The study of risk assessment-based ambient seawater quality criteria establishment on HNS (Hazardous and Noxious Substance) in the effluent from marine industrial facilities

The study proposed a method for seawater quality criteria of HNS (Hazardous and Noxious Substances) using human risk assessment and ecotoxicological risk assessment. HNS is internationally designated under conventions such as MARPOL 73/78 and OPRC-HNS 2000, due to its harmfulness and risk. As an international regulation, it can be enacted as a law in Korea. This allows for partial improvement and revision of existing laws related to toxicants for HNS regulation, as well as the addition of HNS regulations through special laws. Traditionally, environmental and water quality standards have focused on drinking water or freshwater ecosystems. However, deriving seawater quality criteria requires considering specific differences such as reactions when exposing salts, dilution rates, and toxicity differences to marine organisms. National differences, including the physical and cultural characteristics of the Korean population, marine and coastal environments, and industrial characteristics, should also be taken into account. Therefore, the study proposed a method for establishing coastal seawater quality criteria for human health by referencing methods used by major countries. Research on the distribution of HNS in coastal areas and the concentration of HNS in effluents from marine industrial facilities or land is still in its early stages. Future studies should focus on HNS-related aspects such as bioaccumulation coefficients and dilution rates specific to each marine region. This information will be crucial in determining coastal seawater quality criteria and establishing seawater quality standards. Furthermore, the establishment of an international information sharing system for future research findings is considered necessary.