Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST, president Kim Woong-seo) has announced that senior research scientist Kim Dong-hwi has been presented with the annual “Simazdu Young Scientist in Mass Spectrometry Award” from the Korean Society for Mass Spectrometry (KSMS). The award, now in its second year, is presented to scientists aged 40 or younger for outstanding research in the field.

The molecule is the smallest identifiable unit into which a substance can be divided while still retaining its own chemical properties. Each molecule has a unique mass value; with the precise weight of a molecule, the chemical composition and characteristics of any substance can be identified. Mass spectrometry is a method of analyzing the chemical properties and composition of a substance based on mass data of each molecule in that substance. Mass spectrometry is currently used in areas such as the analysis of environmentally hazardous materials, development of new drugs, and the analysis of natural substances, proteins, and metabolomes.

Senior research scientist Kim has analyzed ocean pollutants based on mass spectrometry, and is currently studying environmental risk assessment methodology. Kim’s major achievement is his invention of Paper Spray Chemical Ionization (PSCI), which enables the rapid measurement of oil acidization levels in oil spill accidents. This method results in more efficient pre-processing than does the ionization currently used for mass spectrometry, and it requires only a small specimen sample, allowing analysis that generates greater sensitivity. Kim’s research outcome was published in the prestigious journal Analytical Chemistry. In addition, since the MT Hebei Spirit oil spill, he has contributed to the identification of the impact of toxic material from spilled oil on marine ecosystems and its long-term impact on those ecosystems through mass spectrometry of marine environments.

 Kim is expanding his research areas with keen attention to the role of the oceans in climate change. Atmospheric pollutants dissolve into the seas, and are a significant contributor to ocean acidification. Materials emitted from the oceans into the atmosphere in turn affect climate change. Relying on mass spectrometry, Kim will further study the circulation routes of these materials and the interaction between oceans and atmosphere.

KIOST president Kim asserted, “By using research methods such as mass spectrometry, KIOST is dedicated to maintaining a healthy marine ecosystem and building a sustainable marine environment.”