers and 4 Centers) Renamed as the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) 2019. 2. Extended to the Humidifier Disinfectant Health ① Climate Change Research with Strong International Center(5 Departments, 17 Research Divisions, Cooperations 5 Research Centers and 5 Centers) ② Enhanced Support for GHG Emission Source Management Policy ③ Supporting Carbon Neutrality in Industry 2019. 5. ④ Scientific Support for Fine Dust Reduction Projects ⑤ Creation of a Healthy Aquatic Environment based on Integrated Wetlands center integrated into the National Institute of Ecology Water Resource Management ⑥ Capacity Building on Test/Inspection Quality Control and Impact Assessment 2020. 10. ⑦ Plastic-Free Society and Safe Treatment of Waste Transfer of work to the ⑧ Stringent Monitoring System for Environmental Hazards Biosafety Research Team ⑨ Creation of a Safe and Pleasant Living Environment
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 10 11
Introduction
Vision Mission
Support for environmental policy based on science technology Research Support
Securing Establishing outstanding research researchers database and in Korea releasing data 1 2 from
Key research projects for a sustainable future MISSION
1 2 3 Buidling up Upgrading an effective communication system and promotion supporting skills Environmental To protect public Future-oriented 3 policy 4 improvement health, environmental comes with key points are policies include
① Strict air quality ① Solid environmental ① The 4th industrial management health safety net revolution technology Informati Communi ② Sustainable water ② Environmental ② Environmental forensics -zation -cation circulation system protection and resource technique development ③ People-centered circulation society ③ International research for quality ③ Risk management partnership & national of life related with chemicals competitiveness
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Introduction
Goal Organization
Research Fields Core Projects (12) Key findings (5 largest)
01. Prevention and control of environmental diseases • National environmental health monitoring President • Environmental health surveillance of vulnerable areas/populations I. • Investigating the victims of toxic humidifier disinfectant Environmental 02. Risk prevention and reduction of harmful • Chemicals: hazard/risk assessment environmental factors based on risk assessment • Chemicals: registration and hazard review Health • Tracking the sources of chemical pollution and identifying Research environmental impacts 03. Chemical safety management and identification • Managing the safety of consumer chemical products and of environmental impacts biocides Research Support Division Research Strategy and Planning Division Transportation Pollution Research Center Four Major River Research Centers
• 04. Integrated management of the atmosphere Intensive monitoring of the national air quality Environmental Climate and Water Environmental Environmental • Forecasting air quality (PM10, PM2.5 etc.) and the use Health Air Quality Environment Resources Infrastructure and developing a foundation for a low carbon of advanced technology for forecasting Research Research Research Research Research II. • society Managing the sources and studying the Department Departmen Department Department Department Climate and Air characteristics of emissions • Integrated management of the climate and the Quality atmosphere Research 05. Revealing the environmental impact of mobile • Development of an environmental satellite payload and researching the use of data from satellite technology sources of pollution • International joint research on the air quality of Northeast Asia • Evaluation of emissions control using real driving conditions Indoor Resource Environmental Air Quality Water Quality Environment • Improving the technology used for monitoring the water Recirculation Health Research Research Assessment and environment and forecasting Natural Division Division Research Noise Research III. • Improving watershed management and the establishment of a Environment 06. Response to changes in the water Division Division Water environment and the development of a highly system for recycling water • Upgrading the current system used for managing the water Environment advanced system to manage the water environment environment • Enhancing the health of the water ecology Watershed Research Global Water Supply • Establishment of an advanced system in response system to Risk and Total Load Waste to Energy Environment and Sewerage algal bloom Assessment Management Research Research Research Division Research Division Division Division • Support for the development of a society in which resources are Division recycled 07. Realization of a resource-circulation society • Improving waste management practices Water and support for the utilization of waste •Establishment of a hazardous waste information and Natural Environmental Chemicals Air Pollution Environmental IV. management system Environment Measurement Research Engineering Engineering • Efficient conversion of waste to energy Research and Environmental Division Division Research • Improving the system for managing waste treatment facilities Division Analysis Center Division Resources • Environmental quality assessment using cryogenic biological Research specimens 08. Support for establishing policies of sustainable & • Researches on improvement of environmental planning and Soil and eco-friendly land development impact assessment Humidifier Air Quality Groundwater • Disinfectant Forecasting Preparation of a scientific and technological infrastructure for the Research Health Center Center establishment of integrated management system Division
09. A healthy and warm living environment • Management of daily risk factors such as VOCs, asbestos, and radon 10. Estabilshment of a safe water and • Research on sensory pollution such as noise and vibration Environmental Satellite V. wastewater management system • Tightening regulation on hazardous trace compounds and Center Environmental microorganisms Infrastructure 11. Advancement of environmental testing and • Ensuring that the international standards of environmental test inspection and development of an Research and inspection laboratories are fulfilled environment management system • Researching techniques for tracking environmental pollution • Advanced standards and contamination managements in soil 12. A sustainable environmental conservation in and groundwater soil and groundwater
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 14 15
Introduction
Workforce Research Volume
73 NIER’s research projects are classied depending on their financial sources: government funded research projects by NIER and the Ministry of Environment. The total number of research 298 projects in 2020, 2019 and 2018 was 250, 250 and 244, respectively.
(Unit: KRW in millions) Total 989 Regular researchers Source of NIER Ministry of Environment Total
Budget Research Equipment
1,585 1,667
NIER has 2,073 units of major equipment 27,856 29,047 Personnal Expenses (unit: KRW in millions) Budget 91,577 103,098 Projects Division Equipment Unit Amount <2020> <2021> Operationg Expenses 62,136 72,384 Environmental Health Research Department Animal testing equipment, etc. 252 13,343
Climate & Air Quality Research Department Air quality meter, etc. 689 48,633
Inductively coupled plasma mass Water Environment Research Department 183 11,067 spectrometry, etc. 1,933 2,125 Environmental Resources Research Department X-ray diffractometer, etc. 100 6,093 10,700 11,261 Environmental infrastructure Research Department MC-ICP/MS, etc. 291 21,079 Environmental Research 62,136 72,384 Transportation Pollution Research Center Automotive exhaust gas analyzer, etc. 193 57,290 Projects Research Infrastructure <2020> <2021> Research DB Establishment Four Major River Research Centers Phase-contrast microscope, etc. 365 19,285
49,503 58,998 Total 2,073 176,790
※ Equipment whose acquisition value is over 10 million KRW, except for office equipment(As of April 1, 2021)
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 16
Introduction
Research Facility
20
14
11
8 13 4 18 18 9 21 7 10 3 6 5 1 16 2 12 19 17
정문
① Administration Bldg. ② Research Bldg.1 ③ Research Bldg.2 ④ Research Bldg.3 ⑤ Indoor Air Quality Research Bldg. ⑥ Acoustic Lab. ⑦ Environmental Toxicity Research Bldg. ⑧ In-use Vehicle Research Bldg. ⑨ Heavy-duty Vehicle Research Bldg. ⑩ Transportation Pollution Research Center ⑪ Vehicle Exhaust Lab ⑫ Combustion Lab. ⑬ Vehicle Noise Test Track ⑭ National Environmental Specimen Bank ⑮ Aquatic Ecosystem Research Bldg. ⑯ Carvon Zero Bldg. ⑰ Power Plant Bldg. ⑱ Environmental Biosafety Research Center (EBRC) ⑲ Environmental Satellite Center ⑳ Resource Recirculation Research Bldg. ㉑ Chemicals Research Bldg.
Affiliated Centers
2 ① Baengnyeong Island NIER ② Metropolitan area headqurters 11 3 ③ Gangwon region 1 ④ Gyeonggi region 4 ⑤ Chungcheong region ⑥ Central region ⑦ 5 12 Waegwan Water Quality 6 Monitoring Center ⑧ Southeastern region ⑨ Southern region
7 ⑩ Jeju Island 13 ⑪ Han River 8 ⑫ Geum River ⑬ Nakdong River
9 14 ⑭ Yeongsan River
10 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 18 19 Research Fields
01 Environmental Health Research 02 Climate and Air Quality Research
We are committed to improving environmental health monitoring systems and advancing We have made concerted efforts to provide intuitive, fast, and accurate information the chemical risk assessment to protect the public from environmental hazards, through the about fine dust and particulate matter to the public through: following activities:
○ Identification of air pollution sources through three-dimensional observation and ○ Establishment and operation of a national environmental health monitoring system; expansion of measurement infrastructure; ○ Research on the status of exposure to and health impacts of environmental pollution on ○ Surveys and research on long-range transboundary air pollutants; residents in areas vulnerable to pollution; ○ Research on integrated management of climate change-inducing substances and ○ Participation in the Korean Children’s Environmental Health Study (Ko-CHENS) and air pollutants; associated international collaboration; ○ Promotion of international collaborative research to improve air quality in Northeast Asia; ○ Risk assessment and inhalation toxicity studies of hazardous chemicals; ○ Air pollution source management and research on emission characteristics using ○ Research on the effects of chronic exposure to substances with environmental risks and advanced technologies; hazard assessment of metallic nanomaterials; ○ Improvements to odor measurement techniques; ○ Research to improve the reliability of chemical toxicity prediction using quantitative ○ Provision of national air quality forecasting services for the public structure-activity relationships (QSAR); ○ Research on the advancement of air quality forecasting technology; ○ Research on analysis method of persistent organic pollutants(POPs), which are chemicals of ○ Launching geostationary environmental satellites and operation of a satellite ground global concern; station; ○ Research on the fate of persistent organic pollutants in environment; ○ Research on the establishment of an environmental satellite data test system and a wide ○ Development of technology for the management of biocidal products/household range of applications. chemical products and establishment of a safety management system; ○ Health monitoring of victims of exposure to humidifier disinfectants; ○ Research on the impact of humidifier disinfectants and toxic chemicals on human health.
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03 Water Environment Research 04 Environmental Resources Research
We specialize in research on water quality improvement and conservation of We materialize a circular economy society with resource recycling by reducing waste aquatic ecosystems that allows the public to take pleasure in a safe and clean water generation, improving waste-to-resource processes and safe treatment and ensuring environment, including: efficient recovery and use of waste energy. In addition, we conduct researches on the preparation and analysis of environmental specimens and eco-friendly land management.
○ Three-dimensional numerical modelling of hydrologic and water quality changes of surface water; ○ Research to reduce final disposals with waste flow analysis; ○ Prediction of changes in the water environment using hyperspectral images; ○ Research on establishment of hazardous waste information and management systems in ○ Research on contamination of public waters by unregulated trace chemicals and options response to international conventions; for management; ○ Research on the preparation of technical guidelines for environmental assessment of ○ Surveys of the current status of livestock excretions in rural areas; inorganic waste recycling; ○ Customized policy support for nonpoint source management and water cycle improvement; ○ Research on environmental hazards of waste generation according to industrial sector ○ Research on effective implementation of total water pollution load management systems; classification; ○ Investigation of the characteristics of microplastics distribution in freshwater bodies and ○ Research on the removal and stabilization of hazardous properties of waste; sediments; ○ Validation and certification of energy recovery rates of waste incineration facilities; ○ Derivation of draft environmental standards for water quality and aquatic ecosystems; ○ Research to improve management systems in waste treatment facilities; ○ Research on methods to treat unregulated water pollutants; ○ Research on technologies related to the treatment and waste-to-energy processes of ○ Research on methods of applying the results of aquatic ecosystem health assessments; organic waste resources; ○ Research on physiological responses of fish to environmental changes; ○ Research on management standards for safe treatment of hazardous waste; ○ Studies on algal bloom characteristics in rivers and lakes. ○ Enhancing environmental values of land supporting sustainable & eco-friendly development; ○ Environmental quality assessment using cryogenic biological specimens; ○ Research on establishment of integrated management systems for facilities discharging pollutants.
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05 Environmental Infrastructure Research 06 Transportation Pollution Research
We contribute to creating a human-centered, safe, clean, and pleasant living We prevent and manage pollutants emitted from mobile sources and provide scientific environment through stringent management of daily hazards to ensure that the support for national environmental policy related to performance evaluation of zero- Korean public can lead healthy lives, including: emission vehicles, such as electric vehicles, including through:
○ Research on indoor air quality in homes, public facilities, and public transportation; ○ Research on methods to test non-exhaust systems (e.g., tires, brakes) and estimate their ○ Research on reducing exposure to indoor hazardous substances and identifying health impacts; contribution to emissions; ○ Research on the reduction of sensory pollution, including noise and light pollution, in daily life; ○ Research on environmental assessment and performance evaluation of zero-emission ○ Research to characterize hazards in the domestic environment, including radon and vehicles such as electric vehicles; asbestos, and establishment of a management infrastructure; ○ Evaluation and validation of exhaust gas control logic and analysis of the effect of introducing ○ Research on the expansion of trace hazardous substance monitoring in tap water and real driving emission test methods; improved safety management; ○ Support for introducing policy on a real driving emission management system in the non-road ○ Research to advance water quality standards for sewage treatment and water quality management; sector; ○ Research on management infrastructure and responses to harmful bacteria in the water environment; ○ Management of transport emissions and greenhouse gases (GHG); ○ Enhancing the quality of environmental test and inspection results and securing ○ Responses to international standardization of vehicle emission measurement methods; compliance with international standards (ISO 17025 & ISO 17043); ○ Research on the development of national emission factors in the transport sector and ○ Establishment and revision of national (KS) and international (ISO) standards related to the environment; improvements to methods for calculating emissions; ○ Research on methods to track pollutants using stable isotopes and collaborative research on ○ Improvement of systems related to automobile fuel, additives, and catalysts, and management environmental issues; of fuel-based pollutants. ○ Establishment of a foundation for the advancement of soil and groundwater standards and the promotion of risk assessments; ○ Establishment of a foundation for the advancement of soil and groundwater standards and the promotion of risk assessments; ○ Research on management of areas with soil and groundwater pollution; ○ Validation, evaluation, and analysis of results, including soil and groundwater information systems and monitoring networks.
Rubber component Analysis of tire material marker analysis and sample
Styrene butadiene rubber Natural rubber ① Marker analysis by tire material
② Analysis of tire chemical composition by manufacturer - e.g., Hankook Tire, Kumho Tire, Nexen Tire Styrene butadiene Natural rubber rubber marker marker ③ Determination of the amount of tire wear particles in dust sample - Analysis of tire wear particles from road dust and atmospheric fine dust
Determination of tire wear particles contribution from fine dust sample
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 24 Research Fields
07 Research on the Four Major Rivers
We support policy-making on the water environment for better water quality management and conservation of aquatic ecosystems in the watersheds of Korea’s four major rivers by:
○ Conducting surveys and research on emerging environmental issues in each watershed in order to preserve a healthy water environment; ○ Operation of national monitoring network for water quality and sediment to support policies responding to climate change; ○ Measuring mainstream and tributary flows for promotion of a total maximum daily load (TMDL) management system; ○ Operation of a monitoring network for radioactive substances in public waters for management of a safe water environment; ○ Water quality measurement with preventive measures through algal bloom alarm systems; ○ Monitoring the aquatic ecosystem at weirs in the four major rivers; ○ Operation of a monitoring network for Norovirus in drinking water during drought periods in areas lacking water; ○ Operating UNEP GEMS/Water Program for national water quality basic data; ○ Conducting detailed surveys on nonpoint sources and rivers by watershed; ○ Providing continued support for water pollution-related incidents and countermeasures for issues related to the water environment. Part. 2 Achievement in 2020
● 2020 NIER Achievements at a Glance
• NIER in the Press (Outline of Major Coverage) • 2020 NIER Achievements at a Glance
● Major Research Outputs in 2020
• Environmental Health Research Department • Climate and Air Quality Research Department • Water Environment Research Department • Environmental Resource Research Department • Environmental Infrastructure Research Department • Transportation Pollution Research Center • Four Major River Research Center 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 28 29
2020 NIER Achievements at a Glance
○ NIER in the Press (Outline of Major Coverage) ③ Successful launch of Geostationary Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite-2B on February 10, 2020 (Date of Release: February 19, 2020)
The Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced that the Geostationary ① Korea-China Joint Research Group Lays Foundation for Fine Dust Reduction Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite-2B (GK-2B), weighing 3.4 metric tons, (Date of Release: January 22, 2020) was successfully launched from the Centre Spatial Guyanais in Kourou, French Guiana, South America, on February 19 (Wednesday) at 7:18 The NIER has announced that the Korea-China Air Quality Joint Research Group has served as a backbone in AM (local time February 18 (Tuesday) at 19:18). Korea-China cooperation on fine dust reduction for the past three years, investigating the characteristics of ultrafine GK-2B was properly separated from Ariane 5, the space launch vehicle, dust in China and establishing a response system for high concentrations of fine dust. 31 minutes after launch at an altitude of approximately 2,580 km. Since its establishment in June 2015, the joint research group has conducted a first-stage collaborative study in four Then, 6 minutes later (37 minutes after launch) at 7:55 AM (19:55 local cities in the northeastern region of China, including Beijing from 2017, and derived and presented the results of a time), the first communication with the Yatharagga ground station in comparative analysis of ultrafine dust characteristics between the two countries. Australia was successful, reporting that the overall status was good In addition, NIER has established a system for prompt response to the occurrence of high concentrations of fine dust and confirming that GK-2B had successfully reached and settled in in major cities in China through this joint research group. the target transfer orbit. After arriving in its geostationary orbit, it will “Through collaborative research on air quality by Korea and China, the scientific data necessary for policy-making undergo an in-orbit test process for several months. on fine dust reduction in both countries will be available, thus laying the foundation for further development of Through this achievement, the location of fine dust generation and development in Asia, the route of fine dust travel environmental cooperation between the two countries,” the NIER added. to Korea, and the location of generation of fine dust at high concentrations in Korea can be identified in future.
② Health impact surveys around incinerators in Buki-myeon, Cheongju ④ Implementation of air management plan customized to each zone: Launch of (Date of Release: February 10, 2020) Research Advisory Group (Date of Release: April 16, 2020)
The Ministry of Environment and NIER announced the launch of a NIER launched the Atmospheric Environment Research Advisory health impact survey in the area around incinerators in Buki-myeon, Group by Air Quality Management Zone to improve air quality Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, on February 10. experienced by the public, holding a signboard ceremony on April 16, The health impact survey will comprehensively analyze the level of 2020. environmental pollution and its impact on the health of residents and The Research Advisory Group is composed of 24 members, will evaluate correlation between environmental pollutants emitted from recommended by relevant organizations such as the Ministry of Trade, incinerators in this area and health impacts, such as cancer. Industry and Energy and mayors or governors of metropolitan cities The survey is composed of two parts: the level of environmental and provinces in each management zone. The members work in pollution and the health of residents. government agencies, academia, and research institutes and have In the first part, the range of harmful substances (e.g., dioxins, expertise in the field of atmospheric science. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)) emitted from incinerators will be investigated through air quality dispersion The group is composed of and operated in four divisions: the emission facility division, road mobile source division, modeling (AERMOD), and the level of pollution in the air and soil will be monitored from February onwards. non-road mobile source division, and domestic environment pollution source division. The resident health survey consists of a questionnaire, health checkup, human exposure assessment, and analysis of The Research Advisory Group plans to provide scientific diagnosis and expert policy support in each division to health data (cancer and mortality data), and will start in March, once the Institutional Review Board has approved the achieve air quality targets that have been customized for each zone. survey in accordance with the Bioethics and Safety Act. In addition, the Advisory Group will conduct mid- to long-term research in relation to the Air Quality Management Zone, as well as research and consultation required by the atmospheric environment management committees and working groups for each zone.
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 30 31
2020 NIER Achievements at a Glance
⑤ Stringent Fine Dust Emission Control Leads to a Decrease in Mercury Emissions ⑦ Blue-green algae gene that causes moldy odor in tap water has been identified (Date of Release: May 18, 2020) (Date of Release: September 16, 2020)
Through an analysis of the emission factor of mercury, NIER has NIER announced that it has recently identified the genetic sequences of Pseudanabaena and Planktothrix, the reported emissions of 2.86 mg from burning 1 metric ton of coal in two genera of blue-green algae that produce 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB), a substance which is responsible for a coal-fired power plant in 2020, a reduction of approximately 84% moldy odors in tap water. compared to that in 2007 (△14.76 mg/metric ton). Although these blue-green algae were not included in the list of blue-green algae designated harmful by the Ministry According to a United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) survey, of Environment, the NIER research team has confirmed that these two genera of blue-green algae mainly cause total mercury emissions from Korea have decreased by approximately moldy odor in tap water. 71% (23 metric tons) in 2015 (9.2 metric tons) compared to 2005 (32.2 The research team recently registered the genetic sequence of the gene that synthesizes 2-methylisoborneol metric tons). (2-MIB) with the GenBank of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in the United States. It is There are no air pollution treatment facilities dedicated to the treatment expected that their finding will be useful for researchers conducting related research across the globe. of mercury in coal-fired power plants, but the proper operation of facilities to treat fine dust sources, such as nitrogen After succeeding in culturing the two genera of blue-green algae in a laboratory environment, the team plans to oxides, also reduces mercury emissions. register them in the algae culture system from 2021 and will begin investigations into the mechanism of moldy odor More stringent application of emission standards for air pollutants such as nitrogen oxide have provided the production. opportunity to improve air pollution treatment facilities, which is thought to have had a significant impact on the NIER commented, "For more efficient and prompt actions in the water treatment plant when odorous substances remarkable reduction in mercury emissions. are generated in tap water, we are developing a method that can detect the odorous substance genes in blue-green The combination of nitrogen oxide treatment facilities installed in coal-fired power plants and improvements in algae in real time." performance gave rise to simultaneous reductions in fine dust and mercury emissions. NIER commented, “Continuous investment and effort from the industrial sector has resulted in the simultaneous reduction of fine dust and mercury emissions, and we will take the lead in reducing air pollutants such as fine dust further with continued technological support."
⑧ Measures to address environmental issues such as microplastics: Cooperation between Korean and German research institutes (Date of Release: September 24, 2020) ⑥ Ozone forecasting accuracy improved by AI prediction technology (Date of Release: May 21, 2020) On September 25, NIER signed an MOU with Umweltbundesamt (UBA) of Germany detailing collaborative research on environmental NIER plans to test operation of the fine dust forecast system during issues. the period of fine dust seasonal management (December to March). It will Through this MOU, the two organizations plan to share the latest introduce the AI Ozone Forecasting Officer, which uses artificial intelligence information on research progress, promoting mutual benefits and long- (AI) prediction to the ozone forecast system for pilot operation from May 21, term collaboration by establishing close cooperation. 2020. The sharing of advanced technologies and the strengthening of The AI technology applied in AI Ozone Forecasting Officer is used for capabilities between the two organizations are expected to create a prediction of 3-day ozone concentrations by training a machine learning synergistic effect. Both organizations have agreed on preemptive actions operation process (machine learning algorithm) with big data composed of in response to international environmental issues such as microplastics. air quality, meteorological observation, and prediction data, collected during The two organizations plan to carry out collaborative research, information and personnel exchanges, and joint 2015~2018. training sessions on technology for analysis of the distribution and movements, risks, and management methods of Application of this technology by the research team confirmed that both the correlation (R) and index of agreement (IOA) microplastics, before gradually expanding the research scope to other topics. were higher in results obtained with AI than those with conventional numerical models. The pilot operation of Ozone NIER commented, "The signing of this MOU will prompt continued research and exchanges in the field of environmental Forecasting Officer using AI is scheduled to continue until October of this year; it will be in full operation from May next year. science and technology between the two organizations,” and “it will be a good opportunity to develop and enhance During the pilot operation period, there will be continuous updates and system development to provide accurate ozone research expertise and capabilities for taking relevant responsive actions, especially in the field of microplastics." forecast information.
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 32 33
2020 NIER Achievements at a Glance
⑨ Enhancing the reliability of environmental satellite observation data: International ⑪ Disclosure of results from long-range transboundary air pollutant monitoring data validation team in operation (Date of Release: October 6, 2020) system (Date of Release: November 9, 2020)
NIER has an international data validation team composed of domestic and foreign researchers to ensure validation NIER has disclosed the results of analyzing 23 long-range and improvement of the accuracy of observation data from the geostationary environmental satellite (the payload of transboundary air pollutants at three Centers for Air Quality Geostationary Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite-2B) launched on February 19, 2020. Environmental Research in Baengnyeong-do (Ungjin-gun, Incheon), The geostationary environmental satellite is able to monitor daily variation in, and long-distance movement, creation Seoul (Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul), and Jeju-do (Aewol-eup, Jeju), ahead of and disappearance of air pollutants but can only be properly used after evaluation of accuracy and subsequent the launch of the second fine dust seasonal management system. correction, such as through validation of observation data. For 12 of the pollutants, including ultrafine dust (PM2.5), NIER analyzed The international data validation team was recruited through an online notice in March 2020. After expert review, the measurements taken throughout 2019. Measurements for the other 11, final 20 teams, consisting of 8 North American teams, 7 European teams, and 5 Asian teams, were selected. including benzene, were analyzed for the month of December 2019. The international data validation team will validate and improve the accuracy of observation data every two years from The analysis shows that measurements of 20 pollutants taken at the October 2020 for a decade, which is the mission life of the geostationary environmental satellite. The first report will three Centers for Air Quality Environmental Research did not exceed be submitted by the end of 2021. domestic and international atmospheric environmental standards nor recommended standards; ultrafine dust (PM The main tasks of the team include evaluation of satellite data processing technology and error analysis, and 2.5) is a notable exception. comparative analysis with various other datasets (e.g., obtained from other satellites, ground observation data, NIER commented, "In line with implementation of the second fine dust seasonal management system, we aim to numerical models). The results will be presented at international conferences related to remote sensing. intensively monitor and analyze long-range transboundary air pollutants, as well as fine dust, in the metropolitan area NIER will continue the international joint data verification process to ensure continued reliability of data from the and Baekryeong Island to protect public health from the potential threat of hazardous air pollutants." world's first geostationary environmental satellite. Domestic technology is expected to be improved through this collaboration with world-class researchers.
⑫ Reinforcing responsive measures in the second fine dust seasonal management ⑩ Flare stacks, or gas combustion chimneys, managed by advanced spectroscopy system, including expansion of the weekly forecast zone (Date of Release: October 19, 2020) (Date of Release: November 12, 2020) NIER announced that it has recently established a state-of-the-art management technique to reduce emissions by increasing the combustion In preparation for the second fine dust seasonal management system (December 2020 to March 2021), NIER efficiency of flare stacks. has announced a plan to strengthen preemptive responses, such as subdividing weekly forecast zones. A flare stack is a chimney that, for safety reasons, burns combustible gas Accordingly, the NIER Air Quality Integrated Forecast Center will subdivide the ultrafine dust (PM2.5) weekly forecast generated during processes in an oil refinery or petrochemical plant. Due to zones from the current 6 to 19 zones, from November 16, 2020. the presence of a flame and high temperatures at the top of the chimney, it The weekly forecast system provides 7-day (including the date of forecast report) ultrafine dust (PM2.5) is difficult to install a Tele-Monitoring System (TMS). Instead, the flare stack concentration information, and since June 2020, it has provided information through Air Korea (www.airkorea.or.kr), is managed indirectly using a CCTV or optical gas imaging (OGI) camera. the national air quality information website of the Ministry of Environment. In order to address this problem, NIER introduced the Smokeless Previously, the weekly forecast was provided for 19 zones for 5 days out of 7 and 6 zones for the remaining 2 days, monitoring system in December 2019 and established a method for but from November 16, 2020, it will be expanded to all 19 zones for the entire 7-day period, providing more detailed remotely determining the combustion efficiency of the flare stack, after information. pilot operation in the first half of 2020. In addition, the 2019 Winter Fine Dust High Concentration Case Report, which presents analysis of the characteristics The system measures combustion products (carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide) per second by of the generation of high concentrations of fine dust, will be distributed to local governments and agencies related illuminating multiple infrared rays (IR) directly onto a flare stack flame. to fine dust management from the middle of November 2020. This will support the successful implementation of The new system is expected to reduce sources of fine dust such as hydrocarbons by quantitatively determining the the second fine dust seasonal management system. In the future, NIER will continue to take preemptive measures combustion efficiency of the flare stack, as well as decreasing the actual operating cost for companies running flare stacks. necessary to ensure public safety. NIER is expected to derive win-win outcomes with companies by providing technical support as well as measurement tools for the regulation and monitoring of flare stack emissions.
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2020 NIER Achievements at a Glance
⑬ Environmental satellite, the “culmination of a 10-year journey,” releases first air ⑮ Intensive monitoring by aerial observation of high concentrations of ultrafine dust quality image data covering Asia (Date of Release: November 18, 2020) (Date of Release: December 10, 2020)
The Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Science and ICT, and As part of the second fine dust seasonal management system Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries released the first air quality data (December 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021), NIER has made 25 aerial covering Asia observed from a geostationary environmental satellite observations, from December 10, 2020 to the end of March 2021, to mounted on the GK-2B on November 18, 2020. monitor high concentrations of ultrafine dust (PM2.5) and analyze its After reaching its target orbit on March 6, the environmental satellite source. successfully started test operation. This video release is the first output Particulate matter comprising nitrate, sulfate, organic matter, and of the environmental satellite. black carbon, is the main constituent of ultrafine dust. It is measured The video provides data showing the hourly status of generation, in real time, as are gaseous substances, including ammonia, carbon movement, and distribution of air pollutants including fine dust (PM), monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are all sources related to the secondary nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3) across Asia, observed by geostationary environmental production of ultrafine dust. satellite during the test operation period. During these aerial observations, state-of-the-art measuring equipment capable of measuring ammonia and This video release confirms the superior performance of the geostationary environmental satellite of Korea compared nitrogen dioxide concentrations per second was introduced for the first time, enabling improved measurements for to other environmental satellites. analyzing causes of secondary production of ultrafine dust. The satellite will observe air pollutants across Asia at an altitude of approximately 36,000 km for the next 10 years. Through the introduction of aerial observations, effective fine dust reduction policies can be developed based on Cho Myung-Rae, the Minister of Environment, visited NIER’s environmental satellite center on the afternoon of analysis of changes in air quality in the metropolitan area during the period of the seasonal management system. The November 18, 2020. The image data generation process, regular observation plan, satellite data validation, the accuracy of fine dust forecasting will be improved by early diagnosis of fine dust inflow from overseas. second period of international collaborative research on air quality, and progress on construction of a platform for joint NIER commented, "During the period of the second fine dust seasonal management system, we will use various utilization of environmental satellites were reported to the Minister. monitoring networks, such as aerial observation and satellites, to monitor fine dust inflow from overseas, as well as NIER will provide continued support to help establish environmental policies through observation of Asian air to identify the causes of high-concentration ultrafine dust generation." pollutants using the environmental satellite. ⑯ Korea-US-Belgium Joint Preliminary Investigation on fine dust, full implementation ⑭ Opening of Jeonbuk Center for Air Quality Environmental Research: Monitoring and analysis from 2021 (Date of Release: December 14, 2020) of air quality in the south central region of the West Sea (Date of Release: November 19, 2020) NIER has announced that a Korea-US-Belgium Joint Preliminary Study has looked at causes of fine dust in Korea over 3 months from October to December NIER held an opening ceremony at the Jeonbuk Center for Air Quality 2020 in the Seosan area. Environmental Research located in Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do on the afternoon of The second international joint survey on Asian air quality, in which research November 19, 2020. institutes from various countries, including Germany, will participate, will run Jeonbuk Center for Air Quality Environmental Research is a newly constructed from 2021 to 2024. four-story building with a total area of approximately 831 m2. The center will be The Korea-US-Belgium Joint Preliminary Study is collaborative research responsible for routine monitoring of air pollutants such as fine dust in the central conducted by NIER, universities in Korea, the National Aeronautics and Space and southern region of the West Sea, as well as identification of the causes of Administration of the United States (NASA), and the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB) in preparation for the air pollution. second international joint survey on Asian air quality. In addition, the center plays a role in raising the awareness of local communities In Seosan, Chungcheongnam-do, equipment for observing air pollutants, including ground observation, aerial observation, and about air quality improvements by holding periodic fine dust direct alert training for local residents. satellites, has been mobilized for the survey. For more accurate monitoring of air pollutants, 19 units of 13 types of equipment for measuring fine dust (PM10,) ultrafine dust With the NIER Chungcheong Center for Air Quality Environmental Research located in Seosan City as an outpost, the in-house (PM2.5), metals (e.g., lead, calcium, arsenic, manganese, nickel), ions (sulfate, nitrate), and carbon (organic carbon, inorganic NIER air pollution monitoring network and equipment and systems from participating universities in Korea, NASA, and BIRA-IASB carbon) will be in operation. were used to conduct ground-based remote sensing, aerial observation, and geostationary environmental satellite observation. In Jeollabuk-do, a region of active agriculture and livestock husbandry, the center will analyze the effects of biological combustion, The survey targets include nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and aerosol. The vertical distribution of nitrogen dioxide and ozone is such as incineration of agricultural residues and intensively monitor ammonia, which is generated mainly by agricultural and observed from the ground to the upper layer. livestock husbandry activities, over the long term. Through this survey, air quality improvement measures customized to regional characteristics can be established through scientific NIER will continue its efforts to cooperate with relevant local governments, civic groups, and local residents to establish analysis of air pollution characteristics such as fine dust in winter in the Seosan area. itself as a starting point for creating win-win synergy with local communities.
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2020 NIER Achievements at a Glance
⑰ Results of nationwide apartment building survey on indoor radon status in winter In the Nakdong River, the range of G. naktongensis appears to have decreased slightly following weir construction. Using eDNA analysis, more detailed scientific tracking of changes in the environment and ecosystem due to weir (Date of Release: December 17, 2020) opening is possible. The eDNA analysis of endangered wildlife will be performed over an extended range using systematic procedures so that the analysis can be used as an indicator for restoration of rivers in Korea. NIER has made public that a nationwide survey of winter indoor radon levels over the three months from December 2019 to March 2020 for the 1,957 apartment houses built after 2008, found to be 74 Bq/m3 on average. This is half the recommended standard of 148 Bq/m3 for ⑲ Disclosure of monitoring results of trace chemicals in the midstream of the multi-use facilities and new apartment buildings. Nakdong River (Date of Release: December 18, 2020) The average concentration of 74 Bq/m3 is lower than that in 3 detached houses (112.8 Bq/m ; survey period: 2011~2018, NIER released the 2019 results of monitoring of trace chemicals 19,897 households) built on the ground. The proportion of in the midstream of the Nakdong River, investigated at Waegwan households with radon levels exceeding 148 Bq/m3 was water monitoring station (located in Chilgok-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do). 3.5% (69 households). For this survey, 204 trace chemicals were selected, with a focus on The survey showed that indoor radon levels in apartment buildings decrease with frequent and longer ventilation substances with a high probability of being released into the Nakdong period. River, such as industrial and pharmaceutical substances and pesticides. 3 Households that exceeded the recommended level of 148 Bq/m will be notified and advised to ensure sufficient These were measured twice a week at Waegwan in the midstream ventilation. Indoor radon levels will then be resampled. of the Nakdong River. Of the 204 substances, 82 have domestic or Based on the results of this survey, NIER plans to update the ventilation methods given in the guidebook for international regulatory standards, and the remaining 122 were included reduction and management of indoor radon levels in houses. for preemptive management of trace chemicals. NIER commented, “A safe home environment in terms of radon can be created through active ventilation, using A total of 118 substances were detected, 39 of which have domestic or international regulatory standards and were ventilation systems already installed in the house." within recommended levels and 79 of which currently do not have regulatory standards. Concentrations of the 118 substances detected were considerably lower than the reference levels of domestic and international regulatory standards, and for those without standards, were lower than or similar to those in other rivers in Korea and abroad. ⑱ Environmental genes, the latest research technique, adopted for analysis of the Non-target analysis was used to investigate new emerging pollutants that may be present in the river in addition to effect of weir opening in four major rivers (Date of Release: December 18, 2020) the above 204 substances. NIER plans to conduct continuous monitoring and study of environmental hazards for substances that do not currently have domestic standards and will provide support for the Ministry of Environment to set relevant regulatory The Ministry of Environment and NIER announced the introduction management standards. of environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to investigate changes in The monitoring of trace chemicals in the Nakdong River will be further reinforced by gradual expansion of trace ecosystems following weir opening in the four major rivers, starting chemical investigation and monitoring points, and the establishment of an additional water quality monitoring center from this year. in the downstream of the Nakdong River. Analysis using eDNA has various advantages; it provides more precise results compared to conventional methods of investigation such as direct sampling and trace investigation and has gained attention as a next-generation method of analysis that will complement and improve current methodologies. This year, to determine the distribution of Gobiobotia naktongensis, which is in endangered wildlife class I, a pilot eDNA study was conducted on the Geum River (13 locations) and Nakdong River (19 locations) where G. naktongensis had been sampled in the past. In the Geum River, the distribution of G. naktongensis was confirmed over a wide range upstream and downstream of Sejong and Gongju weirs, which have been fully open for a long time. The presence of G. naktongensis was confirmed at 11 (7 mainstream, 4 tributaries) of the 13 locations (8 mainstream, 5 tributaries) where it has appeared in the past.
National Institute Of Environmental Research
2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 38 39
2020 NIER Achievements at a Glance
○ 2020 NIER Achievements at a Glance
Improvement of fine dust Reinforcing health impact monitoring and Establishment of a foundation for waste Establishment of a foundation for creating concentration through scientific research damage relief due to environmental hazards plastic lifecycle management and a safe water environment through promotion of waste-to-energy process unification of water management
○ Analysis of effect of seasonal management system ○ Promoting environmental health monitoring and ○ Reinforcing monitoring of unregulated trace ○ Improvement in waste plastic disposal and on fine dust One-stop support for policy and cause analysis in vulnerable areas through survey of chemicals and derivation of five types of priority classification system disaster forecasting health impacts management substances
○ Prompt approval of household chemical products ○ Promoting the use of renewable waste energy ○ Establishing guidelines for assessment of health ○ Establishing a foundation for intelligent industrial (for COVID-19 prevention) and review of existing such as solid refuse fuel and continuity of aquatic ecosystems site management using advanced technology (e.g., protocol for biocide approval drones, mobile measurement vehicles)
○ Establishment of measures to improve ○ Proposal of appropriate management standards for ○ Setting objectives of water cycle management investigation of humidifier disinfectant damage* medical and hazardous waste and research on agricultural nonpoint source ○ Promotion of emission reduction project management, based on the concept of integrated integrating policy, science, technology, and field * From the existing system of review ‘by disease’ → To comprehensive review of changes in health state ‘by individual’ watershed management issues
○ Enhancing capacity for proactive actions with full Establishment of environmental implementation of high-concentration fine dust infrastructure for a safe and comfortable weekly forecast system (June, 2020) environment for the public
○ Korea-China Air Quality Joint Research, Promotion of technology exchange and cooperation on air ○ Participation in detailed investigation into actions in pollution prevention response to Incheon/Jeju tap water incidents and support for follow-up measures
○ Research on applicability of in situ remediation technology* of nitrogen-contaminated groundwater, a local environmental issue in Yesan, Chungcheongnam-do * Reduction method uses permeable reactive barriers made of composite materials
○ Ensuring conformity with international standard (ISO/IEC 17025) for environmental test and monitoring data quality
○ Detailed investigation of areas with high indoor radon concentrations and support for establishment of radon management plans for local governments
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Major Research Outputs in 2020
01 Environmental Health Research Department
○ Establishment and operation of national environmental health monitoring system
The Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) was conducted to determine levels of human exposure to, distribution of, and changes in environmental chemicals. In 2020, analysis of the body burden level and a survey were conducted for 27 environmentally hazardous substances, including mercury and bisphenol-A. A total of 1,801 samples were taken from the population, including adults and children, in 126 districts nationwide. Community briefing session on the health impact survey for Residents’ health checkup for survey on current status of Data from a previous survey conducted from 2015 to 2017 were disclosed to environmental health experts and residents living near the Samcheonpo coal-fired power plant environmental pollution and residents’ health in Buki-myeon, Cheongju-city, Chungbuk Province researchers to promote active research on this topic. In addition, NIER published the Korea Environmental Health Indicators Factsheet 2020 using national statistics and data published by international organizations (e.g., WHO, OECD, EU), and compared and evaluated trends in domestic and international environmental health. ○ Development of Children’s Environmental Health Study and Construction of Biobank Using statistical data published by local governments, the environmental health level of primary local governments nationwide was calculated as a cumulative impact score, and these results were used to evaluate the environmental health status of each region. Based on health care service usage data from the National Health Insurance Service, NIER is the hosting center of the Korean Children’s Environmental Health Study (Ko-CHENS) project that tracks spatiotemporal trends of target diseases related to environmental health monitoring (respiratory diseases, exposure to environmental hazards and the consequent long-term health impacts from the prenatal period through conjunctivitis, and dermatitis), as well as hotspots, were analyzed. adolescence (2015~2036, 22 years). By 2020, about 70,000 mothers were recruited, of which 5,000 were sampled to conduct surveys on their children. The results of follow-up studies, such as the body burden of hazardous substances and environmental monitoring were stored in a database. To ensure safety in spaces intended for children’s activities, such as local play parks, a pilot risk assessment was applied based on integrated exposure. Risk assessment was conducted on 12 product groups, including amines, among 128 environmentally hazardous
Per 100,000 of Per 100,000 of substances that may be present in products frequently used by children and were added to the study in 2019. An standard population standard population analytical method for determining content and migration was established. The Environmental Health Research Department has been re-designated as the WHO Collaborating Center for Vulnerable Population and Environmental Health (January 6, 2018~January 5, 2022), leading to an increase in the diversity of research collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), primarily on children's environmental health. In November 2020, construction of a national environmental health biobank for long-term storage of and research on biological samples such as blood and urine sampled during Ko-CHENS and KoNEHS commenced.
KoNEHS Cycle 4 in action for the third year Distribution of inpatient treatment rates for respiratory diseases and results of cluster analysis per 100,000 people
Distribution of pregnant women Distribution of pregnant women in large-scale cohort in sub-cohort ○ Research on exposure to environmental pollution and impacts on health in vulnerable areas
A study was conducted to identify impacts on health of local residents from exposure to environmental pollution from nine large industrial complexes including Ulsan and Pohang. For small and medium-sized industrial complexes, the status of the environment and health of residents were investigated at the Wanju general industrial complex. In regions with power plants, health impacts were surveyed for residents near coal-fired power plants in Samcheonpo and Hadong, which rank joint first in the survey priorities. In addition, based on the results of detailed surveys of soil contamination at 260 mines in 2020, a third-stage, second-round annual survey was conducted. In order to resolve Residential addresses of birth cohort subjects Aerial view of the National Environment Health Biobank local environmental issues, a health impact survey was conducted, based on public petitions on items such as (Construction period: November 2020 to March 2022) disposable sanitary pads, and with residents of Buki-myeon in Cheongju, an area near the incineration facility.
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Major Research Outputs in 2020
○ Improvement of risk assessment and evaluation system of hazardous chemicals
Among substances that have been registered and approved, six, including 1,3-butadiene, were selected as priority substances for risk assessment, given their toxicity, emissions, and exposure potential. The content of the initial risk assessment was added as a provision to the existing NIER public notice on specific methods, etc. of risk assessment for chemicals to facilitate more conservative and prompter risk assessment. Reference materials and draft reports within the National Chemicals Information System (NCIS) were made freely available to promote public awareness for risk assessment and to share related information. In the existing socioeconomic analysis guidelines, descriptive sentences were modified into visual data, such as figures and tables, to enhance readability. Complex diagrams were also simplified to improve user understanding, thus enhancing the applicability of the materials. Inhalation toxicity study using a whole body chamber (left); chemical toxicity test using 3D cells (center); and public notice on test method (right)
○ Assessment of aquatic toxicological effects for pollutants causing risk
Among the substances used in household chemical products, propylparaben was selected for evaluating aquatic ecotoxicological effects due to its high persistence in the environment and in vivo, with the consequent high risk potential. Acute toxicity effects were examined using various test species such as fish, water fleas, and freshwater algae, while chronic exposure toxicities (fish, early life-stage toxicity test) were also investigated, thus obtaining raw data that can be used for risk assessment of propylparaben. Research was conducted on new toxicity evaluation techniques (molecular toxicity and histological lesion observation) to determine the toxicity of chemicals, and proposed the applicability of a screening process (molecular toxicity) and new toxicity indicators (histological lesion observation such as reproduction, congenital anomaly, survival).
Field experiment for exposure assessment of Construction of risk assessment information sharing system(draft) professional workers
○ Establishment and revision of inhalation toxicity tests and alternatives to animal testing of guanidine-based chemicals
Given that the main causes of humidifier disinfectant incidents, polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG)- phosphate and oligo(2-(2-ethoxy)ethoxyethyl guanidinium chloride (PGH), are guanidine cationic polymers, we Effect of developmental toxicity on fish embryo (zebrafish) Tissue lesion observation results conducted research to investigate the inhalation toxicity of guanidine-based chemicals used in Korea. We also examined the applicability of various chemical toxicity tests for in vitro methods such as air-liquid interface (ALI) exposure* and 3D cell culturing. ○ Institutionalization of methods for testing physical properties of nanomaterials and Following the latest trends in internationally recognized chemical hazard tests of the OECD, three alternative methods to animal testing (e.g., for eye irritation by Vitrigel) were established, while sixteen test methods were revised so toxicity of carbon-based nanomaterials on aquatic ecosystems that domestic researchers and test facilities in the field of chemical hazard are able to take necessary measures in response to domestic and international institutional changes. Natural organic matters (NOMs) was added to test media to simulate the real aquatic environment for evaluating * Air-Liquid Interface (ALI) exposure method: exposure under conditions similar to the actual human respiratory system, compared to toxicity. The aggregation and dispersion stability of carbon black nanomaterials were improved, allowing observation the conventional invasive method
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Major Research Outputs in 2020
of the effect of original particle size. Whereas the toxicity effects on algae and water fleas were alleviated compared to those without NOM, no lethal case in fish occurred either with or without NOM, and there was no significant difference in total glutathione (GSH) reduction and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity. The necessity of adding NOM for the accurate ecotoxicity testing of nanomaterials was confirmed in this study. In the Test Methods for Chemicals, revision was made by adding Section 21 (“tests on particle size and size distribution of nanomaterials”) and Section 22 (”tests of dispersion stability of nanomaterials in simulated environmental media”). Test Guidelines for 12 physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials were prepared and published on the NIER website.
The weight of evidence (WoE) matrix (left) and the procedure proposed (right) to evaluate skin sensitization
○ Research on the fate of persistent organic pollutants in atmosphere
Differences in dispersion stability in the presence/absence of natural organic matter (NOM; left) and effect concentrations of 50% (EC50) on freshwater algae (center) and water fleas (right) In response to the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs), the spatial concentrations, seasonal trends, profiles and congener pairs of atmospheric POPs have been investigated through monthly monitoring in major background areas in Korea, including Jeju, the Global Monitoring Program (GMP)* location in East Asia, and metropolitan areas. Monitoring in Jeju over 11 years (2009~2020) has revealed that the concentration of most organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) such as DDT have an overall decreasing trend. BDE-209 had the highest concentration of the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) at all monitoring points. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) showed differences in distribution characteristics by carbon chain group. Particle or gas distribution of each substance and regional distribution was investigated through principal component analysis between POPs and other factors.
Examination of differences in oxidative stress with/without natural organic matter (NOM) in fish (glutathione, GSH (center); catalase, CAT * GMP (Global Monitoring Program): An international monitoring program to evaluate the concentration, distribution, and movement of POPs in (right)) and schematic diagram of the mechanism (left) environment, led by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
○ The study on adapting weight of evidence matrix for hazard assessment (2020)
The principle of minimizing animal testing has encouraged to employ more alternative data for the hazard assessment of chemicals. The reliability of data is a prerequisite to be employed for regulatory assessment. The case studies have been conducted in order to investigate the applicability of the weight of evidence (WoE) matrix, proposed by OECD for skin irritation and corrosion assessment, to evaluate skin sensitization employing non-testing data such as literature and alternative data without performing further in vivo tests for regulatory purposes. Resulting from the case studies, the evaluation criteria and standards for the WoE matrix were adjusted for skin sensitization assessment. The availability of in vivo data or prediction results of adverse outcome of skin sensitization was found to be critical to the reliability of the assessment results. The draft procedure to evaluate the skin sensitization was Annual trends of concentrations of DDT in Jeju (2009~2020) Concentration distribution by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance developed with employing the WoE matrix and non-testing data. the rates of false negatives have been maintained as (PFAS) group (2020) 0% from the case studies implying that the probability for a skin sensitizer to be evaluated as a non-sensitizer would be minimal. Therefore, the assessment results employing the WoE matrix and non-testing data could be acceptable for regulatory purposes.
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Major Research Outputs in 2020
○ Research on the human health risk assessment for disinfectant biocidal products In March 2020, to improve the systematic and stable operation of physical and mental health monitoring related to humidifier disinfectants, which has been in place since 2018, ten general hospitals nationwide (physical health, two cooperative hospitals) and one university (mental health, 160 local counseling centers) were designated as humidifier In order to ensure safety in the use of household chemical products by consumers, we investigated the type disinfectant health centers. Furthermore, health monitoring targets expanded from the existing scope of those and content of biocides contained in disinfectant products (by formulation type) on the domestic market as of 2019 recognized to have sustained damage to those comfirming exposure. In particular, the subjects of mental health and evaluated risks to the human body. Some products were purchased and checked for biocide content information monitoring include (bereaved) families of the victims. A variety of research is underway, such as the construction of a indicated on the labeling. A total of 93 major biocides contained in disinfectant products distributed in Korea were health monitoring database and information linkage system, and the development of monitoring through the life cycle identified. Among them, ethanol was used the most frequently (in 559 of 1,194 products). Actual analysis of 40 from infancy and childhood to old age. products containing ethanol showed a difference of 0.05~83.71% compared to the labeling content (3~95%). The main types of disinfectant formulation are sprays (spray, aerosol, trigger, supplement) and non-sprays (liquid, tissue, powder, gel/patch, pellet). Among the sprays, spraying disinfectant (490 items) was the most frequently used. Among the non-spray types, liquid (329) was the most frequently used formulation. Despite comprehensive consideration of the maximum content, formulation, and toxicity of major substances, exposure assessment using worst-case scenarios for inhalation and dermal exposure~as well as risk assessment of 11 substances (e.g., isopropyl alcohol)-did not identify any risks. This can serve as technical data to determine the approval of disinfectant biocides, and in particular, shows the importance of follow-up management for product content composition information (labeling).
Humidifier disinfectant health center Structure of a health monitoring database in Chungnam National University Hospital and information linkage system
Types and number of biocides among major disinfectant products Risk assessment results for 11 substances
○ Promoting support for policy on prompt and active remedies to humidifier disinfectants damage
In line with the amendment of the Special Act on Remedy for Damage Caused by Humidifier Disinfectants (March 2020), which focuses on acknowledging health damage caused by exposure to humidifier disinfectants and providing greater victim support, a basic system for policy implementation was prepared. This included reviewing the subordinate statutes and draft notice for the complete reform of the health damage investigation and determination system. Abandoning the existing disease-specific health damage assessment method, we conducted comprehensive analysis of changes in individual-specific health status of pre- and post-exposure to humidifier disinfectants and prepared prompt review standards using individual health insurance claim data for three representative diseases (interstitial lung disease, asthma, and pneumonia) that have a high epidemiological correlation with humidifier disinfectants. These contributed to developing active and prompt remedy for victims who had not been recognized.
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Major Research Outputs in 2020
external sources than emission sources within the region, and some regions that showed low levels of pollution due to 02 Climate and Air Quality Research Department topographic or weather effects and seasonal characteristics. Sharing our results with the relevant local governments has allowed us to support the establishment of region-specific fine dust reduction measures. Category City/Province Major causes - Large-scale emission sources (steel-making, coal-fired power plants) Chungnam (Dangjin) - Emission sources in Dangjin ○ Meticulous monitoring of fine dust through 3D observation (aerial, marine, ground) Chungnam (Asan) * Complex impact : During northerly wind, impacted by Pyeongtaek Port, Gyeonggi-do; during calm conditions, impacted by adjacent general industrial complex
- Petrochemical complexes located in the southeast Ulsan * The occurrence of high-concentration fine dust in summer is estimated to be mainly due to secondary production by Impact from In order to understand the characteristics of domestic inflow of long-range transboundary air pollutants and SOx and VOC. emission pollutants generated within the Korean Peninsula, 3D observation is used to monitor both ground and space, including sources within Gyeonggi (Pyeongtaek) - Ship emissions at Pyeongtaek and Dangjin Ports the region the upper atmosphere and the sea. Busan - Ship emissions at Busan Port
Monitoring with a medium-sized aircraft measures fine dust and precursors in the upper atmosphere, and observation Jeonnam (Yeongam) - Ship emissions at Mokpo Port by ship (YES-AQ), implemented in collaboration with the Korea Meteorological Administration, measures fine dust - Emissions from mobile sources and major components in the Incheon-Mokpo West Sea longitudinal section. The results of 3D observation are Daejeon, Gwangju * In Gwangju, emissions come from seasonal biological combustion (June, impact of incineration of agricultural residues) comprehensively analyzed in comparison with ground observation data, and are used to identify emissions from large - High-concentration fine dust is generated due to external impacts rather than from local emissions External domestic emission sources and their effects. The data can also be used to test the inflow amount of fine dust from Chungbuk (Cheongju) * Inflow of pollutants from Chungcheongnam-do and southern Gyeonggi-do during westerly wind and frequent calm impact conditions due to topographical effects (southeast Sobaek Mountains), increasing concentration of fine dust abroad and to calculate the concentration by altitude from environmental satellite data. - Due to the location of emission source at the boundary of air flow leakage, pollution level is low compared to local Gyeongbuk emissions. Topographic, (Pohang), Jeonnam * However, temporary occurrence of high-concentration fine dust is observed during air inflow from local emission meteorological, (Gwangyang) or seasonal sources (steel-making and industrial complex). characteristics - Impact of industrial complex located in the southwest along the Nakdong River Gyeongnam (Yangsan) * Ease of inflow/outflow of pollutants due to topographical effect (valley), increased pollution level in southwest winds
Types of high-concentration fine dust generation by region
○ Operation of performance certification system for fine dust passive sampler
Area near Baengnyeong Island Boundary layer of Above the metropolitan area Areas around the emission source coastal area of West Sea In order for the general public to understand information on the performance of fine dust passive samplers and
Taean Thermal Power Plant to use the equipment properly, some relevant regulations were revised. These include flexible management of grade Daesan industrial complex Dangjin Hyundai Steel Thermal Main sea route Power Plant label position according to the certification system for fine dust passive sampler performance (enforced as of August 2019) and adjustment of criteria on high-concentration fine dust in equivalence evaluation (NIER Notice No. 2020- Port entry (Mokpo) 37, September 2020). In addition, equivalence evaluation was conducted on ultrafine dust (PM2.5) samplers for four performance certification agencies. Measures for continuous and follow-up management were prepared, such as distribution of the Certification Evaluation Method Improvement Manual and field evaluation, thereby supporting Routes used when monitoring by aerial vehicle (photo) Route used when monitoring by ship (photo) successful implementation by institutions. By the end of 2020, performance certification had been completed for 225 passive samplers (114 for grade 1, 56 for grade 2, 30 for grade 3, and 25 beyond the grading range). ○ Cause analysis of high-concentration fine dust to support region-specific reduction measures
Following the nationwide expansion of air quality management zones as a result of enforcement of the Air Quality Management Zone Act (April 2019), ultrafine dust pollution levels were analyzed in 10 cities and provinces to support the preparation of effective region-specific fine dust management measures. Types of high-concentration fine dust occurrence by region were analyzed through comprehensive consideration of air pollutant movement and diffusion impact assessment according to air pollution level, weather conditions, topography, and emissions. There were cases Equivalence evaluation of standard measuring instrument for Certification Evaluation Method Improvement Manual in which the impact of emission sources within the region was dominant, some cases that were more affected by performance certification agency
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Major Research Outputs in 2020
○ Reinforcement of quality control system for environmental monitoring equipment, Vehicle (cars) No. Technology including construction of fine dust quality control center Emissions* Reduction rate 1 Reduction in air conditioner refrigerant leaks 133.5 5.6 % In order to improve the reliability of the national fine dust monitoring network, which serves as the basis for 2 Improvement in air conditioning system efficiency 138.3 2.2 % setting fine dust reduction policy direction and effect analysis, a fine dust quality control center was constructed that 3 Waste heat recovery device 139.9 1.1 % will oversee fine dust quality control (June 2020). The quality control center performs routine equivalence evaluation of environmental monitoring equipment for local governments, the national air pollution monitoring network, the 4 High efficiency lighting device 140.8 0.4 % Research Institute of Public Health and Environment, and public agencies. Thus, the center supports improved 5 Solar cell panel 136.4 3.5 % accuracy of the output of environmental monitoring equipment and approves equipment for fine dust and gaseous 6 Active control air resistance reduction 141.0 0.3 % pollutants, such as fine dust samplers and continuous monitoring equipment. 7 Idle Stop & Go (ISG) 134.7 4.7 % 8 Active control transmission preheating device 140.5 0.6 % 9 Active control engine preheating device 140.5 0.6 % 10 Glazing 139.6 1.3 % 11 Solar reflective coating 141.2 0.1 % 12 Manual-control indoor air circulation system 140.3 0.8 % 13 Active-control indoor air circulation system 140.1 0.9 % 14 High efficiency generator 138.4 2.1 % 15 Engine room insulation 138.4 2.1 %
GHG emissions and reduction rate in eco-innovation technology Fine dust quality control center (Suseok-dong, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do)
* Unit: g-CO2/km ○ Research on the establishment of database for the verification of reduction effects on sources of air pollution and climate change (Ⅰ) ○ Promotion of international collaborative research on air quality improvement in Northeast Asia In order to develop a technology database that validates the simultaneous reduction effect of measures to combat air pollutants and climate change causing substances, guidelines for a national database validation procedure Since 2000, NIER has conducted joint research on transboundary impacts on air quality through monitoring and and platform were prepared. A reduction technology database of 1,161 cases of 28 industrial fields from 7 sectors modeling of air pollutants in various stages. In 2019, the results of a three-year study (2013~2017) on the effects was constructed using an improved platform. Reduction technology specific factors in the electric power, industry of ultrafine dust (PM2.5) in Northeast Asia, including Korea, China, and Japan, were published as an LTP* executive (petrochemical, oil refining) and transportation sectors were updated, and 25 new reduction technologies were summary report (November 20). The outputs of the report were also shared at TEMM**21 (November 23~24). The reflected in eco-innovation and construction equipment in the transportation sector. In the transportation sector, a life Korea-China-Japan CRP***, which started in 2020, will continue its research on mechanisms of generation of and cycle analysis model was used to investigate the characteristics of GHGs and air pollutants emitted by passenger cars interaction between PM2.5 and O3-which are secondary air pollutants-in major cities in the three countries up to and vans. The constructed database can be used to evidence accomplishment of the 2050 carbon neutrality target, as 2022. The academic significance of this research is the investigation of long-term effects of air quality changes due well as reduction policies such as the national GHG reduction roadmap. to PM2.5 and O3 in Northeast Asia on climate change. In the future, NIER will continue their leading role in expanding international cooperation among Korea, China, and Japan in the field of atmospheric science and in resolving Name Amount of production by GHG Energy Reduced air Amount of main Energy consumption Raw material used Application Reference Name GHG Energy Reduced air challenges of future climate change and air environment problems in Northeast Asia. Name of Existing of main main technology Efficiency Utilization reduction saving pollutants criteria technology of main production by the Energy consumption pollutants Raw material used Name of technology Efficiency Utilization reduction saving technology technology technology Amount of production by (%) (%) rate ratio Name of raw Characteristic Capacity (capacity, to apply product Unit Consumption Unit Type Unit technology Amount of (%) (%) rate ratio * Joint Research project for Long-range Transboundary air Pollutants in Northeast Asia product main technology (%) (%) material value utilization, reduction of the Name Characteristic production by (%) Consumption (%) of raw efficiency) method technology Unit Unit Type value Unit ** Tripartite Environment Ministers Meeting among Korea, China, and Japan Coal Pulverized main technology material gasification coal-fired bituminous Pulverized thermal Mph bituminous Integrated *** Korea-China-Japan Collaborative Research Program combined Electricity 4,481,000 40.5 95 10.7 coal GI / Mph 10.78 NO , SO , gasification Taean coal-fired Mph Bituminous Mph power / yo 2 2 coal 300 thermal power Electricity 1,169,800 41.0 70 7.8 8.78 GI / Mph 7.8 NO , SO , 354 cycle power (bituminous 8.55 - - combined GOC (bituminous / yo 2 2 coal / yo plant coal) cycle coal) Comparison of before and after upgrade of specific factors in electric power sector
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 52 53
Major Research Outputs in 2020
○ Research on emission characteristics of specific air pollutants (IV)
In order to promote a reduction in air pollutant emissions from industrial sites, research on management of complete combustion in flare stacks* is ongoing. In these unique conditions, the air pollution level cannot be measured and Tele-Monitoring System (TMS) installation is not possible. Research has included preparation of appropriate operation plans for flare stacks using optical techniques. Investigations of flare stack status in Korea, in accordance with US EPA and domestic standards of fugitive emission facility management, found the standard combustion calorific value of flare stacks was 2,403 kcal/Sm3 or more for steam-assisted facilities and 196 kcal/Sm3 or more for combustion air-assisted. The combustion efficiency of flare stacks of 33 oil refining and storage facilities in the five Status of ultrafine dust (PM2.5) concentration in Korea, China, and Japan Meeting of CRP Korea-China-Japan experts (video conference) major oil refineries was calculated, and the complete combustion conditions for each flare stack derived using optical techniques. Through these studies, an optimal operation plan for complete combustion of flare stacks and flare stack facility management standards were drafted for feedback. * Flare stack: A chimney that, for safety reasons, burns combustible gas generated during processes in an oil refinery or petrochemical plant. ○ Promoting air pollution reduction in Northeast Asia through Korea-China joint
research on air quality Industrial site G S SI O H
Seosan, Yeosu, Nam-gu, Seo-gu, Address Chungcheongnam Jeollanam-do Ulsan Incheon Ulju, Ulsan Based on the Memorandum of Understanding on Korea-China Environmental Cooperation revised during -do
Number of flare discussions at the summit meeting (July 3, 2014), a Korea-China joint research team was formed in Beijing, China. 12 7 2 9 3 stack facilities
Collaborative research on air quality improvement in major cities including Beijing has been underway since 2015. The Main target Benzene, xylene, toluene, ethylbenzene, etc. joint research team includes eight researchers from the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) in Korea substances and four from the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES), as well as researchers from Seoul National University and Ulsan Institute of Science and Technology. The Clear Sky Initiative is a large-scale collaborative Flare stack operation status of oil refining industry in Korea Optical instrument setup for flare stack survey observational study that was agreed on at the Korea-China Ministers of Environment Meeting in November 2019. It is based on ground observations from four cities in China (Beijing, Baoding, Dalian, and Changdao) and four in Korea ○ Research on the emission characteristics of fine dust-inducing substances by (Seoul, Incheon, Jeju, and Gwangju) in 2020 and so far has obtained significant results through air quality monitoring, component measurement and analysis, and modeling evaluation. In particular, as a result of modeling analysis of emission source (I) PM2.5 chemical composition data in Beijing, seven sources of pollution were identified: secondary nitrate (29%), coal combustion and industry (20%), mobile (15%), sulfate (13%), combustion for heating (8.9%), incineration (7.0%), and Equipment performance tests are conducted on petroleum refining-related industrial sites. VOC flux has also been soil (6.5%). These research outcomes are regularly shared through seasonal management system output sharing measured using optical techniques, emission level monitoring, and research on fugitive emission detection technology. meetings, Korea-China air pollution prevention policy and technology exchange meetings, and Korea-China air quality Monitoring an oil refining industrial site using remote optical technology revealed emissions 0.7 to 2.0 times greater joint research workshops hosted by the Ministry of Environment of both countries. The results and outcomes are than inventory emissions. Despite decreases in production during the COVID-19 pandemic, actual emissions are utilized for policy-making related to air quality improvement in Korea and China. higher than inventory emissions. During solar occultation flux (SOF) monitoring, measurements indicated a suspected pollutant leak, which was repaired. In the future, development of a VOC monitoring system is planned that will use the latest remote spectroscopy techniques to prepare plans for policy linkages in relation to long-term emission reductions.
Beijing Dalian C point Seoul Around Dangjin Thermal Power Plant B point D point Daesan industrial complex Baoding Around Hyundai Steel Changdao Incheon Gwangju A point Around Taean Thermal Power Plant Air Pollution Engineering Division Jeju (PTR ToF - MS) Flow trajectory
Air Pollution Engineering Division (SIFT - MS) Flow trajectory
Ground observation points Eleventh Joint Research Workshop Industrial sites for solar occultation flux (SOF) Industrial sites for solar occultation flux (SOF) measurement measurement (large-scale petrochemical industry complex) (petroleum refinery and petroleum product manufacturing facilities)
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 54 55
Major Research Outputs in 2020
disaster situations (yellow dust). Daily 7-day forecasting of ultrafine dust for 19 regions in Korea was introduced to meet public demand for expanded provision of forecast information. In addition, through assimilation of data from the air quality prediction model and application of AI techniques, the accuracy of ultrafine dust forecasting reached 87% and that of high- concentration fine dust 81% in 2020, an improvement of two percentage points compared to the previous year.
Daily 7-day forecast of ultrafine dust
Air quality prediction
March 26: South Gyeonggi/Sejong/Chungbuk/Chungnam “High” due to the accumulation of domestic fine dust from air stagnation; March 27: Air quality improved due to precipitation accompanied by strong winds, southern Gyeonggi “High”; March 28: “Low” in all regions; March 29: DIAL emissions measurement UV-DOAS benzene measurement South Gyeonggi expected to be “High” due to air stagnation and inflow of fine dust from abroad.
Forecast grade of ultrafine dust concentration
Gangwon Metropolitan region Province Chungcheong region Honam region Yeongnam region Jeju region ○ Research on air pollutant emission: Characteristics of pollutant emission facilities (I) region Reliability Classification Northern Southern Gyeong Gyeong Seoul Incheon region, region, Yeongseo Yeongdong Daejeon Sejong Chungbuk Chungnam Gwangju Jeonbuk Jeonnam Busan Daegu Ulsan Jeju Gyeonggi Gyeonggi buk nam March 26 (Fri) Low Low Low High Low Low Low High High High Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Moderate In order to construct the database required for establishing fine dust management measures based on the risk of March 27 (Sat) Low Low Low High Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Moderate March 28 (Sun) Low Low Low High Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low ultrafine dust, dust concentrations were investigated in terms of size, number, and mass of particles in emission gases. March 29 (Mon) Low Low Low High Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low In a laboratory-scale boiler facility, number concentration was measured by particle size of exhaust gas for each fuel type, including bunker-C oil, kerosene, diesel, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Mass concentration of PM2.5 and gaseous Spatial distribution prediction by numerical model Operation of weekly forecast system substances such as NOx and SOx was also measured. After a certain duration of boiler operation, particles were generated at uniform and stable rates. The mean number concentration of dust particles was in the order of 5.4E+05 cm-3 for bunker-C oil, 1.7E+05 cm-3 for diesel, and 8.3E+04 cm-3 for kerosene. Most of the particles emitted during combustion ○ Research to advance air quality forecasting technology of liquid fuel are less than 1 μm in size. The maximum size of particles was approximately 0.015 μm for bunker-C oil and diesel, and 0.025 μm for kerosene. The rate of concentration reduction was greater than that of particle number reduction, when investigating the PM1.0/PM2.5/PM10 fraction by fuel type and by reduction facility. We plan to continue our research A new forecasting system was developed through the incorporation of a data assimilation technique (3D variance on emission status according to the particle size of fine dust by industry and facility, and utilize the results in policy-making method, 3DVAR) that optimizes initial model conditions, according to the actual status of air quality in air quality prediction related to fine dust reduction in consideration of emission risks. models where air quality and weather interact. The developed system is utilized in actual forecasting for improved accuracy of air quality forecasting. In addition, to secure new prediction technology, research on air quality prediction using artificial intelligence (AI) is underway. Short- term prediction results (D + 3) show higher accuracy than that of high-concentration fine dust in numerical models, thus the developed technology will be utilized in actual operation after completing pilot operation and upgrades. International collaboration through exchange of air quality forecasting technologies with China has resulted in development of a forecasting model reflecting the characteristics of Northeast Asia and joint research that explores cause analysis of air pollutants.
Experimental method and results of real-time measurement
○ Operation of national air quality forecast system
For public health protection and to minimize discomfort in daily life, a national air quality forecasting system provides forecasting information on air quality concentrations (PM10, PM2.5, O3). Forecasts have also been provided for policy Block diagram for AI forecast system Korea-China air quality forecasting technology exchange meeting interventions, such as issuing emergency reduction measures for preemptive responses to high-concentration fine dust occurrence (7 times), notification of emission upper limits for thermal power generation (21 times), and support for
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 56 57
Major Research Outputs in 2020
○ Launch of geostationary environmental satellite
After nine years of development (since the start of the project in 2011), the Geostationary Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite- 2B was successfully launched on February 19, 2020 from Centre Spatial Guyanais in Kourou, French Guiana, South America. The environmental satellite is the first in the world that can monitor, from geostationary orbit, the concentration of gaseous air pollutants that cause aerosols and fine dust. Routine measurements are collected eight times daily in Asian regions, ranging from Japan in the east to northern Indonesia and southern Mongolia in the west. On November 18, 2020, aerosol optical depth (AOD)* images observed from the environmental satellite during test operation were released. These images confirmed inflow of yellow dust and high-concentration fine dust from China to the Korean Peninsula. On March 22, 2021, eight types of validated air quality data were released on the environmental satellite center website, and additional outputs Test operation of environmental satellite data processing Initial data product of the environmental satellite (NO2) are scheduled to be released in stages by the second half of 2022.
* Aerosol optical depth (AOD): A measure representing the level of light dissipation (absorption, scattering) by aerosols, which are particulate matter floating in the atmosphere.
Launch of the geostationary environmental satellite First release of environmental satellite images (AOD)
○ Generation of initial data from the geostationary environmental satellite and data quality analysis
The environmental satellite center is responsible for a wide range of roles from reception to distribution of environmental satellite data. To this end, a system for reception, processing, validation, analysis, and distribution of satellite data was designed and developed in the ground station of the environmental satellite center. Operation of the developed system was tested and after launch, actual observation data were received through the operation system to produce initial data and allow analysis of data quality. Test operation of the ground station system and analysis of the initial data generated through the system demonstrated the possibility of real-time application of environmental satellite data for routine monitoring of air pollutants. The ground station system and output quality will continue to improve in line with major operational objectives (ten years of uninterrupted operation, generation of high-quality data) of the environmental satellite.
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Major Research Outputs in 2020
Water Environment Research Department * Blue-green algae: Algae with blue color that proliferates in summer; some species are toxic. 03 ** Hyperspectral image data: Data measured by dividing the spectrum of light into hundreds of domains.
○ 3D numerical modelling of hydrologic and water quality changes in surface water (Ⅴ): Evaluation of applicability of remote sensing data according to grid resolution
The cell count of blue-green algae, which affects river water quality in summer, can be predicted using 3D numerical modeling. This information is provided to related organizations and the public. The initial conditions of algae distribution in the water body are essential for short-term prediction of blue-green algae distribution. In this study, we proposed an optimal technique to apply high-resolution hyperspectral image data acquired by remote sensing to short-term prediction of algal distribution. Short-term prediction accuracy was improved when algae occurrence was simulated by applying hyperspectral image data of the plane unit as an initial condition of using 3D numerical modeling. In addition, analysis showed that the optimal grid resolution of 3D numerical modeling. for blue-green algae prediction is the composition of 10 horizontal grids, taking into Map of phycocyanin concentration in the upstream region of the Nakdong River at Changnyeong-Haman weir, October 29, 2020 account model processing speed and prediction accuracy. The techniques proposed in this study will be utilized to advance (left: Aerial photo; center: Application of existing algorithm; right: Application of machine learning model) water quality prediction techniques.
○ A study on the monitoring and management of unregulated hazardou compounds in river water(Ⅰ)
A large industrial complex is located in the area surrounding the Nakdong River water system, therefore, various investigations of unregulated hazardous substances are required to prevent water pollution accidents caused by hazardous chemicals. Accordingly, at the Waegwan water monitoring station, a method of analysis for 30 trace organic compounds was developed and water from the Nakdong River was monitored. Unknown pollutants present in the midstream of the Nakdong River were tentatively identified using a non-target analysis* technique to derive a list of potential substances. In this way, we have developed a foundation for securing safe drinking water and have contributed to establishing water quality management policies such as selection of management priorities.
* Non-target analysis: A qualitative analysis technique that screens unknown substances that are not target substances. Comparison of initial conditions between hyperspectral images and monitoring points
○ Prediction of water environment changes using hyperspectral images
Among various methods of monitoring the quality of inland waters in Korea, using aerial images to monitor algal bloom is useful to identify areas of algal bloom occurrence, as well as its scale and route of diffusion. In 2020, the Water Quality Assessment Research Division of NIER developed a deep learning model for remote monitoring of algal bloom, which quantitatively estimates the concentration of phycocyanin pigment in blue-green algae* remotely using data obtained from three major rivers in Korea (Nakdong, Geum, and Yeongsan). The model shows high accuracy with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.85 between hyperspectral image data** and phycocyanin concentration.
In addition, it was confirmed that the problem of recognizing suspended sediments or shallow river bottoms as algae in the River water survey points Procedure of non-target analysis existing model could be improved.
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 60 61
Major Research Outputs in 2020
○ Analysis of molecular biological causes of algal blooms and demonstration of responses to algal blooms
To solve the algal blooms caused by climate change, we are conducting a field study of algal bloom control through detailed analysis of the microbiome and genotype distribution of harmful cyanobacteria to determine the causes of algal blooms. We have clarified the role of bacteria in the occurrence and death of harmful cyanobacteria in water bodies by mutual network analysis of microbiomes and are developing a biological algal bloom control technique involving field-based mesocosm experiments. Additionally, we acquired information on the origins and behaviors of algal blooms by investigating genotype distributions to reveal changes in algal bloom occurrences in weir-installed sections. This approach may be useful as a national standard algal bloom monitoring technique for quickly detecting and tracking harmful cyanobacteria in the field. Major TOC policy trends of the Ministry of Environment and major research cases Calculation and evaluation of TOC pollution load
○ Establishment of water cycle management goal for the Third Comprehensive Measures for Nonpoint Pollution Sources and preparing a foundation for their implementation
Rapid increase in the impervious area ratio causes water quality problems and disasters such as drought and flood in urban areas, thus causing deterioration in the water environment. For water cycle management, it is included in the law to establish the management goals (impervious area ratio, water cycle rate) and evaluate implementation for the Comprehensive Measures for Nonpoint Pollution Sources (2021-2025). To establish the water cycle management goal, we The purpose of “Molecular Biological Study” Mesocosm experiment to control algal blooms (Daecheong Lake) conducted a proactive and policy support research in new policy fields such as identifying the current state of the nation's and major promotion plans water cycle and predicting future issues, constructing a watershed model, analyzing results, and establishing promotion strategies. We also constructed an evaluation system by considering the artificial water cycle in urban areas with high impervious area ratio and established a method for water cycle improvement and management planning, which can be used to achieve scientific management goals. ○ Research on effective implementation of total maximum daily load (TMDL) system
To effectively operate the TDML system of the Ministry of Environment, one of the advanced watershed management systems implemented since 2004 to improve the water quality of four major river systems, we prepared improvement measures and regulations as well as additional methods for managing total organic carbon (TOC) levels. The TOC TMDL system must be promoted around the watershed and water source protection areas in which water quality is being affected rather than in the entire water system area. TOC pollution sources can be reduced using currently available domestic technologies. The TOC technical elements (e.g., pollutant load unit factor, reduction coefficient) have been classified in the Technical Guide to TMDL; we also calculated the pollutant load based on the pollution source (living, livestock, industry, land, landfill, and aquaculture) and constructed a management foundation. These research results can be used as basic scientific data for efficiently operating the TMDL system and for planning of TOC TMDL systems in the future.
Impervious area ratio by city and province Areas with 25% or higher impervious area ratio
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Major Research Outputs in 2020
○ Research on the distribution of microplastics in freshwater (II)
The use of plastics has increased indiscriminately as these materials have become indispensable products in our daily lives. The amount of plastics discarded into the environment is increasing each year. These discarded plastics are broken down through photolysis and weathering and become microplastics with particle sizes of up to 5 mm. In this project, we investigated the number of microplastics in freshwater sediments. Particularly, we examined the concentration distribution in accordance with the regional characteristics in 3 sites, the South and North Han Rivers and downstream of the Han River. In addition, the correlations between the concentration of microplastics and organic matters and nutrients in sediments were identified. Results of Survey on Discharge Site PFAS Treatment Technologies for Water Through previous studies conducted in 2018 and 2019, we inferred the correlations among the concentrations of microplastics in water, fish, and sediments. ○ Survey and evaluation of aquatic ecosystem health and cause of fish death
We investigated aquatic organisms, such as fish, benthic macroinvertebrates, and diatoms, and river environments in 1,160 rivers (3,035 in total) and at 221 sites in 108 estuaries (668 sites in 325 estuaries in total) nationwide. In addition, to ensure the continuity of the aquatic ecosystem, we prepared guidelines (draft) for investigation and evaluation methods to examine the vertical and horizontal continuity of the river aquatic ecosystem for material circulation. We produced videos (estuary story) to help people understand the aquatic ecosystem and promoted these videos in the media. Furthermore, we selected physiological parameters* of fish to diagnose stress in fish and prepared a procedure for analyzing the hematological and physiological responses of fish.
* Physiological parameters of fish: Hormones such as cortisol in the blood of living fish Sampling to investigate microplastics in freshwater sediments Distribution of microplastic concentrations in sediments at each survey point
○ Research on management of industrial wastewater and improvement of the ecotoxicity operating system
Studies of industrial wastewater are classified into regulated and unregulated areas depending on the designation of water pollutants. In the regulated area, we verified the emission results at 1,614 business sites subject to analysis of the emission of specific substances harmful to water quality in 2019. In the unregulated area, we evaluated the priority list of Number and ratio of health evaluation grade sections for fish in aquatic ecosystems (left: rivers, right: estuaries) water pollution in the “Guideline for Designation of Water Pollutants, etc.” (Ministry of Environment Order No. 1312) and revisions of the guidelines by the Ministry of Environment. Furthermore, we examined the emission characteristics of three perfluorinated compounds (perfluoroalkyl substances, perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorohexanesulfonic acid) that were newly designated in 2020 and researched appropriate treatment methods for these compounds. In 2021, as the ecotoxicity- regulated industries were expanded from the existing 35 industries to all 82 industries, we applied the optimal ecotoxicity test species for each wastewater discharge site to evaluate the effective management practices for industrial wastewater. We selected the most sensitive test species for each of 20 industries by investigating the ecotoxicity status of the effluent by detecting five test species (Daphnia magna, luminescent bacteria, Ulva pertusa, Lemna perpusilla Torrey, and Spirodela polyrhiza). In the future, we will expand the research to all 82 industries and prepare effective ecotoxicity emission standards.
Promotional video for estuaries and aquatic ecosystem Physiological parameter test process such as the blood of fish
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Major Research Outputs in 2020
○ Research on establishment of hazardous waste information and management
04 Environmental Resource Research Department system for response to international conventions - Application of tracking management system and risk assessment
○ Research on final disposal reduction through waste flow analysis Stronger regulations are needed for illegally exported and imported wastes because these wastes are likely to be illegally neglected or dumped without permission during the transportation process, and violations of regulations on reported or - Focusing on improving standards for medical waste sterilization facilities permitted items are continuously occurring. Thus, we introduced a tracking management system to fundamentally block illegally imported/exported wastes. As a result, it has become possible to evaluate risks by checking the ‘illegal export/ Medical waste levels* have continuously increased, exceeding the permissible capacity of dedicated incinerators. A export status” using real-time monitoring data collected through the tracking management system. sterilizing and grinding facility,** which directly treats wastes on-site can be used as an alternative for stable treatment Through this research, we prepared the “Guideline to the operation and use of tracking management system (draft)” and “Plan of medical wastes. To this end, we prepared a plan for improving the standard for diversification of sterilizing and grinding for correct application of the tracking management system (draft)”, to which waste exporters and importers can refer when facilities by comparing and analyzing domestic and overseas systems related to these facilities. In addition, to safely manage introducing the tracking management system. In addition, we prepared the “Guideline to correct identification of the HSK the infectiousness of medical wastes, we are investigating a standard application in a sterilization test method that intensifies code for exported and imported exports (draft)” to improve problems in the management system for exported and imported the sterilization effect to 99.9999% for five types of microorganisms (Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, acid- wastes for which different waste codes are input during the customs clearance process. resistant bacteria, mold, and virus) rather than the sterilization test method that eliminates only 99.99% of only one type of spore-forming bacteria (Gram-positive bacteria) under the current law.
* Medical wastes: Wastes discharged from medical institutions, etc. that must be specially managed because of their negative risks such as causing infection ** Sterilizing and grinding facility: A facility that crushes wastes to prevent them from being reused and then sterilizes them by high- temperature steam, microwave, and chemical treatment
Classification Heat treatment Chemical treatment Other treatments South Korea Steam, microwave, hot tube Not allowed Not allowed Radiation (irradiation), biological, WHO Steam, microwave, dry heat Disinfectant, alkali hydrolysis mechanical Configuration and installation of the tracking management system Research on illegal cases of transportation of exported and Microwave, irradiation, Basel Steam, dry heat Chemicals encapsulation imported wastes (data interpretation) Usable when approved by the Usable when approved by the California Steam USA department in charge department in charge ○ Research on preparation of technical guidelines for environmental assessment of Florida Steam Allowed Allowed recycling inorganic wastes - Focusing on slags Japan Steam, dry heat Allowed - Direct landfill allowed if there is We investigated the domestic and overseas management status and conducted due diligence and investigation of UK Steam, microwave, dry heat Allowed no infectiousness environmental hazards to determine the possibility of safe recycling of slags that frequently cause environmental pollution Comparison of allowed treatment methods in domestic and overseas sterilizing and grinding facilities accidents and civil complaints. We collected samples and conducted field surveys by reviewing domestic waste control laws, environmental label certifications, and excellent recycling certification standards, as well as overseas regulations and Representative strains for Representative strains for Classification Sterilization level heat treatment chemical treatment research cases on recycling in the US and EU. We investigated environmental hazards using a recycling environmental assessment method. We evaluated ecotoxicity (water flea and luminescent bacteria) using the eluate and seawater eluate Gram-positive bacteria 99.99 % Bacillus atrophaeus Bacillus subtilis obtained from the upstream permeation method and considered the effects of the high hydrogen ion concentration in the Gram-negative bacteria 99.9999 % Staphylococcus aureus Staphylococcus aureus leachate on aquatic and marine ecosystems when using steel-making slags for fill and cover materials. In addition, we Acid-resistant bacteria 99.9999 % Mycobacterium fortuitum Mycobacterium fortuitum analyzed the hazardous properties according to dissolution toxicity management items and heavy metals such as vanadium and molybdenum, which can affect the human body when recycled. We developed recycling guidelines (draft) by evaluating Mold 99.9999 % Candida albicans Aspergillus niger or Candida albicans the environmental impact of slags recycled as fill materials according to the recycling environmental assessment technique Envelope protein virus 99.9999 % Bacteriophage Bacteriophage or Influenza(H1N1) for safe media-contact recycling of domestic inorganic wastes. Representative strains and sterilization level for verifying the sterilization effects of sterilizing and grinding facilities
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 66 67
Major Research Outputs in 2020
○ Evaluation research on full recycling process for waste plastics - focusing on general wastes of business sites -
To achieve a circulation economy and determine the effectiveness of the Comprehensive Recycling Waste Management Measures* enforced in May 2018, we identified problems with the current management method and prepared improvement plans by evaluating the full recycling process for waste synthetic polymer compounds, which account for 53% of domestic waste plastic generation and are discharged as general wastes at business sites. First, we drew a material flowchart for waste plastics and identified the material flow and material recycling ratio (e.g., reuse, raw materials) for the full lifecycle of plastic products (production-consumption-waste discharge and treatment). Next, the contents of harmful materials such as heavy metals and plastic additives were investigated to determine the safety of waste plastic recycling. In addition, we proposed that the waste classification system should be subdivided to improve the material recycling rate by reinforcing Analysis of ecotoxicity Presentation of media-contact recycling guideline (draft) separate discharge of waste plastics.
* Reduction of waste plastic generation to 50% and increase of recycling rate to 70% until 2030
○ Research on establishment of hazard information data according to classification by waste - generating industry
We are researching the establishment of waste hazard information data in accordance with Article 18-2 of the Wastes Control Act to reduce accidents such as explosion and fire, which can occur during the waste treatment process. We have created a classification list of wastes the reflect the measured hazardous properties* in the domestic waste classification codes. We supported related workers so that they can refer to the hazard information data according to the Wastes Control Act by examining the measured hazardous properties data. We checked errors in the waste data from business sites reported using old waste classification numbers reported by the discharging persons and corrected these data to coincide with the current waste classification numbers. This enables safe and proper treatment of wastes that can manifest Business site waste plastic material flowchart (as of 2018) Revised waste plastic classification system (draft) hazardous properties and prevents improper treatment of wastes. Furthermore, we checked hazardous properties in advance, even for materials that did not require testing, to prevent accidents. * 9 hazardous properties for management: explosiveness, flammability, pyrophoricity, hydrophobicity, oxidizing property, leaching ○ Research on removal and stabilization of the hazardous properties of wastes (Ⅰ) toxicity, infectiousness, corrosiveness, ecotoxicity ** The Wastes Control Act requires the assignment and management of a 6-digit detailed classification number (00-00-00) according - Focusing on explosiveness, flammability, and pyrophoricity to the waste type. When wastes are recycled according to the Wastes Control Act, the hazardous properties must be eliminated or stabilized using physical, chemical, and biological methods; however, the specific methods and standards are not clearly
■ 폐기물관리법 시행규칙 [별지 제14호의4서식] <신설 2018. 3. 30.> (제2쪽 중 제2쪽) 항목 조사 방법 주요 성분 비고 - Pb : 0.01 mg/L ⑭ 유해물질 용출독성 [√]분석 [ ]자료( ) 분석자료 defined. Among domestic wastes, explosive wastes account for 0.17%, flammable wastes for 0.54%, and pyrophoric 확인필 - Cr+6 : 0.08 mg/L - Cu : 61.01 mg/kg - Pb : 121.76 mg/kg ※ 뒤쪽의 작성방법을 읽고 작성하시기 바라며, [ ]에는 해당되는 곳에 √표를 - Cd : 1.34 mg/kg (제2쪽 중 제1쪽) 성분정보 ⑮ 유해물질 함량 [√]분석 [ ]자료( ) 분석자료 합니다. - CN : 0.14 mg/kg wastes for 0.35%. We checked the treatment methods using water or inert substances such as sand or soil based on the ① 관리번호 YS-2020-02(자체번호) ② 작성일(제공일) 2020.10.26 - Hg : 0.22 mg/kg - As : 16.532 mg/kg ③ 상호(명칭) ◌◌◌◌케미칼 ④ 사업자등록번호 214-86-◌◌◌◌◌ ⑯ 수분 등과 접촉 시 화재 ⑤ 성명(대표자) ◌◌◌ ⑥ 성명(담당자) ◌◌◌ ㆍ폭발 또는 독성가스 발 [ ]분석 [ ]자료( ) 없음 제 ⑦ 주소(사업장) 경기도 시 구 (배출사업장기준으로 작성) 생 우려 성분 공 ◌◌ ◌◌ ◌◌ material safety data sheet* for hazardous materials. Hazardous wastes were found to be prohibited from entering landfill 자 (전화번호: 031-000-0000) 안전대책 보호구 [√]마스크 [√]장갑 [√]보호안경 [√]기타(보호의) (팩스번호: 031-000-0000) - 용기는 환기가 잘 되는 곳에 단단히 밀폐하여 저장하시오. - 서늘한 곳에 보관하시오. 폐기물 종류: 폐락카 폐기물 분류번호 ( 05 - 03 - 00 ) 취급 시 ⑧ 폐기물 ⑰ - 빈 드럼통은 완전히 배수하고 적절히 막아 즉시 드럼 facilities. Incineration facilities secured the safety of these wastes by using small quantities and by performing mixed 폐 [√]단일 폐기물 [ ]혼합 폐기물 주의사항 저장 및 보관방법 기 조절기에 되돌려놓거나 적절히 배치하시오. ⑨ 포장형태 [√]용기(재질: ) [ ]톤백 [ ] 차량직접적재 [ ]기타( ) 물 - 휘발되지 않도록 밀폐형 용기에 보관하시오. 정 ⑩ 발생량(톤/년) 30 ton/yr - 흘러나올 우려가 없는 전용 탱크·용기에 보관하고 혼합 보 원재료 → 계량 → 혼합 → 분산 → 희석 → 조색 → 검사 → 여과 → 충진을 거쳐 이나 유동으로 생기는 위험이 없도록 수집, 보관한다. ⑪ 제조공정 제조공정 중 사용하고 남은 락카를 폐락카로 발생 incineration and pre-reactions. Furthermore, we investigated the hazardous properties of neglected wastes in the field and - 피부 접촉 시 비눗물, 눈에 들어가면 15분 이상 세척 응급조치 - 호흡을 위한 산소공급을 충분히 하고 필요시 위세척을 항목 조사 방법 유해특성 정보 비고 고려할 것 원료 물질들의 MSDS를 - 누출물이 토양, 수계 또는 하수시설에 유입되지 않도록 폭발성 [ ]분석 [√]자료(MSDS) 참고로 작성 할 것 the causes, major factors, combustion process, and measures for preventing spontaneous combustion in the landfill site. 누설대책 - 공정격리, 국소배기를 사용하거나, 공기수준을 노출기준 인화성 [√]분석 [ ]자료( ) 있음 분석자료 이상조치 안정성 사고 발 이하로 조절 자연발화성 [ ]분석 [ ]자료( ) 없음 ⑱ ㆍ ⑫ 유해특성 생시 - 비가연성 물질을 사용하여 흡수할 것 반응성 금수성 [ ]분석 [ ]자료( ) 없음 방제 등 조 - 이산화탄소 또는 건조분말 소화기로 소화 원료 물질들의 MSDS를 치방법 - 진화가 된 후에도 상당기간 동안 물분무로 용기를 산화성 [ ]분석 [√]자료(MSDS) 화재시의 조치 참고로 작성 냉각시키고 가능한 멀리 떨어져서 뿌릴 것 We examined whether treating explosive, flammable, or pyrophoric wastes using physical, chemical, and biological methods 부식성 [ ]분석 [ ]자료( ) 없음 - 증기의 흡입을 피하고 바람을 등지고 설것 기타 [ ]분석 [ ]자료( ) 없음 - 구조자는 적절한 보호구를 착용하시오. - 지역을 벗어나 안전거리를 유지하여 소화하시오. 약품, 장비 및 방제요령 - 소화수의 처분을 위해 도랑을 파서 가두고 물질이 흩어 성상 및 색 액체, 회색 악취 자극적 냄새 지지 않게 하시오. would affect the removal and stabilization of waste by increasing the volume and weight, which would increase concerns 수분(%) 없음 비중 0.61 ⑬ 물리 수소이온농도(pH) 자료없음 끓는점(℃) -0.5 - 고인화성이므로 열, 스파크, 화염 등으로 화재·폭발 등에 주의 적ㆍ 특별 녹는점(℃) -20 발열량 자료없음 ⑲ - 100℃ 이상의 온도에서 폭발성 증기 / 공기 혼합물을 형성할 수 있음 화학적 주의사항 시간에 따른 폐기물 온도에 따라 응결될 수 - 폐락카 통 내 도료 등이 남아 있음 성질 점도 0.506 의 성상 등의 변화 있음 regarding the potential hazardous properties of the residues. The heat treatment method using the flammable property of 기타 그 외의 - 폐기물 주성상 : 톨루엔, 메틸에틸 - 배출업종코드 : 20411 일반용 도료 ⑳ - 가열시 용기가 폭발할 수 있음 210mm×297mm[백상지(120g/㎡) 또는 백상지(80g/㎡)] 정보 케톤, 메탄올 등 및 관련제품 제조업 wastes was found to be safe.
Waste samples for investigation of hazardous properties Example of hazard information data * Material safety data sheet: Classified data on hazardous properties of chemicals
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Major Research Outputs in 2020
combustible and residue soil) and analyzed their physicochemical compositions, foreign substance contents, and biodegradability. Next, we prepared management improvement plans by identifying problems in recycling of the separated materials according to the evaluation regulations. In addition, we suggested improvement for the test methods of the organic matter content and biodegradability of landfilled wastes and specific application methods for standard test when applying the guidelines to determine the stabilization of landfilled wastes in the Landfill Maintenance Guidance.
Feld investigation of neglected wastes Flammability removal and stabilization test
○ Research on promoting the use of recyclable waste energy
We are researching objective verification and efficient management measures for environmental impact by evaluating the environmental impact of quality management and user facilities of solid fuel products. We evaluated the possibility Field investigation of excavated materials containing waste Sampling of separated combustibles and residue soil of converting solid fuel products to fuels and developed a biomass content measurement method (draft). In addition, to minimize civil complaints in the surrounding areas of facilities using solid fuel product and to resolve conflicts caused by civil complaints, we applied meteorological data for the last decade such as the temperature, wind speed, precipitation, ○ Preparation of improvement of emission factor calculation method for dioxins and relative humidity of the area and investigated the environmental impacts using the atmospheric diffusion modeling generated in waste treatment facilities (draft) (AERMOD) program. In South Korea, a classification system for dioxin sources and an emission calculation method have been developed Sterile pack Sterilization pack Books Paper cup Silk wallpaper in line with the domestic circumstances for dioxin source management. Dioxin measurement and actual measurement data analysis projects have been promoted since 2001. To determine the dioxin emissions and emission factor from domestic waste incineration facilities, we examined the dioxin emission characteristics of each incineration facility by Cotton Polyester Nylon Acrylic analyzing the dioxin measurement results in nationwide household, business (general, designated), and medical waste incineration facilities (approximately 990 incinerators). We then determined the emission factor reflecting the characteristics
Cashew nut Almond Walnut Herbal plants and operation status of the facilities. In addition, we developed an improved dioxin emission calculation method (draft) to increase the reliability of the calculation results for the dioxin emission factor and emissions.
Calculation factors Current emission calculation method Improved emission calculation method (draft) Coffee Chaff Waste wood pellets Wood byproducts Average measured amount of daily incineration (ton/h) Annual average activity (ton/h) Incineration load rate ÷ Average capacity of facility (ton/h) ÷ Average capacity of facility (ton/h)
Annual average activity [Annual activity (ton/yr) ÷ Number of working days Solid fuel products by raw material Evaluation of impact of weather change on surrounding areas - (ton/h) (day/yr)] / 24 (h/day)
Actually treated incineration Capacity of each facility (ton/h) - volume (ton/h) × Incineration load rate ○ Institutional improvement for proper management in waste treatment facilities (Ⅱ) Average flow rate of the measured day ((Sm3/h) Annual average flow rate (Sm3/hr) Gas emission (Sm3/ton) - focusing on the excavation from landfill mining ÷ Actually treated incineration capacity (ton/h) ÷ Annual average activity (ton/hr)
Emission factor (ng-TEQ/ton) Average concentration (ng-TEQ/Sm3) × Gas emissions (Sm3/ton) We studied the preparation of proper management for excavated materials containing waste generated from landfill -9 maintenance projects, housing development work, and rebuilding of circular landfill sites. To evaluate the adequacy of Emissions (g-TEQ/yr) Emission factor (ng-TEQ/ton) × Annual incineration amount (ton/yr) × 10 (g/ng) management for the separated excavated materials containing waste, we sampled the separated materials (separated Improvement of dioxin emission factor and emission calculation method for domestic waste incineration facilities (draft)
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Major Research Outputs in 2020
○ Research on validity of the alternative treatment method for pig-fed food wastes (I) Criteria Exposed area(km2) 70 WECPNL or higher 59.18 57 Lden* or higher 64.19 Providing wet feed to pigs was banned after the outbreak of African swine fever in South Korea, necessitating an alternative to the treatment of food wastewater (liquid residues from food waste treatment). To develop this alternative treatment method, we added an additional input (0% → 21.7% → 29.3%) and weekend input (100 tons/day) to the digester of existing sewage treatment facilities as a demonstration study and examined the results. During this period, combined treatment of food wastewater increased the organic matter decomposition rate and gas generation rate (methane gas, etc.) by 2.5% and 4.8%, respectively, even during the rainy season. Based on this study and demonstration studies at other facilities, we prepared the “Operation Guide for Combination of Food Wastewater and Sewage” for emergency alternative treatment of food wastewater. Thermal comfort class map of Homaesil, Suwon Example of comparison of exposure area by aircraft noise evaluation unit*
* The aircraft noise evaluation unit of the Ministry of Environment will be changed from WECPNL (90 WECPNL in areas near an airport, 75 WECPNL in other areas) to Lden (Lden in areas near an airport, 61 Lden in other areas) from January 2023.
○ Environmental quality assessment using cryogenic biological specimens
The National Environmental Specimen Bank has been conducting studies on environmental quality assessment from 2019 (until 2023) as part of mid- to long-term research on the development of long-term diagnostic indicators for environmental changes and effects on receptors. In 2020, 9 types of persistent organic pollutants and 28 heavy metals in pine needles with surrounding soils (8 sites) and black-tailed gull eggs (3 sites) were analyzed. Review of the five factors* for collecting and storing leaves of trees that play a role as passive collectors for assessing air pollution showed that collecting pine needles exposed to the environment for 6 months to 1 year was found to be desirable. Furthermore, three kinds of Schematic of simultaneous treatment site of food wastewater and Demonstration result before input, after weekend input, and after organic pollutants (perfluoroalkyl substances, chlorinated paraffins, and organophosphate flame retardants) in black-tailed sewage combination additional input of food wastewater gull eggs that had been cryopreserved (2012~2018) were analyzed to determine their effects on receptors; target pollutants were detected at all sites, and their concentrations tended to increase gradually compared to each year. The results were published in an international peer-reviewed journal (Wang et al., 2021), and studies on cause and mechanism of temporal ○ Enhancing environmental values of land supporting sustainable & eco-friendly changes will be further examined. development * Five factors: ① Accumulated concentration of environmental pollutants, ② Comparison results between leaves and surrounding media(air, soils), ③ Comparison result of leaves between coniferous and deciduous trees, ④ Physical properties (amount of dust and surface wax, etc.), ⑤ Period of sample collection and growing leaf To support integrated management of national land and environmental plans, we prepared the Guideline (draft) creating Thermal Comfort Class Map and then suggested its utilization to local governments establishing environmental conservation plan. We assigned the thermal comfort classes considering land cover type, height and distance of buildings and trees, meteorological data, or domestic and international research results. These classes can be used as a basis for decision- making by local governments regarding where to invest limited budget and manpower for heat(wave) countermeasures. In order to standardize methods of environmental impact assessment and to strengthen verification skill, we made an assessment report complementing field measurements and prediction methods of impact on noises originated from aircraft and wind power plant and established guideline(s) for those evaluation. We also proposed to amend the 「Regulation on the preparation of environmental impact assessment report, etc. Furthermore, we established spatial information on 1,318 cases of 12 types of valuable landscape resources, scenic roads, and viewpoints collected in 2019 applying for deliberations on the landscape impact of development projects, and suggested its utilization these information in environmental impact assessment and establishment of environmental conservation plans to local governments.
Sampling sites (pine needles, black-tailed gull eggs) Black-tailed gull eggs (top) and temporal changes of organophosphate flame retardants (bottom)
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Major Research Outputs in 2020
○ Research on establishment of integrated management systems for facilities Environmental Infrastructure Research Department discharging pollutants 05
We published Best Available Techniques Reference Documents for four industries in 2021 to reduce pollutants emitted from business sites with the goal of supporting the establishment of the integrated environmental management system. We promoted the publication of reference documents for 19 industries (17 books in total) through a press release. ○ Research on indoor air pollutant management methods according to the Additionally, we applied the Integrated Environmental Permission System, which can create an integrated environmental characteristics of business facilities (II) management plan online for each business site. We developed and propagated an emission impact analysis program that helps business sites establish the permitted emission criteria for each business site, and we reviewed the permitted Underpass shopping malls from a perspective of a multi-use facility, can generate indoor air pollutants depending emission criteria for each business site. on the products they carry and business activities. This research therefore was conducted to provide information to understand the relationship between the shop type and indoor air pollutants of the underpass shopping malls and also on the distribution of indoor air pollutants using a computational fluid dynamics simulation. It was noteworthy that the
concentrations of formaldehyde as well as the total volatile organic compounds were correlated with the CO2 concentration in the shop. In other words, the indoor air quality can also be improved incidentally if air conditioning systems are operated to
control in terms of the CO2 concentration in the shops. Furthermore, the computational fluid dynamics simulation confirmed that the entrance and exit points of the facility would not be the proper locations for the representative location for air quality measurement but rather in walkways (passages) and the number of samples should reflect the structure and the dimension of the facility. These findings will be applied for improving the indoor air quality of underpass shopping malls and shops.
Provision of standard program for atmospheric field Provision of standard program for water quality field
Relationships of PM2.5, formaldehyde, and total volatile organic Distribution of concentrations of total volatile organic compounds in small- compounds in the shops in underpass shopping mall sale underpass shopping malls analyzed by computational fluid dynamics
Reference documents for best available techniques by industry ○ Implementation of ‘tire noise acceptance standard’ for reduction of road traffic noise
Traffic noise (road, railroad, aircraft) can pose health problems such as cardiovascular diseases when people are exposed continuously. Particularly, in summer, civil complaints are exacerbated due to the increased exposure to the noise that disturbs sleeping at night or cause noise nuisance. Of the various traffic noises, that from the running tires can be blamed as a major source expecially when exceeding 50 km/h. Thus, the Ministry of Environment is trying to regulate road traffic noises by introducing the tire noise acceptance standard system. Under this new system, tires should meet an acceptance noise limit before introducing to the market. Similar system has been introdued to Europe since 2003. In South Korea, this system was first applied to passenger cars produced after January 2020 to begin with, and the target vehicles will be gradually expanded to all the passenger cars by 2026. For the implementation of the system, the National Institute of Environmental Research has prepared ‘the methods to measure tire noise and investigate compliance with the noise permission standard’ and also ‘the procedure for designating
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Major Research Outputs in 2020 tire noise testing agencies.’ When the road traffic noise source reduction policy is further reinforced in the future along with ○ Operation of norovirus monitoring network for managing vulnerable water supply reducing engine noise and installing low-noise pavement, then eco-friendly cities free of noise pollution can be reshaped facilities without the burden of expanding sound barriers that cause various issues in the landscape.
Many norovirus outbreaks have occurred in small-scale water supply facilities containing raw water (groundwater), which are vulnerable to water pollution. Consequently, norovirus has been managed as a water quality monitoring item since 2011. In 2020, the norovirus monitoring network was operated in partnership with the Four Major River Research Center for 125 small-scale water supply facilities nationwide. Norovirus was detected in four facilities but was not detected during re- investigation after taking appropriate measures such as chlorine disinfection. Some facilities failed the water quality tests for Escherichia coli, residual chlorine, and turbidity, and the local governments took appropriate actions. We trained residents in the field on the importance of managing small-scale water supply facilities and contributed to the improvement of awareness by distributing related guides and brochures.
Car driving test track at the National Institute of Tire noise measurement Environmental Research
○ Research on management of trace substances for strengthening water and sewage infrastructure
Trace substances were investigated extensively and systematically in drinking water and sewage for preemptive management of water quality. In drinking water, 65 substances including perfluorinated compounds were investigated in major water treatment plants nationwide. For sewage, 58 items related to medical substances were investigated in sewage treatment plants. We are currently preparing a new monitoring standard(draft) for substances such as quinoline, which was Provision of information related to norovirus and questionnaire survey found to require management in drinking water, based on human health risk assessment. The investigation results of trace substances in sewage would be used for supporting management policy in the future. ○ Promotion of international agreements to respond to microplastic pollution
Microplastic pollution is becoming a serious problem worldwide. Because the usage of plastics is increasing rapidly, we examined the current status of microplastic pollution. First, we plan to establish a standard analysis method for microplastics in the water environment with the goal of establishing a Korean industrial standard (KS). In 2021, we plan to investigate the emissions and treatment status of microplastics at water purification and wastewater treatment plants. We will also propose a method to efficiently manage microplastics in water and sewage through mid- to long-term research on microplastics. To strengthen international cooperation in the research of microplastics, we signed a memorandum of understanding with the German Federal Environment Agency in 2020. We branded the international symposium on microplastics for information exchange, which has been held every year since 2018. Thus, we are working to strengthen our microplastics research capabilities.
Continuous occurrences of water quality pollution Various sources of new pollutants in wastewater treatment plants accidents by new pollutants
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Major Research Outputs in 2020
○ Activation of joint research on environmental issues and research on tracking pollution sources
We conducted a pilot study on the development and field application of a pollution tracker to examine environmental pollution history and causal relations. To utilize the stable isotope ratio, which is useful for chemical finger-printing, we conducted the following projects: (1) Construction of a mercury stable isotope analysis system that does not require preprocessing, such as extraction and purification from environmental atmosphere samples, (2) Evaluation of pretreatment efficiency and analysis precision of ammonia nitrogen stable isotopes using the ammonium diffusion method, (3) Establishment of TC/TN stable isotope simultaneous analysis system introduced for the first time in South Korea (2019) and a pilot study on tracking of pollution sources in water quality samples, (4) Joint research on the method used to analyze the gaseous mercury stable isotope ratio in the atmosphere with NIES** in Japan to support the Minamata Convention on Mercury*, (5) Field application study of tree ring heavy metal concentration analysis technique using the LA-ICP/MS to investigate the environmental pollution history, and (6) Joint research on analysis of the mercury stable isotope ratio in forest media and fractionation by biogeochemical behavior to track mercury pollution sources in the atmosphere. We are leading the research on tracking of the pollution sources in domestic and international environment fields by promoting joint research International agreement on microplastics and international symposium on microplastics on the copper stable isotope ratio in samples from the soil measurement network to expand the scope of forensic evidence recognition while operating the Environmental Forensic Research Society and Environmental Isotope Analysis and Research ○ Strengthening test and inspection quality management to upgrade the quality of Society. We are also striving to develop rapid detection techniques for environmental pollutants using the suspect/nontarget national environmental data analysis method in line with international standards***. * Minamata Agreement: an international agreement for full lifecycle management of mercury including the trade, manufacture, emission into the atmosphere, and waste disposal to reduce human and environmental hazards related to mercury, a representative To improve the data quality of environmental test and inspection agencies and strengthen management of the agencies, harmful substance we introduced report risk management assessment and performed proficiency testing (112 items in 9 fields, 1,288 labs) ** NIES: National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japanese National Environmental Research Institute and field evaluations (264 labs) in accordance with international standards (ISO 17025 & 17043). We pilot-operated the *** NORMAN Network: an international network for research and information exchange of new pollutants ‘equipment reliability evaluation system (testbed)’ for resolving the performance concerns of domestic environmental measuring instruments (atmosphere). To operate the KS and ISO standards in the environmental field, we announced 96 KS standards and collected and submitted domestic opinions on 32 ISO international standards in collaboration with 11 departments of National Institute of Environmental Research and external experts. In addition, one international standard (ISO 21388) proposed by our country based on domestic technology was published in the ISO TC43. Nine newly proposed standards are now being developed into international standards by passing the suggestion and approval stage of the ISO. Furthermore, the research team is establishing and revising 60 standards in 7 fields, including the air pollution process test standard.
Improvement of ammonia nitrogen stable isotope analysis process Tracking the origin of mercury in the atmosphere using mercury using the ammonium diffusion method vision processing direct analysis system
○ Research on risk-based soil pollution management and advancement of the impact assessment system for severe areas
We established a detailed plan to designate unregulated soil pollutant monitoring items and prepare operational plans Open forum for environmental pollution process test Workshop of target institutions for quality control in 2020 to implement the second master plan for soil environment conservation (2020~2029). We prepared a revision of the risk standard in 2020 assessment guideline (draft) to update the soil intake, body weight, and exposure frequency in accordance with the revised
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Major Research Outputs in 2020 handbook on exposure factors for domestic children and adults (November 2019). We considered expanding the application ○ Operation and upgrade of the Soil Groundwater Information System (SGIS) targets of a detailed evaluation (proposal) for the post-environmental pollution impact in the vicinity of abandoned metal mines to abandoned coal mines and developed a method (draft) for investigating residual pesticides in soils focusing on urban parks. Additionally, we enacted, amended or confirmed industrial standards (KS) (46 standards) and reviewed international According to the new addition of Article 4-5 of the Soil Environment Conservation Act (November 2017), a public service standard drafts (ISO) (54 standards) while operating the national standard expert committee of the soil quality(ISO/TC 190). channel for soil contamination history management was established in the SGIS (http://sgis.nier.go.kr) to provide basic statistics and spatial information including the full chain history of soil-contaminated sites, such as the nationwide soil survey, purification, and verification, and installation status of potential pollution sources. We redesigned the website to reflect the newly revised soil and groundwater related laws and announcements, and secured the reliability of the data through data improvement and system maintenance. In addition, we conducted non-face-to-face user training (via video, around 230 attendants) for local government officials and others for the convenience of input system users.
Field investigation in areas near abandoned coal mine Video conference of ISO TC190 (soil field) in 2020
○ Rapid response to current groundwater issues and the reinforcement of groundwater quality management for safe drinking
After the unification of water management, the National Institute of Environmental Research revised the relevant regulations (December 14, 2020) to investigate unregulated pollutants (14 materials including carbon tetrachloride) for the entire Reformation of SGIS homepage User training for SGIS groundwater monitoring network. In addition, we suggested standard candidate (2 compounds including vinyl chloride) based on the detection level and risk assessment of chlorinated organic compounds. With the operation of the Safe Groundwater Call Center*, we conducted a “Safe Groundwater” water quality testing project for areas without public water supplies for identifying the national background of naturally occurring radioactive materials(radon, etc.) in groundwater, monitoring was conducted on 201 points of the National Groundwater Quality Monitoring Network(NGQMN). We prepared a real-time evaluation method for NH3-N and Cl by developing a livestock burial site leachate runoff model to solve national issues. We took the initiative to resolve regional issues (Hallim-eup, Jeju-do) by performing a groundwater quality improvement project in areas where livestock manure was spilled. In addition, we conducted a research project to improve the quality of nitrate nitrogen in groundwater for five villages in Chungcheongnam-do, and applied the In-situ subsurface remediation techniques(using permeable reactive walls, nano-ferrous iron, etc.) to NO3-N-polluted groundwater as a pilot project.
* Safe groundwater call center (1899-0134): Handled around 1,500 cases including civil complaint responses and inspection applications, and conducted water quality inspection in 2,104 households
In-situ remediation for NO3-N contaminated groundwater Integrated research using automatic water quality sensors and AIoT in combination National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 80 81
Major Research Outputs in 2020
06 Transportation Pollution Research Center
○ Research on non-exhaust gas emission characteristics by mobile pollutants
Exhaust gas emissions from automobiles have been researched extensively for many years, whereas research on pollutants from non-exhaust systems such as tires and brakes is insufficient. Therefore, the Transportation Pollution Research Center is promoting research on pollutant generation and the contribution of non-exhaust systems. In a study in 2020, we analyzed the contributions of tread particles(TP) and tire and road wear particles(TRWP) in the total suspended particulate at SCR catalyst structure SCR control and NOx emission characteristics of diesel vehicles distances of 70 and 10 m from the roadside, revealing values of 0.4~1.6% and 0.7~3.1%, respectively. Thus, the emission was approximately 2~4-times higher at the measurement point close to the roadside. In addition, we applied for patents on related systems to study the introduction of tire and brake wear measurement systems on actual roads in the future.
Structure of tire wear particle measurement device on actual road Measurement system for tire wear components in the air
○ Research on monitoring air pollutant emissions from real driving vehicles
With the introduction of an real driving emission management system on road, the selective catalyst reduction (SCR) system for reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) has been fully applied to diesel vehicles. To effectively reduce NOx from the SCR system, the urea injection should be controlled while considering the urea storage characteristics of the SCR system and NOx conversion efficiency according to the exhaust gas temperature. During the general driving of diesel vehicles, the exhaust gas temperature should be less than approximately 300℃, and a control method based on the urea storage characteristics of the SCR system should be applied to effectively reduce NOx. Even after introducing the regulations, functional maintenance of the SCR system must be managed through detailed evaluation of the urea solution control strategy to maximize the NOx reduction effect.
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 82 83
Major Research Outputs in 2020
serious problems in the water supply source by not only discharging toxins but also causing an off-flavor*. To determine 07 Four Major River Research Center the cyanobacteria causing an off-flavor in Paldang Lake using a molecular biological analysis technique, we separated and cultured cyanobacteria that appeared in Paldang Lake and analyzed the physiological and ecological characteristics and off- flavor-related genes. The results showed that the cyanobacteria generating geosmin** were Anabaena, Aphanizomenon, and Oscillatoria. The cyanobacteria producing 2-MIB*** were Phormidium, Planktothrix, and Pseudanabaena. We also ○ Research on organic matter distribution characteristics and behaviors in Lake investigated the off-flavor materials and causative organisms in the aquatic plant communities that have expanded recently in Paldang Lake. The content of causative cyanobacteria was high in the water chestnut community, demonstrating that water Paldang in consideration of algal bloom and rainfall inflow (Ⅲ) chestnut communities must be removed to control off-flavor materials in the Paldang Lake, which was suggested as a policy.
* Off-flavor materials: Materials that influence the taste of soil or odor in drinking water To examine the cause and behavior of organic matters affecting the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and TOC in ** Geosmin: A type of off-flavor material that influences taste and odor in drinking water Paldang Lake, we investigated the internal factors affecting the occurrence of algal blooms and external factors affected by *** 2-MIB: 2-Methlylisoborneol, an off-flavor materia rainfall. We clarified the characteristics of the seasonal dissolved organic matters by fluorescence analysis* and molecular weight distribution analysis** and examined the behaviors of organic matters using a numerical model. The results showed that the highly concentrated algae generated after a heavy rainfall influenced the increased concentration of particulate organic matters and were highly biodegradable, but their effect on dissolved organic matters was limited. The large amount of external-originated organic matters that flowed in by rainfall contained rich humic substances, contributing an increased concentration of non-biodegradable organic matters (particulate, dissolved) in the lake. In addition, we developed equations for predicting biodegradable organic matters (LTOC) and non-biodegradable organic matters (RTOC)*** using BOD and TOC by performing bivariate correlation analysis. This can be used to predict the seasonal characteristics of organic matters. Investigation of the behaviors of organic matters using a numerical model (EFDC-NIER) for Paldang Lake showed that the overall distribution of organic carbons in each space is determined by the water temperature of the inflow water from the Analysis of genealogy of geosmin-generating cyanobacteria North and South Han Rivers and flow in the lake, and most particulate organic matters originated from the algae. Analysis of genealogy of 2-MIB-generating cyanobacteria
* Fluorescence analysis: Depending on the structure of the organic matters, the organic matters mixed using energy observed at different excitation/emission wavelengths are classified as protein-based, fulvic acid-based, and humic acid-based types. ** Molecular weight distribution analysis method: Organic substances separated by molecular weight are classified as biopolymers, humic substances, low-molecular weight acids, and low-molecular weight substances. The distribution of nitrogen in structures such as proteins are then analyzed. *** Biodegradable organic matters and Non-biodegradable organic matters: materials remaining after culture at 20°C for 28 days under aerobic conditions. Biodegradable organic matters are defined as the initial concentration minus the concentration of non- biodegradable organic matters.
HRT>6d (n=98) HRT≤6d (n=60) LTOC RTOC LTOC RTOC Chl-a 0.655** 0.161* 0.581** 0.001 BOD 0.735** 0.275** 0.612** 0.191 TOC 0.686** 0.761** 0.711** 0.932** Distribution of aquatic plant community areas in Paldang Lake Water chestnut community in Paldang Lake * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01
· Inflow rate low: LTOC(HRT>6d)=0.3162×BOD+0.1915(r=0.735, n=98), RTOC(HRT>6d)=0.5544×TOC+0.4236(r=0.761, n=98) · Inflow rate high: RTOC(HRT≤6d)=0.7043×TOC+0.1975(r=0.932, n=60), ○ Research on molecular ecosystem of algae-originated potential hazardous LTOC(HRT≤6d)=TOC-RTOC substances to improve the algae warning system (Ⅱ) Estimation of correlation coefficient and prediction equation between Organic matter concentration and load distribution by section in biodegradable and non-biodegradable organic matters Paldang Lake estimated using a numerical model Invasive exotic cyanobacteria that produce toxins are spreading worldwide because of global warming. These cyanobacteria are highly likely to appear in domestic water systems, but they are difficult to detect by conventional ○ Molecular biological characteristics of cyanobacteria-originated off-flavor (Ⅲ) microscopic analysis because of their low levels and morphological similarity to other organisms. Therefore, we established a molecular ecological monitoring method for toxin genes related to invasive exotic cyanobacteria, and conducted monitoring Algae are very important as primary producers in the aquatic ecosystem, although some cyanobacteria can cause in eight weirs in the Nakdong River. Invasive exotic cyanobacteria in the Cylindrospermopsis, Sphaerospermopsis, and
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 84 85
Major Research Outputs in 2020
Cuspidothrix genera were observed. Synthetic genes of the anatoxin-a, saxitoxin, and cylindrospermopsin toxins were detected but their levels were low until recently, showing that it was not necessary to add invasive exotic cyanobacteria to the algae warning system management list.
Selection of polluted streams Tracking investigation of Naetgeoreum Stream
○ Detailed investigation of water quality and aquatic ecosystem and development of a prediction model for integrated water management of Yeongsan River and Seomjin River
The Yeongsan River showed the worst water quality and aquatic ecosystem health among the five major rivers. The Yeongsan River Water Environment Research Center developed an integrated prediction model for hydraulic, water quality, and aquatic ecosystem for the mainstream of Yeongsan River and comprehensively evaluated the effects of physicochemical environment changes of the river on the aquatic ecosystem to suggest an optimal management method for recovering the health of the aquatic ecosystem. In 2020, the first year of the five-year research, we constructed the 3D hydraulic model Delft3D-FLOW and aquatic ecology model HABITAT in combination. Using these models, we predicted weather changes, water flow and temperature according to the weir operation, suitable habitat areas for eight biomes, and reproduced Gene quantification using ddPCR* Molecular ecological monitoring of invasive exotic cyanobacteria and related toxins the probability of the appearance of benthic macroinvertebrates (little ephemera) at an accuracy of 77%. Furthermore, we precisely investigated the water quality at 12 sites and aquatic ecosystem at 5 sites to evaluate the rationalization of * Digital droplet PCR: third-generation PCR technology that precisely detect trace amounts of genes the Seomjin River dam operation. We supported watershed-customized water policies such as evaluation of the critical management sections, pollutant sources, and pollutant evaluation to improve the water quality of Yeongsan River. ○ Identification of source of organic matters upstream of the Miho Stream and research of an optimal management method for each subwatershed (I)
The BOD pollution is continuously increasing upstream of the Miho Stream but it is not easy to control organic pollution sources because of the presence of livestock farms and food factories. In this study, we selected five streams including the Naetgeoreum Stream and Jungsan Stream as polluted streams based on water quality investigation, delivery load, discharge load, and fluorescence spectroscopy characteristics. In addition, we identified the fluorescence spectroscopy characteristics of effluents from livestock death, industrial complex, and public wastewater treatment plants, and analyzed the fluorescence index (FI) and biological index. The results showed that in Naetgeoreum Stream, dissolved organic matters generated recently upstream affected the Miho Stream by continuously flowing into the stream. In the second year, we plan to investigate the sources of organic matters by analyzing the distribution and structure of the organic molecular weight distribution, and suggest organic matter management methods for each subwatershed using a watershed model.
Upstream section of Yeongsan River: (a) Biometric network survey points, (b) Distribution of suitable habitats of little ephemera estimated using the HABITAT model, (c) Distribution of little ephemera determined by a field survey blue section: high appearance rate)
National Institute Of Environmental Research Annex1 Research Achievement in 2020
○ Research Project List in 2020 ○ Science Citation Index(SCI) Paper List in 2020 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 88 89
AnnexⅠ Research Achievement in 2020
○ Research Project List in 2020
No. Department Division Project No. Department Division Project
1 Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) - Annual Report on Cycle 4, 3rd year (2020) - 26 Research on improving classification and labeling(I) of chemical substances (2020)
Retrospective Cohort Study of Air Pollution and Its Health Effects on 2 27 A study on Verification Method for Effective Review of Chemical Safety Report (CSR) Residents around Major Industrial Complex (Ⅲ)
3 Environmental Health Assessment on the General Industrial Complex (X) 28 Research on improvement of chemical hazard examination - Intelligent evaluation system (III)
4 Establishment of environmental health monitoring system based environment and health big data (Ⅰ) 29 Assessing the multimedia model development potential for heavy metals and its applicability(II)
5 Environmental and Health Effects Survey of Inhabitants around 3rd Phase Abandoned Metal Mines (II) 30 Research on utilizing big data in order to establish an expedite assessment system for existing chemicals (III)
Evaluating of Exposure to Environmental Pollutants and Health Effects of Inhabitants in Risk Assessment 6 31 Study on accumulation of emerging contaminants in domestic aquatic ecosystem (Ⅲ) Industrial Complexes area (Ulsan·Onsan, 3rd stage 3rd year Division Evaluating of Exposure to Environmental Pollutants and Health Effects of Inhabitants in 7 32 Application of three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures for toxicity assessment of chemicals Industrial Complexes area (Gwangyang·Yeosu, 3rd stage 3nd year) Evaluating of Exposure to Environmental Pollutants and Health Effects of Inhabitants in 8 33 The study on adapting weight of evidence matrix to assess the hazards of chemicals Industrial Complexes area(Pohang, 3rd stage 3rd year) Environmental Evaluating of Exposure to Environmental Pollutants and Health Effects of Inhabitants in Support for registration of nanomaterials in K-REACH and establishment of a system for 9 Health Research 34 Industrial Complexes area(Gyeong-gi·Chungcheong, 3rd stage 3rd year constructing assessment data (I) Division 10 Studies on Exposure to Environmentally Hazardous Factors in Children's Activity Zone (Ⅳ) 35 Environmental exposure assessment of nanomaterials (I)
11 Research and risk assessment for children's product (I) 36 The establishment of a long-term plan for preparation of a test method for toxic substances
12 A Study on the Development Plan and Roadmap of the Korean National Environmental Health Survey 37 A Study on the fate of persistent pollutants in atmosphere (Ⅱ) Environmental Environmental Health effects Survey of Residents living near the coal-fired power plant - 13 Health Research 38 Health Research A Study on new substances to ilplement the Stockholm Convention(Ⅰ) Samcheonpo power plant, the 3rd year study Department Department 14 Advancement and Roadmap of KoCHENS 39 A Study on the development of a test guideline for biocide (Ⅱ)
A study on the development of exposure scenarios and risk assessment for 15 Survey on environmental pollution and residents' health in Yangjeok-ri, Hoengseong-gun 40 biocidal products - Disinfectants Advancement of review, approval and assessment methods for consumer chemical 16 Survey on environmental pollution and residents' health in Jangsan-ri, Cheonan-si 41 products subject to safety confirmation(Ⅱ) Health effects survey of residents living near the coal-fired power plant 17 42 A Study on improvement of safety management of biocides and household products (Ⅱ) - Hadong coal-fired power plant (III) Chemical Research Division 18 Assessment of aquatic toxicological effects for pollutants causing risk (Ⅴ) 43 Development of efficacy and hazard assessment guidance for authorization of biocidal products (II)
19 Toxicity assessment study on chemicals contained in consumer products (Ⅳ) - Guanidine-based chemicals - 44 Advancement of safety confirmation and exposure risk assessment of biocides(Ⅱ)
20 Improvement of ecotoxicity testing methods for nano regulations in Korea (II) 45 Passive air sampling of environmental pollutants for long-term exposure assessment
21 Risk assessment of registered chemicals and assessment system improvement(I) 46 Study on the behavior of per- and polyfluorinated compounds using non-target screening Risk Assessment Division 22 Risk assessment of registered chemicals - Hazard assessment (I) 47 Development of exposure factor for consumer products newly assigned and applied to public facilities
23 Risk assessment of registered chemicals - Survey on exposure(I) 48 Evaluation on site re-selection for comprehensive persistent organic pollutants(POPs) monitoring
24 Improvement of hazard data management for registered existing and new chemicals (Ⅲ) 49 Humidifier Development of Methodology for Life-cycle Health Monitoring of Humidifier Disinfectant Victims Disinfectant 25 Study on chemical substance hazard assessment technique (Ⅰ) - Integrated Omics assessment technique 50 Health Center A study on exposure and health damage of humidifier disinfectants(I)
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 90 91
AnnexⅠ Research Achievement in 2020
○ Research Project List in 2020
No. Department Division Project No. Department Division Project
A study on development of environmental standards for substances causing change 51 Pulmonary rehabilitation in humidifier disinfectant-related victims 76 in climate and ecosystem(I) A study on the psychological assessment and management guidelines focusing on the 52 77 2nd Phase(2020-2022) Korea-China Joint Research on Ambient Air Quality(Ⅰ) humidifier disinfectant damage to the mental health Environmental Humidifier A Study on the Establishment of Integrated Assessment System for Health Damage in the Study on improvement of standards and methods for calculating required cost of 53 Health Research Disinfectant 78 Respiratory System by Humidifier Disinfectants Global verification of GHG emissions Department Health Center Environment Room chamber exposure experiment and risk assessment for humidifier disinfant disinfectants 54 79 Research Division Research on Improvement of registration system for Greenhouse Gas Verifier (NaDCC and BKC) Evaluation of health effects for ingredient materials considering the characteristic of 55 80 Studies on the international carbon market linkage system for new climate change regime(Ⅲ) exposure to humidifier disinfectants Studies on the International Cooperation and Globalization Plan of 56 The study of Long-range transboundary secondary aerosols based on multi platform observations (Ⅳ) 81 Atmospheric Environment Research-Focused on Asian Cooperation
57 A Study on characterizing Atmospheric mercury in Korea 82 A Study on the emission characteristics of the air pollutants from the emission facilitie
58 Long-term trend of road side air quality along with mobile source emission characteristics 83 A Study on the emission characteristics of hazardous air pollutant (IV)
59 Comprehensive evaluation of monitoring hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) in urban areas 84 Study on the emission characteristics of PM precursor from emission sources(I)
60 Research on 3-dimensional distribution of atmospheric gas pollutant using remote sensing spectrometer (Ⅱ) 85 The improvement of the air pollutant emission factor for emission facilities
61 Characteristics of regional ambient ammonia and its impact on secondary aerosol formation(II) 86 Revision of Environmental Standard Methods in field of air poollution at stationary sources(2020)
A Study on the Characteristic of the Air Quality and Contribution of Emission Source 62 87 Monitoring of Hazardous Air Pollutants and Health Risk Assessment in the Industrial Area(Ⅲ) in the Seoul Metropolitan Industrial Area(Ⅰ) - focus on Gyeonggi region - Climate and Air Investigation on the formation process of secondary inorganic species in Gwangju and Seoul(I): 63 88 Quality Research Compilation of VOCs Speciation Data by Emission Sources(Ⅱ) Focusing on sulfate, nitrate and ammonium Air Quality Department Research Division Studies on the present status of simple particulate matter measurement instruments and 64 89 Analysis of Regulatory Candidate Air Pollutants in Korea(Ⅲ) preparation for follow-up management( I ) Air Pollution Assessment of spacial distribution of ammonia from emissions and quality control approach 65 90 Engineering Investigation of VOCs emission sources in urban areas(Ⅱ) Climate and Air for real-time measurement(I) Quality Research Division 66 Department Study on potential aerosol formation couple with oxidation flow reactor (OFR) - Baengyeong Island(Ⅱ) 91 Investigation of emission sources and development of emission factor for ammonia
67 Development of a protocol for data confirmation of physical and optical characteristics of PM2.5 (I) 92 A study on the improvement of measurement method for odor
Studies on the Estimation of Pollutatnt Emission Using Optical Techniques 68 Pollution characteristics and management of PM1 in the Seoul metropolitan area(II) 93 in the Residential-Industrial Mixed Areas(I)
69 Establishment of guidelines for the PMF modeling and applications 94 A study on the effect of fugitive dust reduction with paint adhesion efficiency
70 Secondary formation potential of biogenic and anthropogenic VOCs in Ulsan 95 A study on the investigation of the HAPs emission sources and developing emission factors (Ⅱ)
71 Study on the development of box model simulating for high PM episodes(I) 96 A Study on Fugitive Dust Management using Optical Method
A Study on the Emission Characteristics of hazardous air pollutants in 72 A study on the characteristics of PM2.5 in major cities of South Korea and China(Ⅰ) 97 Discharge Facility Exempted from Air Pollution Control Equipment Installation A study on the establishment of national verification DB on air pollutants and greenhouse gases reduction 73 98 Study on the generation mechanism of each type of fine particulate matter from air emission facilities Global measures and their effects(I) Environment 74 Research Division Development of Climate Pollutants Emission Inventory for East Asia(Ⅳ) 99 A study on the optimization of integrated forecasting modeling system for air quality forecast (I) Air Quality Collaborative Research on Long Range Transport Air Pollutants in Northeast Asia(III) Forecasting Center 75 100 The Development of air quality Long-Term prediction Model(II) - Improvement of Forecast Factors- - Focusing on secondary generative pollutants such as pm2.5 and o3
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 92 93
AnnexⅠ Research Achievement in 2020
○ Research Project List in 2020
No. Department Division Project No. Department Division Project
Improvement of Air Quality Forecasts based on the Measurement - focusing on 101 126 Intensive Monitoring on the Regional Distribution of Phytoplankton in the Weir Areas (III) high concentration episode in Spring Development of a long-range prediction system of air quality based on 102 127 Standardization of Analysis Methods and Risk Analysis for Cyanobacterial Toxin in Environmental Samples statistical-dynamical approach A Study on Construction of Air Quality Prediction Modeling System with Interaction Acquisition of hyperspectral airborne images and measurement of optical properties for 103 128 between Air quality and Meteorolgy(IV) remote sensing of algal blooms('20) Water Quality Air Quality Prediction of water environment change based on convergence technology (I) 104 The development of ultra-fine resolution air-quality model customized for each forecast area(Ⅲ) 129 Assessment Forecasting Center - Application of algal observation data and automatic parameter calibration technique Research Division A three-dimensional, numerical modeling study of surface water flow and water quality variations (Ⅴ) 105 The development of ultra-fine resolution air emission customized for each forecast area(Ⅲ) 130 - Evaluation of remote sensing data applicability by grid resolution - A Development of Short-term Prediction tool for PM10 and PM2.5 106 131 A Study on Water quality assessment and prediction method base on data model Concentrations using Artificial Intelligence(III)
107 Development of Mid-term Prediction tool for PM10 and PM2.5 using Artificial Intelligence(III) 132 A Study on adoption of water quality network base on sensor
A Study on the Effective TMDL Management System Implementation (III) 108 Applications of satellite data (Ⅰ) - GEMS initial data production and its quality analysis 133 - Revision of TMDL Technical Guideline for TOC Management -
109 Applications of satellite data (Ⅰ) - Development of aerosol analysis techniques 134 Customized policy support for nonpoint pollution management and water circulation improvement (V) Climate and Air 110 Quality Research Development of Algorithm for GEMS Missing Data and Average Field(Level 3) Techniques A Study of environmental pollution sources due to livestock excreta in rural areal(V) Department 135 - Management of on-site swine wastewater treatment facilities 111 Development of Algorithm for Airborne Hyperspectral Sensors (GCAS) 136 Tracking the sources of total organic carbon for improvement of total pollutant load control system 112 A Study on Correction & Calibration of Receiving Antenna Data for Environmental Satellite 137 A study on the policy implementation and evaluation system for achieving hydrologic cycle target Water Watershed Development of top-down air pollutanht emission estimation method using satellite data (II) 113 Environment and Total Load - estimation of particulate matter and precursor emission Environmental 138 Research Management Monitoring and Investigation of Pollutant Loads in Non-point Sources Management (2020) Satellite Center Department Research Division 114 Improvement of aerosol fusion data using GEMS with other GEO satellites 139 Nutrient management pilot project on local scale (2) Ground level air quality quantification using GEMS (Geostationary Environmental Monitoring Spectrometer): 115 Verification and Validation for Operational Use 140 A study on livestock excreta management policy through Livestock Excreta Survey 116 The Development of Algorithm to Estimate Total Concentration of Atmopshere - Appling In-Orbit Test results 141 On-site survey for domestic waste (III) (-focusing on integrated management based on address-) A study on reanalysis method of GEMS (Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer) 117 AMF (Air Mass Factor) (II) Preparation of Institutional Improvement Measures for the Efficient Operation of 142 Total Pollutant Load Control System Studies on development of long-range transported air pollutant quantity estimation methods using 118 environmental satellite data (III) 143 Establishment of standardization system on water pollutants survey data linked to the relevant ministries Development of trace gas and aerosol retrival algorithms of ground based UV-VIS remote sensing 119 instrument for satellite product validations Physiological responses of freshwater fish to environmental changes 144 -Focused on Complex Environment Stress- 120 Bloom control based on regulation of aquatic microbial communit 145 Application and Development of Ecosystem Health Assessment Focused on Fish-based Index (2020) A study on predicting water environment change using hyperspectral imagery (II) 121 - Development of estimation model for cyanobacteria concentration using machine learning 146 The characteristics of distribution of microplastics in freshwater (II) Water A three-dimensional, numerical modeling study of surface water flow and water quality variations (V) Water 122 Water Quality Environment - Evaluation of remote sensing data applicability by grid resolution - Environmental Assessment 147 Optimal treatment of non-regulated hazardous substances in wastewater(Ⅱ) Research Engineering Research Division 123 Department A study on the monitoring and management of unregulated hazardous compounds in river water (I) Reseach Division 148 Derivation of water quality standards to protect ecosystem and human health A Study on the characteristics of algae blooms in rivers and reservoirs of Korea (III) - The comparison of potential 124 cyanotoxin production derived from harmful cyanobacterial genotypes in freshwater ecosystem, Korea - 149 The survey for restoring stream ecosystem continuity (2020) 125 Intensive Monitoring on the Regional Distribution of Phytoplankton in the Weir Areas (III) An expansion of test species for ecotoxicity to manage hazardous substances 150 optimally in water system (I)
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 94 95
AnnexⅠ Research Achievement in 2020
○ Research Project List in 2020
No. Department Division Project No. Department Division Project
Study on the Standard Guideline of Environmental Impact Assessment(2020) 151 Survey of aquatic ecosystem changes by discharge of the weirs in 4 major rivers(III) 176 - focusing on Noise (aircraft and wind power plant) Making maps visualizing the distribution of landscape resources and viewpoints for l 152 Stream/River Ecosystem Survey and Health Assessment (2020) 177 andscape review in environmental impace assessment A Study of the Scheme for Standardization on the Integrated 153 Survey and Assessment of Estuary Ecosystem (2020) 178 Environmental Management of industry(Ⅳ)
Water Water Environmental Study On Revising of Best Available Techniques Reference Document for large combustion 154 Establishment of searching system for unregulated water pollutants 179 Natural Environment Environmental Resources plants & Waste Incineration(Ⅱ) Environment Research Engineering Research Revised Research of Best Available Techniques Reference Document for Iron and 155 Estimation and evaluation of environmental ecological flow at the representative stream(III) 180 Research Division Department Reseach Division Department Steel & Non Ferrous Metals & Organic Chemicals Studies on Reference Documents for Best Available Techniques for the Integrated 156 A study on the water and sediment quality in the downstream of Hyeongsan River 181 Environmental Management System - Common Systems of the All sectors
157 Follow-up investigation of contaminated sediment in Rivers and Lakes(2020) 182 Studies on Reference Documents for Best Available Techniques for Waste Disposal Business
Monitoring and assessment of sediment contamination in abandoned metal mines Studies on the international case and applicability of 158 183 and industrial complexes(III) Best Available Technique Conclusion(Large Combustion Plant) A study on the survey and management of indoor air pollution source(III)-Survey on the concnetration of 159 A study on life cycle assessment of plastic waste recycling (Ⅱ) - Industrial wastes - 184 unregulated VOCs and evaluation of indoor air sampling method in newly-built apartment A Study on countermeasures toward hazardous waste management to respond to the A study on establishment of indoor radon management infrastructure and mitigation plan for 160 185 International community - Application of tracking management system - newly-built multi-unit dwellings(I) Survey on final disposal minimization through waste streams analysis(Ⅱ) - Improvement for medical waste A study on establishment of indoor radon management infrastructure and mitigation plan for 161 186 classification system, inspection standard and techniques of sterilization - newly-built multi-unit dwellings(I) Indoor Research for establishing the hazardous characteristics data of waste according to Environment and A Study on the management and the exposure characteristics of 162 187 classification of waste generation sources(Ⅲ) Noise Research noise and light pollution emitted from the outdoor stadium(II) Resource Division Developing the technical guideline for environmental impact assessment of inorganic waste recycling(Ⅲ) 163 Recirculation 188 A study on the indoor air quality management for business facilities(ii) - Slag - Research Division A study on removal and stabilization for hazardous characteristics of waste(Ⅰ) 164 189 A study of infrastructure for regional indoor radon survey(I) - explosive, flammable, pyrophoric properties - Studies on the Expanding Recycling of Organic Wastewater Treatment Sludge as Fuel for Power Generation 165 190 A study on the pollutant emission test method for curved(molding) wood board products Facilities Research on the development of test methods of detecting antibiotic-resistant bacteria 166 Advanced research on standard methods for the examination of environmental pollution(wastes) 191 and the application to the water environment (Ⅱ) Environmental Environmental Resources Infrastructure 167 A study on the analysis of the impact of waste import restrictions and the preparation of a reduction roadmap 192 A study on management of micro plastics in tap water in Korea (I) Research Research Department Department 168 Institutional improvement for proper management in waste treatment facilities (Ⅱ) 193 A study on management of unregulated trace hazardous compounds in drinking water (2020)
A study on investigation of discharge characteristics and management measures for 169 Strategies for promoting utilization of renewable waste energy (III) 194 Water Supply and micropollutants in public sewage treatment works and water reuse systems(I) Sewerage Research Feasibility on alternative treatment methods of pig-feeding foodwaste A Study on Investigation and Management improvement of 170 195 Division Waste to Energy -Anaerobic digestion of foodwaste with combined sewage sludge- Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals(Coagulants) Research Division Study of the Actual Condition and Management of New Emerging Contaminants 171 Study on permission and management method for inspection agency of waste treatment facility 196 in the Water Treatment Plant of Nakdong River Water System
172 A study to recast dioxin emission standards in domestic incineration facilities 197 A Study on Rational Readjustment of Drinking Water Quality Standard
173 Calculation of the emission factor for dioxin generation in waste treatment facilities 198 Studies on advancement of waterborne virus management in water environment
Rapid Detection Method of Environmental Contaminants 174 The assessment system of environmental quality using biosamples (II) 199 Natural Environmental - Suspect/Nontarget Analysis of Harmful Substances in Aquatic Environment - Environment Measurement and Application of spatial environmental information and green infrastructure for integrated management of land plans 175 Research Division 200 Analysis Center A study on pollution tracker in various environments and field application(II) and environmental plans (III) - focusing on classification of thermal comport levels
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 96 97
AnnexⅠ Research Achievement in 2020
○ Research Project List in 2020
No. Department Division Project No. Department Division Project
201 A study on reliability evaluation method of environmental measuring device using sensor (Ⅱ) 226 The study of characteristic for Tire & break wear particulates on mobile source(I)
202 A study of mercury stable isotope in forests for atmospheric mercury source tracing(Ⅰ) 227 Emission reduction technology evaluation during heavy duty vehicle real-road driving (Ⅰ)
A study on the performance criteria and testing methods for simplified measuring instruments i 203 228 Studies on In-use Vehicles Emission Reduction Device Compliance test (2020) n the environment (Ⅱ) Environmental 204 Measurement and The Study on proficiency testing for indoor air quality and odor (2020) 229 A study on in-use emissions of construction equipment according to the type and working conditions Analysis Center 205 Investigation of KS certified commercial products and revision of KS-certified standards 230 Studies on improvement plan of air pollutants emission factor for the ships
206 Revision of Korean standards and support the poeration in the review board of the environmental sector (2020) 231 Studies on the selection the test vehicle for surveillance and confirmatory test(2020) - Heavy duty vehicle
207 A study on the development of Korean and international standard in the environmental sector (2020) 232 Studies on the selection the test vehicle for surveillance and confirmatory test(2020) - Light duty vehicle Transportation 208 A Study on the establishment and management of the standards for soil contaminants(2020) 233 Pollution Research on the emission and engine control characteristics of LPG vehicle Research Center 209 Evaluation of environmental pollution effect for reclamation area in abandoned mine site(V) 234 Effect of engine lubricant oil characteristics on the catalyst performance(Ⅰ)
210 Study on Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (N.O.R.M.) in Groundwater in South Korea (2020) 235 Improvement of Real Driving Emission Test Methodology in a Light Diesel Vehicle Environmental Infrastructure 211 Investigation of Unregulated Contaminants in Groundwater Based on the Priority Lists(2020) 236 A study on the analysis of electronic control signals related to automobile emission control (III) Research Department 212 Study on Groundwater Quality Improvement Around Livestock Manure Spill Area(I) 237 A study on evaporation and cold emission characteristics of gasoline vehicle(I)
213 Study on management of pesticide in soil environment (III) - Focusing on urban parks - 238 Emission factor development for light-duty vehicles using vehicle dynamics system(I)
214 Research around livestock burial area continuous underwater quality monitoring method (2020) 239 A Study on the evaluation method of non-exhaust emission system in vehicle pollutants(Ⅰ) Soil Groundwater Research Division Evaluation of the applicability of in-situ groundwater remediation technology 215 240 A Study on the improvement of automotive fuel additives inspection method and research on policy development
216 A Study on the Advancement of Risk Assessment for Soil Contamination(Ⅱ) 241 The investigation of organic matter distribution and transportation in Paldang reservoir (III)
217 Survey on the water quality of potential pollutants in groundwater (2020) 242 Han River Molecular biological characteristics of cyanobacteria originated off-flavor in water (III)
218 Drinking Groundwater Quality Survey for the Unserved Areas of Public Water Supply 243 Aquatic ecosystem monitoring in weirs of the Han river (2020)
Molecular ecological study on algae-derived potentially harmful substances for 219 Nitrate management for groundwater quality improvement in agricultural and livestock area(Ⅳ) 244 improvement of algae alert system (II) Nakdong River Four Major River 220 Pilot Project of Soil Ecological Risk Assessment(2020) 245 Aquatic ecosystem monitoring in weirs of the Nakdong river (2020) Research Centers Investigation on the origin of organic pollutants in the upstream of Miho-stream and 221 Detailed distribution of natural radionuclides in soils of Korea(2020) 246 management strategies for the corresponding small watersheds(I) Geum River A Study on the characteristics of air pollutants emissions according to changes 222 247 Aquatic ecosystem monitoring in weirs of the Geum river (2020) in vehicle fuel composition(Ⅰ)
223 Transportation Monitoring air pollutants from vehicles based on real driving emission measurement(II) 248 Application of habitat analysis and modeling for improvement of aquatic ecosystem health in the Yeongsan river (I) Pollution Yeongsan River 224 Research Center Research on improvement of heavy-duty vehicle emission simulator(HES) and test operation 249 Aquatic ecosystem monitoring in weirs of the Yeongsan river (2020)
Research Strategy and 225 A study on enhanced defeat device evaluation of ECU signal related exhaust emission(I) 250 Investigation and analysis of NIER R&D performances (2020) Planning Division
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 98 99
AnnexⅠ Research Achievement in 2020
○ Science Citation Index(SCI) Paper List in 2020
No. Title Journal Vol No Page No. Title Journal Vol No Page
ENVIRONMENTAL The performance of diffusive gradient in thin film probes for the 1 MONITORING AND 192 66 1~12 Clustering of Time SeriesWater Quality Data Using Dynamic long-term monitoring of trace level total mercury in water ASSESSMENT 16 Time Warping: A case Study from the Bukhan River Water Water 12 9 1~17 Quality Monitoring Network
Using convolutional neural network of predicting cyanobacteria 2 WATER RESEARCH 186 116349 1~13 concentrations in river water Rapid emergence of African swine fever virus variants with Transboundary and Emerging 17 0 0 1~5 different numbers of a tandem repeat sequence in South Korea Diseases Efficacy of in situ well-based denitrification bio-barrier(WDB) JOURNAL OF 3 remediating high nitrate flux in groundwater near a stock-raising ENVIRONMENTAL 258 1 110004~110004 complex MANAGEMENT Characterization and health impact assessment of hazardous air Atmospheric Pollution 18 pollutants in residential areas near a large iron-steel industrial 11 1 1754~1766 Research complex in Korea Legacy and emerging persistent organic pollutants in the ENVIRONMENT 4 freshwater system: Relative distribution, contamination trends, 135 1 1~8 INTERNATIONAL and bioaccumulation Potential sources, scavenging processes, and source regions of SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL 19 2020 2020 143934~143934 mercury in the wet deposition of South Korea ENVIRONMENT Source identification and assessment of heavy metal JOURNAL OF SOILS AND 5 contamination in urban soils based on cluster analysis and ? 1 ?~? Characterizations of size-segregated ultrafine particles in diesel Aerosol and Air Quality SEDIMENTS 20 0 0 0~0 multiple pollution indices exhaust Research
Behavioral characteristics to airborne particles generated from ENVIRONMENT 6 140 1 1~10 Occurrence and Removal of Veterinary Antibiotics in Livestock commercial spray products INTERNATIONAL 21 Processes 8 6 720~737 Wastewater Treatment Plants, South Korea
ENVIRONMENT 7 Associations of urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites 146 106227 1~2 INTERNATIONAL Adverse effects of perfluoroalkyl acids on fish and other aquatic SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL 22 10 707 1~31 organisms: A review ENVIRONMENT Molecular Detection and Subtyping of Blastocystis Detected in JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE 8 56 3 662~666 Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) in South Korea DISEASES
Characterizing Black Carbon Emissions from Gasoline, LPG, and Determination of Metal Concentration in Road-Side Trees from 23 Applied Sciences-Basel 10 17 5856~5871 Diesel Vehicles via Transient Chassis-Dynamometer Tests 9 an Industrial Area Using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Minerals 10 175 1~12 Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Trophic response to ecological conditions of habitats: Evidence Mercury stable isotopes for monitoring the effectiveness of the 24 Ecology and Evolution 2020 10 7250~7260 10 EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS 203 1 1~22 from trophic variability of freshwater fish Minamata Convention on Mercury
Effects of extracts of reed and cattail on the growth of a JOURNAL OF FRESHWATER Improving air quality forecasting with the assimilation of GOCI 11 35 1 123~134 ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa ECOLOGY 26 aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrievals during the KORUS-AQ 20 10 6015~6036 AND PHYSICS period
Long-Term Monitoring of Noxious Bacteria for Construction of JOURNAL OF 12 Assurance Management System of Water Resources in Natural MICROBIOLOGY AND 30 10 1516~1524 The Potential of Commercial Sensors for Spatially Dense Short- Aerosol and Air Quality Status of the Republic of Korea BIOTECHNOLOGY 27 term Air Quality Monitoring Based on Multiple Short-term 20 2 369~380 Research Evaluations of 30 Sensor Nodes in Urban Areas in Korea
Occurrence of four waterborne viruses at five typical raw water JOURNAL OF 13 resources in the Republic of Korea during August 2013 to 58 1 1~11 MICROBIOLOGY Measurement and analysis of biomass content using gas February 2019 28 WASTE MANAGEMENT 120 0 392~399 emissions from solid refuse fuel incineration
Particle number size distributions generated by different Korean Air Quality Atmosphere and 14 13 0 807~813 pork cooking methods Health Prediction of acute inhalation toxicity using cytotoxicity data from JOURNAL OF APPLIED 29 41 7 1038~1049 human lung epithelial cell lines TOXICOLOGY
An Integrative Remote Sensing Application of Stacked 15 Autoencoder for Atmospheric Correction and Cyanobacteria Remote Sensing 12 2020 1~23 Estimation Using Hyperspectral Imagery
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 100 101
AnnexⅠ Research Achievement in 2020
○ Science Citation Index(SCI) Paper List in 2020
No. Title Journal Vol No Page No. Title Journal Vol No Page
INDIAN JOURNAL OF Establishment and Application of an Environmental Relative Deciphering the key factors determining spatio-temporal 41 PHARMACEUTICAL 2020 1 78~85 SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL Moldiness Index for Dwellings in Korea 30 heterogeneity of cyanobacterial bloom dynamics in the Nakdong 749 1 1~14 SCIENCES ENVIRONMENT River with consecutive large weirs
Distributions of Microplastics in surface water, fish, and 42 Water 12 3333 1~14 sediment in the vicinity of a sewage treatment plant Occurrences of benzalkonium chloride in streams near a 31 pharmaceutical manufacturing complex in Korea and associated CHEMOSPHERE 256 2020 1~9 ecological risk Characteristics of asbestos fibers in lung tissue from 43 occupational and environmental asbestos exposure of lung Scientific Reports 10 1 77291~77299 cancer patients in Busan, Korea Invasion and toxin production by exotic nostocalean 32 cyanobacteria (Cuspidothrix, Cylindrospermopsis, and HARMFUL ALGAE 100 101954 1~10 Sphaerospermopsis) in the Nakdong River, Korea Investigation of the Emission Characteristics of Light-Duty 44 Diesel Vehicles in Korea Based on EURO-VI Standards Energies 13 4936 1~18 According to Type of After-Treatment System
Applications of UV/H2O2, UV/persulfate, and UV/persulfate/ Food Additives and Simultaneous determination of PCBs, OCPs and PAHs in Cu2+ for the Elimination of Reverse Osmosis Concentrate Contaminants Part SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL 45 mussel by ultrasound-assisted cloudy extraction and gas 37 10 1730~1743 33 generated from Municipal Wastewater Reclamation Treatment 1 00 1~10 A-Chemistry Analysis Control ENVIRONMENT chromatography？tandem mass spectrometry Plant: Toxicity, Transformation Products, Exposure & Risk Assessment and Disinfection Byproducts
Biogas potential and methanogenic community shift in in？situ 46 anaerobic sewage sludge digestion with food waste leachate Applied Biological Chemistry 63 62 1~9 Analysis of incombustibles in the feedstock to incineration WASTE MANAGEMENT & additions 34 facilities in Republic of Korea for optimum sorting and 1 1 1~9 RESEARCH management
Spatiotemporal Variations and Health Implications of Hazardous In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of the Toxic Effects of 47 Atmosphere 11 5 1~23 35 Toxics 8 3 76~91 Air Pollutants in Ulsan, a Multi-Industrial City in Korea Dodecylguanidine Hydrochloride
Impact of industrial activities on atmospheric volatile organic ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE length-weight relations for 16 freshwater fish species 48 compounds in Sihwa-Banwol, the largest industrial area in South 27 23 28912~28930 ACTA ICHTHYOLOGICA ET AND POLLUTION RESEARCH 36 (actinopterygii: cypriniformes: cyprindae) in the han river, 50 2 215~217 Korea PISCATORIA south korea
Identification of High-Priority Tributaries for Water Quality 49 Management in Nakdong River Using Neural Networks and Sustainability 12 21 9149~0 International Journal of Grade Classification A Potential Health Risk to Occupational User from Exposure to 37 Environmental Research and 17 23 8770~8785 Biocidal Active Chemicals Public Health National Reconnaissance Survey of Microplastics in Municipal ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 50 54 1 1503~1512 Wastewater Treatment Plants in Korea & TECHNOLOGY
Combined inhalation exposure to retail insecticides for 38 Environmental Chemistry 17 5 364~376 preschoolers and children based on household usage patterns International Journal of Distribution and Removal of Pharmaceuticals in Liquid and Solid 51 Environmental Research and 17 687 1~23 Phases in the Unit Processes of Sewage Treatment Plants Public Health
Dominance of large-scale atmospheric circulations in long-term 39 ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH 238 238 104871~104871 Struvite Precipitation for Sustainable Recovery of Nitrogen and variations of winter PM10 concentrations over East Asia 52 Sustainability 12 20 8574~8574 Phosphorus from Anaerobic Digestion Eents of Swine Manure
Interpretation of decadal-scale ozone production efficiency ATMOSPHERIC Emission Characteristics of Hazardous Air Pollutants from Aerosol and Air Quality 40 in Seoul Metropolitan Area: Implication for ozone response to 243 243 117846~117846 53 20 9 2012~2024 ENVIRONMENT Construction equipment Research emission control
Development of Korean Air Quality Prediction System version 1 Geoscientific Model 54 13 0 1055~1073 (KAQPS v1) with focuses on practical issues Development
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 102 103
AnnexⅠ Research Achievement in 2020
○ Science Citation Index(SCI) Paper List in 2020
No. Title Journal Vol No Page No. Title Journal Vol No Page
Comprehensive pulmonary toxicity assessment of JOURNAL OF APPLIED 55 cetylpyridinium chloride using A549 cells and Sprague-Dawley 41 3 470~482 OCCURRENCE CHARACTERISTICS OF STEPHANODISCUS TOXICOLOGY APPLIED ECOLOGY rats AND SYNEDRA IN RELATION TO WATER TEMPERATURE AND 70 AND ENVIRONMENTAL 18 4 5135~5147 CONCENTRATIONS OF NUTRIENTS DURING SPRING DIATOM RESEARCH Analysis of the Water Circulation Structure in the Paldang BLOOM IN LAKE PALDANG, KOREA 56 Applied Sciences-Basel 10 6822 1~21 Reservoir, South Korea
57 Weathered Sand of Basalt as a Potential Nickel Adsorbent Processes 8 10 1238~1238 Nitrogen Stimulates Microcystis-Dominated Blooms More than ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 71 54 12 7185~7193 Phosphorus in River Conditions That Favor Non-Nitrogen-Fixing & TECHNOLOGY Statistical interpolation method for water quality data to improve ECOHYDROLOGY & 58 00 00 0000~0000 water quality calibration and validation in watershed models HYDROBIOLOGY New policy framework with plastic waste control plan for 72 Sustainability 12 6049 1~13 effective plastic waste management
Development of the CREATE Inventory in Support of Integrated 59 Sustainability 12 19 7930~7930 Climate and Air Quality Modeling for Asia Occurence of cyanobacteria, actinomycetes, and geosmin in Water Science and 73 drinking water reservoris in Korea:a case study from an algal 2020 2020 2020~2020 Technology-Water Supply bloom in 2012 Methodology for determining total phosphorus target water Desalination and Water 60 200 0 390~399 quality in total maximum daily loads Treatment JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL Treatment of ethanolamine and electricity generation using a 74 AND ENGINEERING 81 25 1~6 scaled-up single-chamber microbial fuel cell Characteristics of veterinary antibiotics in the intensive livestock CHEMISTRY farming watersheds with different liquid manure application SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL 63 749 0 142375~142375 programs using UHPLC-q-orbitrap HRMS combined with on- ENVIRONMENT Temporal-spatial variation and environmental risk assessment line SPE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL 75 of pharmaceuticals in tributaries of the Han River watershed, 741 0 1~10 ENVIRONMENT South Korea
Methodology to Calculate the CO2 Emission Reduction at the Pharmaceutical compounds in tributaries of the Han River ENVIRONMENTAL 76 188 0 1~9 64 CoalFired Power Plant: CO2 Capture and Utilization Applying Sustainability 12 18 7402~7402 watershed, South Korea RESEARCH Technology of Mineral Carbonation
Fossil-driven secondary inorganic PM2.5 enhancement in the ENVIRONMENTAL 77 266 115163 115~163 North China Plain: Evidence from carbon and nitrogen isotopes POLLUTION Economic Evaluation of Carbon Capture and Utilization Applying 65 Sustainability 12 15 6175~6175 the Technology of Mineral Carbonation at Coal-Fired Power Plant Geometric accuracy analysis of the Geostationary Ocean Color 78 OPTICS EXPRESS 28 5 7634~7653 Imager (GOCI) Level 1B (L1B) product Influence of NOM on the Stability of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in 66 Applied Sciences-Basel 10 6431 1~17 Ecotoxicity Tests Concentration- and Time-Dependent Eects of Benzalkonium 8010017~ Space-Borne Monitoring of NO x Emissions from Cement Kilns 79 Chloride in Human Lung Epithelial Cells: Necrosis, Apoptosis, or Toxics 8 17 67 Atmosphere 11 881 1~14 8010017 in South Korea Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition
Aircraft Measurements of Physicochemical Evolution of International Journal of Aerosol and Air Quality Development of general exposure factors for risk assessment in 68 Atmospheric Aerosols in Air Pollution Plumes over a Megacity 378 378 1~10 80 Environmental Research and 17 1988 1~14 Research Korean children and Suburban Areas Public Health
Spatial mapping of short-term solar radiation prediction Association of exposure to phthalates and environmental Environmental Research ENVIRONMENT 69 incorporating geostationary satellite images coupled with deep 15 9 094025~094025 81 phenolics with markers of kidney function: Korean National 143 105877 1~2 Letters INTERNATIONAL convolutional LSTM networks for South Korea Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) 2015-2017
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 104 105
AnnexⅠ Research Achievement in 2020
○ Science Citation Index(SCI) Paper List in 2020
No. Title Journal Vol No Page No. Title Journal Vol No Page
Model Evaluation for Forecasting Traffi Accident Severity in Rainy Thyroxine-binding globulin, peripheral deiodinase activity, and 97 Applied Sciences-Basel 10 129 1~15 ENVIRONMENT Seasons Using Machine Learning Algorithms: Seoul City Study 82 thyroid autoantibody status in association of phthalates and 140 105783 1~2 INTERNATIONAL phenolic compounds with thyroid hormones in adult population
Analysis of spationtemporal variation in river water quality using ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 98 clustering techniques: a case study in the Yeongan River, 27 0 29327~29340 AND POLLUTION RESEARCH Real-world fuel consumption, gaseous pollutants, and CO2 Republic of Korea 84 Sustainable Cities and Society 53 0 101925~101925 emission of light-duty diesel vehicles
Source Characteristics of Atmospheric Co2 and CH4 in a NOx Emissions from Euro 5 and Euro 6 Heavy-Duty Diesel 99 Atmosphere 11 509 1~27 85 Energies 13 218 1~13 Noertheastern Highland Area of Sourth Korea Vehicles under Real Driving Conditions
Investigation of factors controlling PM 2.5 variability across the Elementa-Science of the Biodiesel fueled combustion performance and emission 100 8 28 2~26 South Korean Peninsula during KORUS-AQ Anthropocene 86 characteristics under various intake air temperature and injection ENERGY 206 0 118154~118154 timing conditions
Inhibition of estrogenic response of yeast screen assay by 101 Applied Sciences-Basel 10 3796 2~8 exposure to non-lethal levels of metallic nanoparticles Effects of high intake-air temperature on emission 87 FUEL 273 0 117733~117733 characteristics under constant charging efficiency Cyanobacterial occurrence and geosmin dynamics in Paldang WATER AND ENVIRONMENT 102 0 1 1~10 Lake watershed, South Korea JOURNAL Applicaton of a programmed semi-automated Ulva bioassay to 88 AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY 221 0 1~7 testing single toxicants and stream water quality
Simultaneous determination of pesticides and veterinary pharmaceuticals in environmental water samples by UHPLC- 103 Separations 7 14 1~20 89 Elevated concentrations of CO2 and nitrogen alter ECOSCIENCE 27 2 119~126 Quardrupole-Orbitrap HRMS combined with on-line solid phase extraction
Comprehensive analysis of the microbial communities and operational parameters of two full-scale anaerobic digestion JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS Examination of effects of aerosols on a pyroCb and their ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY 90 398 122975 1~8 104 20 6 3357~3371 plants treating food waste in South Korea: Seasonal variation MATERIALS dependence on fire intensity and aerosol perturbation AND PHYSICS and effect of ammonia
Characterizing Density Flow Regimes of Three Rivers with 105 Different Physicochemical Properties in a Run-Of-The-River Water 12 717 1~21 Prediction of Chlorophyll-a Concentrations in the Nakdong River Reservoir 91 Water 12 0 1~18 Using Machine Learning Methods
Utilization of black-tailed gull (Larus crassirostris) eggs for ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL Distribution of metal contamination and grain size in the 106 monitoring of mercury levels in coastal areas of South Korea: 713 0000 136578~136578 92 MONITORING AND 192 502 0~15 ENVIRONMENT sediments of Nakdong River, Korea Preliminary study ASSESSMENT
Variable update strategy to improve water quality forecast Natural and artificial radioactivity in volcanic ash soils of Jeju JOURNAL OF 93 accuracy in multivariate data assimilation using the ensemble WATER RESEARCH 176 2020 1~14 107 Island, Republic of Korea, and assessment of the radiation RADIOANALYTICAL AND 323 3 1113~1124 Kalman filter hazards: Importance of soil properties NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
Selection of Priority Tributaries for Point and Non-Point Source KSCE Journal of Civil 94 24 4 1060~1069 Assessment of quality test methods for solid recovered fuel in Pollution Management Engineering 108 WASTE MANAGEMENT 103 0 240~250 South Korea
Effect of Changes in Watershed Runoff Characteristics on KSCE Journal of Civil BULLETIN OF 95 24 1 87~98 New Era of Air Quality Monitoring from Space: Geostationary Salinity Intrusion in Estuary Using EFDC Engineering 109 THE AMERICAN 12 11 1~22 Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS) METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY
Organic matter and heavy metal in river sediments of MARINE POLLUTION 96 southwestern coastal Korea: Spatial cistributions, pollution, and 159 0 1~11 BULLETIN ecological risk assessment
National Institute Of Environmental Research Annex 2 International Cooperation in 2020
○ International Conference and Academic Activities ○ International Joint Research ○ International Partnership 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 108 109
Annex 2 International Cooperation in 2020
○ International Conference and Academic Activities
No. Date Research Activities Host Country Division No. Date Research Activities Host Country Division
Transportation Resource UN ECE WP29 80th GRPE(United Nations Economic Commission for OECD Extraordinary Meeting of the Working Party on Resource Productivity 1 2020.1.12.~1.18. Swizerland Pollution Research 18 2020.6.17.~6.18. OECD Recirculation Europe, The Working Party on Pollution and Energy(80th session)) and Waste(On-Line) Center Research Division
The 13th workshop on environmental monitoring of persistent organic Chemicals Risk Assessment 2 2020.1.29.~1.31. Thailand/Japan 19 2020.6.23.~6.24. 4th Meeting of the Working Party on Hazard Assessment France pollutants (POPs) in East Aisan countries Research Division Division
Natural OECD Extraordinary Meeting of the Working Party on Resource Productivity Risk Assessment 20 2020.6.24. OECD 3 2020.2.2.~2.7. 13th Working Party on Resource Productivity and Waste France Environment and Waste(On-Line) Division Research Division Resource UN COPUOS(United Nations Committee On the Peaceful Uses of Outer Environmental 21 2020.6.29.~6.30. 4th Meeting of the Working Party on Exposure Assessment France Recirculation 4 2020.2.2.~2.9. Austria Space) attendance Satellite Center Research Division
Resource Risk Assessment OECD 22 2020.9.2.~9.4. 20th Meeting of the Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials France 5 2020.2.3.~2.5. 13th OECD Working Party on Resource Productivity and Waste Recirculation Division (France) Research Divisio Participated in the 2020 planery and Working Group Meeting in Soil Soil and Chemicals 23 2020.9.16.~10.23. Technical Committee of International Standard Organization(ISO/TC190) Germany Groundwater Research Division/ (On-Line) Research Division Environmental 19th Korea-Japan Co-operative Joint Research on POPs and Other 6 2020.2.12.~2.13. Korea Measurement and International Society of Exposure Science (ISES) 2020 Pre-Conference Environmental Relative Chemicals, and the Government Official Meeting(On-Line) 24 2020.9.19. Canada Analysis Center/ Workshop Heatlh Research Risk Assessment Indoor Divisio Participated in the 2020 planery and Working Group Meeting in Air Quality Environment and 25 2020.9.21.~9.25. Technical Committee of International Standard Organization(ISO/TC146) Korea Risk Assessment Noise Research 7 2020.2.16.~2.18. 34th Meeting of the Working Group on Good Laboratory Practice Japan (On-Line) Division Division
Environmental Japan Air Quality 8 2020.2.16.~2.21. Attending of GK-2B(GeoKOMPSAT-2B) launch Guiana France 26 2020.9.23.~9.24. The 20th Scientific Advisory Committee Meeting(On-Line) Satellite Center (ACAP) Research Division
32nd Meeting of the Working Group of the National Coordinators of Test Risk Assessment The 2020 planary and working group meeting of ISO/TC 146 SC3/SC4(On- Air Quality 9 2020.4.21.~4.24. France 27 2020.9.23.~9.24. Germany Guidelines Programme Division Line Research Division Global The 10th China-Korea Joint Workshop on Air Quality, China-Korea Policy Air Quality 10 2020.4.29. Korea Environment 28 2020.10.5.~10.9. Accurate Monitoring of Surface Ozone Virtual Workshop(On-Line) France and Technology Sharing Workshop for Air Pollution Prevention Research Division Research Division 1st Draft Committee meeting the Fourth Periodic Report on the State Environmental Japan Air Quality 29 2020.10.22. International Validation Team of GEMS video conference Korea 11 2020.5.12. of Acid Deposition in East Asia (PRSAD4) in East asia acid deposition Satellite Center (ACAP) Research Division monitoring Network(On-Line Resources The Fourth Meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-Ended Expert Group on Marine Resource 30 2020.11.9.~11.13. Switzerland Recirculation Litter and Microplastics 12 2020.5.18.~5.20. OECD Workshop on Microplastic from Tyre Wear(On-Line) OECD Recirculation Research Division Research Division Global The 11th China-Korea Joint Workshop on Air Quality, China-Korea Policy Chemicals 31 2020.11.12.~11.13. Korea Environment 13 2020.5.26~5.27. EU Biocide symposium 2020(On-Line) Denmark and Technology Sharing Workshop for Air Pollution Prevention Research Division Research Division Natural Meeting of experts in target countries supporting the 1st PAN(Pandora Asia Environmental 5th Meeting of the OECD Expert Group on Best Available Techniques(On- 14 2020.5.28. Korea 32 2020.11.12.~11.13. 프랑스 Environment Network) constrution Satellite Center Line) Research Division CEOS Atmospheric Composition Virtual Constellation AC-VC-16, 2020 Environmental 15 2020.6.8.~6.12. USA Risk Assessment attendance Satellite Center 33 2020.11.19.~11.20. 17th OECD QSAR Toolbox Management Group 프랑스 Division UN ECE WP29 80th GRPE(United Nations Economic Commission for Transportation Global 16 2020.6.9.~6.11. Europe, The Working Party on Pollution and Energy(81th session)) (On- Swizerland Pollution Research 34 2020.11.20. The 1th Collaborative Research Program Kick-off Meeing Korea Environment Line) Center Research Division Resource Environmental 17 2020.6.11.~6.12. OECD Workshop on Reducing Marine Plastic Litter(online) OECD Recirculation 35 2020.11.24.~11.25. The 11th International GEMS workshop Korea Research Division Satellite Center
National Institute Of Environmental Research 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • JULY 2021 110
Annex 2 International Cooperation in 2020
No. Date Research Activities Host Country Division
14th Tripartite Policy Dialogue on Chemicals Management among Korea, Risk Assessment 36 2020.11.26. Korea China and Japan Division
Water supply and 37 2020.11.27. 3rd International Symposium on Microplastics(On-Line) Korea sewerage Research
Chemicals 38 2020.12.1.~12.2. Norman General Assembly meeting 2020(On-Line) EU Research Division
Weekly team meeting of study for physiochemical properties and formation Air Quality 39 2020.12.20.~12.28. Korea mechanism of PM2.5 in Northeast Asian region(On-Line) Research Division
○ International Joint Research
No. Research Topic Country and Institute Division
Preliminary campaign of SIJAQ(Satellite Integrated Joint Environmental 1 USA/NASA, Begium/BIRA monitoring for Air Quality) Satellite Center
China/Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Global Environment 2 China-Korea Joint Research on Air Quality Science, CRAES Research Division
Cooperative research on environmental monitoring and Risk Assessment 3 Japan/NIES bioaccumulation in fishes of POPs Division
○ International Partnership
No. Title of Cooperation Institute Date
COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN ORGANISATION FOR THE EXPLOITATION OF METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITES(EUMETSAT) AND THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH OF European Organisation for the 1 2020. 9. 4. THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA(NIER) ON OPERATION DATA EXCHANGE Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites AND SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION ON CALIBRATION AND VALIDATION ACTIVITIES
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING National Institute of Environmental Umweltbundesamt 2 2020. 9. 25. Research and the German Environment Agency (German Environment Agency) NIER Publication date August 2021 Annual Report Publisher National Institute of National Research 2021 Address Environmental Research Complex Hwangyeong-ro 42, Seogu, IncheonRepublic of Korea 22689
Edited by S.H. Shin, M.J. Seo, E.H. Lee, M.A. Kim, J.H. Kim, Y. Jeon, S.E. Yoo, S.Y. Park, J.W. Lee, J.H. Kim, S.J. Ban, S.A. Noh, S.C. Kim, J.Y. Choi, C.S. Lee, S.Y. Park, M.J. Park, H.S. Cho, T.S. Kim, M.S. Kim, J.Y. Kim, J.H. Gu, J.H. Lee, J.S. Park, D.H. Jeong, H.J. Kim, J.H. Byeon