• Journal Abbreviation : J. Korea Soc. Waste Manag.
• Frequency : issued six times a year
• Doi Prefix : 10,9786/kswm
• ISSN : 2093-2322 (print)
• ISSN : 2287-5638 (online)
• Year of Launching : 1984.12.
• Publisher : Prof. Young-Kwon Park (The University of Seoul)
• indexed/Tracked/Covered By :
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Physicochemical and Microbial Properties of Aerated Compost Tea Derived from By-product Compost Generated from an Exhibition Garden at the Korea National Arboretum 국립수목원 전시원 관리 부산물을 활용한 호기성 퇴비차의 이화학 및 미생물학적 특성
임선미 Seonmi Lim , 박혜완 Hye-wan Park , 이수호 Sooho Lee , 임연진 Yeonjin Lim , 김영재 Youngjae Kim
Physicochemical and Microbial Properties of Aerated Compost Tea Derived from By-product Compost Generated from an Exhibition Garden at the Korea National Arboretum 국립수목원 전시원 관리 부산물을 활용한 호기성 퇴비차의 이화학 및 미생물학적 특성
임선미 Seonmi Lim , 박혜완 Hye-wan Park , 이수호 Sooho Lee , 임연진 Yeonjin Lim , 김영재 Youngjae Kim
DOI:10.9786/kswm.2026.43.4.225
Abstract
This study evaluated the physicochemical and microbial characteristics of aerated compost tea (AACT) produced from by-product compost generated during exhibition garden management at the Korea National Arboretum. Two mature composts were used as feedstocks: Erigeron annuus compost (A) and mixed-weed compost (B). AACT was prepared by extracting 200 g of compost in 20 L of groundwater (1:100, w/v) under continuous aeration (60 L/min) at 24.7℃. Samples were collected after 1, 24, and 36 h of extraction. The pH of the compost teas ranged from 7.6 to 8.1, while electrical conductivity (EC) remained low (0.4-0.5 dS/m) throughout the extraction period. Total nitrogen (T-N) increased with extraction time, particularly in the mixed-weed tea (13.3, 19.9, and 23.5 mg/L at 1, 24, and 36 h, respectively), while nitrate-N remained nearly constant across all AACT samples (10.8-11.6 mg/L). Potassium was the predominant cation in both teas and increased with extraction time, reaching 84.3 mg/L at 36 h in the mixed-weed tea. Culturable bacterial counts also increased with extraction time, from 8.0 × 104 to 4.9 × 105 CFU/mL in the E. annuus tea and from 6.0 × 104 to 1.7 × 105 CFU/mL in the mixed-weed tea. Overall, AACT produced from compost derived from exhibition garden by-products maintained low EC while providing a potassium-rich nutrient profile and culturable microbial biomass, suggesting its potential as a plant health care input for arboretum management. Further bioassays with target plants and pathogens are required to verify its effects on disease suppression and plant performance under field conditions.
Comparison of Activation Energies for Bioplastic Pyrolysis Determined by Different Kinetic Models Using Thermogravimetric Analysis 다양한 Kinetic Model을 이용한 바이오플라스틱의 열분해 활성화에너지 비교 분석
오두영 Doo Young Oh , 우선영 Sunyoung Woo , 주유진 Yujin Ju , 김대기 Daegi Kim
Comparison of Activation Energies for Bioplastic Pyrolysis Determined by Different Kinetic Models Using Thermogravimetric Analysis 다양한 Kinetic Model을 이용한 바이오플라스틱의 열분해 활성화에너지 비교 분석
오두영 Doo Young Oh , 우선영 Sunyoung Woo , 주유진 Yujin Ju , 김대기 Daegi Kim
DOI:10.9786/kswm.2026.43.4.231
Abstract
Bioplastics have attracted increasing attention as sustainable alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics owing to their renewable feedstocks and reduced environmental impacts. However, the increasing consumption of bioplastics has raised concerns regarding the efficient treatment and thermochemical conversion of post-consumer bioplastic waste. In this study, the pyrolysis characteristics and activation energies of three representative bioplastics―polylactic acid (PLA), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), and Bio-PET―were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Non-isothermal TGA experiments were conducted under a nitrogen atmosphere at heating rates of 5, 10, and 20℃/min. Five kinetic models, namely Kissinger, Friedman, Ozawa, Chatterjee-Conrad, and Coats-Redfern, were applied to determine the activation energies and compare the applicability of each kinetic approach. The TGA and DTG results revealed that all three bioplastics exhibited a single dominant decomposition peak, indicating a relatively simple pyrolysis mechanism. Thermal stability increased in the order of PLA < PBAT < Bio-PET, corresponding to the increasing proportion of aromatic structures. The average activation energies determined using the five kinetic models were 228.14 kJ/mol for PLA, 230.16 kJ/mol for PBAT, and 274.89 kJ/mol for Bio-PET. The isoconversional methods (Kissinger, Friedman, and Ozawa) produced relatively consistent activation energies, whereas the model-fitting methods (Chatterjee-Conrad and Coats- Redfern) yielded higher values depending on the assumed reaction order. These findings provide valuable kinetic data for the design and optimization of thermochemical conversion processes for bioplastic waste.
Simultaneous Removal of Sulfamethazine, Zinc, and Copper Using Waste Prestressed Concrete Sleepers and Persulfate
Gi-tae Kim , Ga-been Lee , Won-gune Jeong , Jae-young Lee , Kitae Baek
DOI:10.9786/kswm.2026.43.4.247
Abstract
Simultaneous removal of antibiotics and heavy metals from livestock wastewater remains technically challenging because of their distinct removal mechanisms. This study investigates the synergistic use of calcined waste prestressed concrete (CPC) and persulfate (PDS) for the concurrent removal of sulfamethazine (SMZ), Cu2+, and Zn2+. Calcination of waste prestressed concrete (PC) sleepers at 800 ℃ eliminated residual organic contaminants and converted Ca(OH)2 and CaCO3 into reactive CaO, thereby maximizing hydroxide release. The resulting CPC induced rapid alkalinization, enabling complete precipitation of Cu2+ and Zn2+. Simultaneously, the elevated pH activated PDS, generating hydroxyl radicals that efficiently degraded SMZ. However, in co-contaminated systems, excessive CPC dosing inhibited SMZ removal by prematurely precipitating Cu2+, a key catalyst for PDS activation. Continuous-flow-through experiments further confirmed the operational stability and practical applicability of CPC, demonstrating superior heavy-metal removal performance compared to uncalcined PC. Overall, CPC functions as an effective upcycled alkaline agent for the integrated removal of heavy metals and antibiotics, highlighting the importance of balancing precipitation and catalytic activation processes.
Key Words
Co-contamination, Simultaneous removal, Hydroxide ions, Calcined PC sleepers
Activated Carbon-FeOx-Based Treatment Process for Arsenic Removal from High-Alkalinity, Organic Matter-Containing Landfill Leachate 고알칼리성·유기물 함유 매립지 침출수의 비소 제거를 위한 활성탄-철산화물 흡착 연구
박의수 Ui Su Park , 손봉호 Bong Ho Son , 손경재 Gyeong Jae Son , 최수훈 Soohoon Choi , 한영수 Young-soo Han
Activated Carbon-FeOx-Based Treatment Process for Arsenic Removal from High-Alkalinity, Organic Matter-Containing Landfill Leachate 고알칼리성·유기물 함유 매립지 침출수의 비소 제거를 위한 활성탄-철산화물 흡착 연구
박의수 Ui Su Park , 손봉호 Bong Ho Son , 손경재 Gyeong Jae Son , 최수훈 Soohoon Choi , 한영수 Young-soo Han
DOI:10.9786/kswm.2026.43.4.260
Abstract
High-alkalinity landfill leachate containing dissolved organic matter poses a challenge for arsenate [As(V)] removal because alkaline pH and interfering matrix components reduce adsorption onto iron oxides (FeOx). This study evaluated the field applicability of an activated carbon (AC)-FeOx process using actual leachate from an illegal landfill (pH 9.6- 9.8; As 4.02-10.75 mg/L). Batch experiments examined the effects of contact time, initial pH, and three model organic compounds with different UV absorption characteristics. In a simulated solution containing 500 mg/L As(V) at pH 9.6, As(V) removal reached equilibrium after 10 days. Among the model organic compounds, tannic acid (UV330, a high- molecular-weight polyphenol) most significantly suppressed As(V) removal, suggesting that its presence can interfere with adsorption onto FeOx. Adjusting the initial leachate pH to 3, 5, or 7 enhanced As(V) removal; the pH 7 treatment yielded a final pH of 7.85 and residual arsenic concentration below 0.5 mg/L. Continuous-flow column experiments showed that a dual-layer AC:FeOx (5:5) configuration maintained compliance with the target effluent standard for the longest duration, indicating that sufficient FeOx adsorption capacity is crucial. These results support a treatment process combining pH adjustment, solids separation, AC pretreatment, and FeOx adsorption for high-alkalinity, organic-rich leachate.
Key Words
Activated carbon, Arsenate, High-alkalinity leachate, Iron oxide, Adsorption
CFD Evaluation of Combustion Efficiency and Heat Recovery Performance in a Compact SRF Combustion Boiler
CFD Evaluation of Combustion Efficiency and Heat Recovery Performance in a Compact SRF Combustion Boiler
Tae-in Ohm , Jaewon Cha , Doyeon Lee
DOI:10.9786/kswm.2026.43.4.271
Abstract
Advanced solid refuse fuel (SRF) technology offers a cleaner alternative to conventional incineration by reducing air pollutant emissions, extending landfill lifespan, and decreasing fossil fuel consumption through energy recovery. However, further optimization of SRF combustion systems is required to improve combustion efficiency and heat recovery. This study numerically investigated a compact grate-type SRF combustor integrated with a heat exchanger using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The combustion capacity was set at 0.5 t/h to evaluate the performance of the compact system. The effects of excess air ratio (1.87, 1.77, and 1.67) were examined under fixed fuel properties, combustor geometry, and heat exchanger conditions. CFD simulations were conducted to analyze flow characteristics, temperature distribution, species concentrations, and heat recovery performance. The results showed that increasing the excess air ratio improved combustion completeness, reducing the outlet CO concentration and slightly decreasing the SO2 concentration. The integrated heat exchanger also demonstrated effective heat recovery. Although the temperature difference between the hot and cold streams was approximately 10 K at the combustor outlet, it decreased to nearly 1 K at the heat exchanger outlet. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing low-emission, high-efficiency SRF combustion systems and future waste-to-energy boiler applications.
Key Words
SRF, CFD, Combustor, Air ratio, Heat exchanger
Environmental Impacts of Policies Promoting Reusable Containers in Funeral Parlours: A Case Study of City ‘A’ 장례식장 다회용기 사용 촉진 정책의 환경영향 저감효과 분석: A市 사례를 중심으로
Environmental Impacts of Policies Promoting Reusable Containers in Funeral Parlours: A Case Study of City ‘A’ 장례식장 다회용기 사용 촉진 정책의 환경영향 저감효과 분석: A市 사례를 중심으로
이종효 Jong-hyo Lee , 정유경 Yu-kyong Cheong
DOI:10.9786/kswm.2026.43.4.280
Abstract
This study evaluates the environmental performance of reusable tableware introduced in funeral parlours in a Korean city as an alternative to single-use disposable tableware. Korean funeral parlours provide meals to mourners over a three-day mourning period, generating substantial amounts of single-use waste. While previous life cycle assessment (LCA) studies have predominantly focused on products and services, this study extends the spatial and cultural scope of LCA by examining funeral parlours. A bio-based copolyester (PEICT) reusable set was compared with a conventional polypropylene/silicon dioxide (PP/SiO2) and paper/wood disposable set, using material and utility inputs derived from municipal cost-accounting data and records from a commercial washing operator. Compared with disposable tableware, the reusable set exhibited a substantial increase in Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP, +348.9%, driven by methyl bromide emissions from terephthalic acid production, although the absolute impact was negligible) and a moderate increase in Global Warming Potential (GWP, +17.2%). In contrast, Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP) decreased moderately by 9.0%, Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential (POCP) decreased by more than two-thirds, and Acidification Potential (AP) and Eutrophication Potential (EP) decreased by more than 90%. Contribution analysis identified electricity use during washing as the dominant contributor to GWP, ADP, and AP, accounting for 83.7%, 63.0%, and 59.9% of reusable-set impacts, respectively. These results indicate that the reusable system's environmental performance is driven primarily by the washing operator's energy mix rather than by material choice. Scenario analysis showed that a 50% reduction in washing-stage electricity use could reduce GWP and ADP by 37.2% and 50.1%, and a shift to 100% solar electricity could decrease these impacts by 75.4% and 67.0%, respectively. These findings indicate that the environmental case for reusable tableware in funeral parlours depends less on the tableware material than on the energy efficiency and electricity source of the washing infrastructure, providing local governments with a concrete policy lever-beyond simple single-use bans-to achieve the intended climate benefits of reuse policies.
Optimization of a Pilot-Scale Hydrogen-fueled SF6 Thermal Decomposition Process and Analysis of O2 Behavior in Flue Gas 수소 연료 기반 파일럿 규모 SF6 열분해 공정 최적화 및 O2 거동 특성 분석
성진호 Jin-ho Sung , 장영신 Young-shin Jang , 이응곤 Eung-gon Lee , 이중원 Joong-won Lee
Optimization of a Pilot-Scale Hydrogen-fueled SF6 Thermal Decomposition Process and Analysis of O2 Behavior in Flue Gas 수소 연료 기반 파일럿 규모 SF6 열분해 공정 최적화 및 O2 거동 특성 분석
성진호 Jin-ho Sung , 장영신 Young-shin Jang , 이응곤 Eung-gon Lee , 이중원 Joong-won Lee
DOI:10.9786/kswm.2026.43.4.297
Abstract
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), widely used as an insulating gas in power facilities, is a highly potent greenhouse gas. To address the key limitations of existing abatement technologies-namely, the sharp decline in destruction and removal efficiency (DRE) of thermal plasma systems at high flow rates (dropping to ~50% DRE at 20 L/min) and the severe carbon penalty associated with conventional LPG-based commercial facilities (~0.5 tons of CO2eq emitted per 1 ton of SF6 treated)-this study developed a pilot-scale, zero-emission SF6 thermal decomposition system utilizing H2 combustion. The SF6 DRE and flue gas compositions were evaluated by varying the reactor temperature, H2/SF6 input ratio, and air- fuel ratio (AFR). Furthermore, O2 behavior during the decomposition process was also evaluated. The results demonstrated that a remarkably high SF6 DRE of 99.5% to 99.98% was consistently maintained at a high flow rate of ~20 L/min under optimal conditions: a reactor temperature of 920-930℃ and an H2/SF6 input ratio of 3.0. Because SF6 decomposition is strongly endothermic, precise control of the AFR at approximately 1.08 was required to prevent a decrease in reactor temperature. Corrosive acidic by-products were effectively reduced to concentrations well below emission limits (SO2 < 4.8 ppm, HF < 1.1 ppm) using a KOH-based wet scrubber. Experimental evaluation of O2 behavior further showed that the O2 concentration increased as SF6 decomposition progressed (~15 L/min). By addressing the capacity limitations of plasma methods and completely eliminating the CO2 emissions inherent in fossil-fuel processes, this H2-based technology offers a highly practical, net-zero solution for large-scale waste SF6 treatment.
Key Words
SF6, Decomposition, H2, Flue gas, O2
A Review of Recycling and Black Mass Management for Spent LFP Batteries from Electric Vehicles in South Korea 국내 전기자동차용 사용 후 LFP 이차전지의 재활용 및 블랙매스 관리방안에 관한 고찰
김민정 Min-jung Kim , 김영석 Youngsuk Kim , 이태우 Taewoo Lee , 엄남일 Nam-il Um
A Review of Recycling and Black Mass Management for Spent LFP Batteries from Electric Vehicles in South Korea 국내 전기자동차용 사용 후 LFP 이차전지의 재활용 및 블랙매스 관리방안에 관한 고찰
김민정 Min-jung Kim , 김영석 Youngsuk Kim , 이태우 Taewoo Lee , 엄남일 Nam-il Um
DOI:10.9786/kswm.2026.43.4.307
Abstract
The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) powered by lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, driven by global carbon neutrality policies, is expected to generate large volumes of spent LFP batteries in the near future. Although LFP batteries offer advantages in thermal stability and cost competitiveness, their inherently low content of high-value metals such as cobalt and nickel poses a fundamental challenge to the economic viability of conventional recycling systems designed primarily for nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) or nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) chemistries. In South Korea, despite the rapid growth of LFP EV deployment, dedicated circulation systems, recycling technologies, black mass management standards, and policy frameworks remain underdeveloped. This review examines the physical and chemical characteristics of spent LFP batteries, current trends in recycling technologies, structural limitations of the domestic circulation system, gaps in black mass management standards, and domestic and international legislation, drawing on published literature and policy documents. Based on this comprehensive analysis, the review identifies key challenges and proposes policy directions to promote resource circulation of spent LFP batteries in South Korea.
