Journal of Wellbeing Management and Applied Psychology (웰빙융합연구)

Korea Wellbeing Convergence Association (한국웰빙융합학회)
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Investigating Key Sources of Rural Odor Pollution and Its Effects on Community Welfare

  • Received : 2025.02.05
  • Accepted : 2025.02.23
  • Published : 2025.02.28
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Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates the primary causes of odor pollution in rural South Korea and its impact on community welfare. Odor pollution, mainly caused by livestock farms, waste dumping, and sewage treatment facilities, poses significant challenges to residents' health, stress levels, and quality of life, complicating sustainable rural development. Research Design & Data: A mixed-methods approach was used, combining surveys of 4,000 households (2,800 rural, 1,200 urban), field observations, and secondary data analysis. The primary data, collected by the Rural Development Administration of South Korea, were analyzed as secondary data. Statistical tools, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and t-tests, explored relationships between odor exposure, proximity to sources, and stress levels. This statistical analysis was conducted using Python statistical program version 3.9. Research Results: Livestock facilities emerged as the leading source of odor pollution, exceeding contributions from factories, waste dumping, and sewage treatment plants. Residents within 1-3kilometers of odor sources reported elevated stress levels and frequent health issues. Rural residents experienced higher stress levels than urban counterparts due to greater exposure and fewer mitigation measures. Statistical analysis revealed a strong negative correlation between proximity to odor sources and stress levels. Conclusion: Effective odor pollution management requires advanced mitigation technologies, stricter regulations, and community-driven strategies to improve health outcomes, reduce stress, and ensure sustainable rural living conditions. This study provides critical insights for policy makers, fostering healthier, more equitable rural communities.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This work is financially supported by Korea Ministry of Environment(MOE) as 「Graduate School specialized in Climate Change」.

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