Da-Som Park and Jong-Hyun Park. J. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 2021;31:710-6. https://doi.org/10.4014/jmb.2102.02040

This study presents an improved wet scavenging process for particles in air quality modeling, focusing on the Korean Peninsula. New equations were incorporated into the air quality chemical transport model (CTM) to enhance the simulation of particulate matter (PM) concentrations. The modified air quality CTM module, utilizing size-dependent scavenging formulas, was applied to simulate air quality for April 2018, a month characterized by significant precipitation. Results showed that the modified model produced more accurate predictions of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentrations compared to the original air quality CTM model. The maximum monthly average differences were 5.46 µg/m³ for PM₁₀ and 2.87 µg/m³ for PM_2.5, with pronounced improvements in high-concentration regions. Time-series analyses for Seoul and Busan demonstrated better agreement between modeled and observed values. Spatial distribution comparisons revealed enhanced accuracy, particularly in metropolitan areas. This study highlights the importance of incorporating region-specific, size-dependent wet scavenging processes in air quality models. The improved model shows promise for more accurate air quality predictions, potentially benefiting environmental management and policy-making in the region. Future research should focus on integrating more empirical data to further refine the wet scavenging process in air quality modeling.

Integrated environmental management (IEM) is an effective approach that comprehensively reviews the impact of pollutants emitted from a facility on the surrounding environment and minimizes pollution emissions through optimal, economically feasible means. The IEM system in Korea, as derived from countries in the European Union and other advanced countries, has been in force since 2017. This study presents the primary components and features of the IEM system in Korea. IEM specialized education is aimed at introducing expertise in the field and equipping learners with various skills upon completion, including in-depth research skills, to meet Korea’s stringent requirements. Regular performance checks and surveys of program participants are conducted to confirm objective results. Based on these data, the program is improved according to expert opinions and contributes numerous engineering inputs for environmentally sustainable management. The education system can be used to develop and apply processes for training system operation personnel in many countries interested in adapting IEM, as well as in Europe, which already utilizes an IEM system.