The Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) announced the launch of its study “Monitoring the Occurrence and Movement of Particulate Matter in the Busan Port Area ” on February 10, 2020.

This study is part of a larger project to “Identify the Causes of Particulate Matter by Source and Site ” by the Ministry of Science and ICT. The project seeks to identify the causes of particulate matters (PMs) and analyze their effects by site and source, such as workplaces, automobiles, ports, and rural areas.

As part of the project, the KIOST aims to identify the causes of PMs produced by ports, a major source of PMs in South Korea, and construct a monitoring system to assess the emissions and impact of PMs by major source as well as to propose different ways to manage PMs by area.

The current level of PMs in Busan Port and downtown Busan has been observed and studied by measuring PMs found along the roads surrounding Busan Port. However, up until now, it has been very difficult to accurately identify the cause of PMs and predict their movement and direction of proliferation.

KIOST Principal Research Scientist, Hyun Sangmin (Ph.D.) and his team will construct a three-dimensional observation system using drones in the Busan Port and observe the concentration and components of PMs in real time in order to study their movement and proliferation through time and space.

Furthermore, this study will analyze gas emissions from ship engines and fuels to assess the amount of air pollutants emitted by Busan Port. The results will be applied to a model based on each PM source that will be reflected in future countermeasures.

The KIOST will not only utilize the institute’s research infrastructure, including the KIOST Mobile Laboratory, but will also collaborate with related institutes, such as the Busan Port Authority, Busan Metropolitan City Institute of Health and Environment, and the research team at Hanyang University led by Professor Ahn Kangho, to enhance the accuracy and details of this study.
* KIOST Mobile Laboratory: In 2016, the KIOST developed Korea’s first mobile lab for emergency responses to marine and environmental disasters. The mobile lab features state-of-the-art equipment that can measure pollutants in the atmosphere, marine water, soil, and organisms in real time. Its analytical capabilities have been significantly enhanced with the recent installation of HR-ToF-AMS (High Resolution Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer), an instrument used for the real-time analysis of size-resolved aerosol chemicals that are 1 nm or smaller.

Principal Research Scientist Hyun commented, “Ultimately, the goal of this study is to devise an effective PM reduction and management plan based on the accurate identification of the causes and current situation of port-produced PMs in Busan Port. The maintenance of a cleaner port will, in the future, strengthen the port’s overall competitiveness.”
？