Sr²⁺ ions in an aqueous solution were removed using Na-A zeolites synthesized from kaolin, a natural mineral. Na-A zeolites with high crystallinity were synthesized using NaOH/kaolin mass ratios of 0.6 (ZK06) and 0.9 (ZK09). The adsorption reached equilibrium within 120 min. The adsorption data obtained from experiments for Sr²⁺ using ZK06 and ZK09 were appropriately analyzed with pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models. Comparing the maximum adsorption capacities (q_m) of ZK06 and ZK09 for Sr²⁺, the highest values were obtained at 1.90 and 2.42 mmol/g, respectively. Consequently, the Na-A zeolites synthesized from kaolin can be evaluated as adsorbents with high adsorption capacities for the removal of Sr²⁺, proportional to the degree of their crystallinity.

The geothermal characteristics of specific areas on Earth can be identified using geophysical and lithological logs based on deep boreholes, such as those more than 1000 m in depth. Based on the combined analyses of geophysical logs (temperature, caliper, electrical conductivity (EC), and natural gamma-ray logs) and lithological logs, as well as 1D steady-state heat transfer model, the deep groundwater flow and temperature were characterized in four deep boreholes (BH-1–BH-4) roughly 2000 m deep in the area of Heunghae-eup, Pohang, South Korea. The estimated thermal gradients from the temperature profiles are as follows: 22.37–30.77 °C/km for BH-1, 35.67–64.52 °C/km for BH-2, 40.85–46.44 °C/km for BH-3, and 33.33–35.71 °C/km for BH-4. According to the geophysical logs and lithology profiles, the groundwater mainly flows into and out of the boreholes through the basic dyke, rhyolite, and sandstone/mudstone. Evidently, the groundwater flows moving through the fractures and faults induce nonlinear temperature changes. The upward and downward groundwater flows passing through fractures and faults can be estimated using a 1D steady-state heat-transfer equation, by considering a fracture angle based on the lithological and geophysical profiles. To determine the direction (up/down) and rate of groundwater flow, the values for the parameter β were estimated as follows: −1.95 to 5.40 for BH-1, −13.48 to 4.87 for BH-2, −1.76 for BH-3, and −3.39 to 14.15 for BH-4.

In this study, the state of the production, market, and integrated management of mineral water in South Korea was assessed and a strategy was established to improve the competitiveness of mineral water with respect to foreign brands. Diverse data, including a number of mineral water manufacturers, daily permitted volume, daily production amounts, sales volume, and sales amounts, were used to clarify the state of mineral water and establish a strategy. Real-time data transmitted from the mineral water manufacturers were analyzed and managed in an integrated management system (IMS). Chemical characteristics of mineral water were analyzed to assess water quality and identify problems related to contamination. This study shows that specialization plans according to geological characteristics should be established, rather than focusing on quantitative growth by a low-cost sales method. The establishment of contamination management plans was found to be needed for wells with potential pollution due to sub-surface inflow into the wells. We suggest that an independent editing system of the attribute information needs to be designed based on the analysis and management of the IMS.