• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.106-127
• /
• 2019

This study aims to understand spatio-temporal variations of macrozoobenthos community in Han River (HRE), Geum River (GRE), and Nakdong River estuaries (NRE) of Korea, sampled by National Survey of Marine Ecosystem. The survey was seasonally performed at a total of 20 stations for three years (2015-2017). Sediment samples were taken three times with van Veen grab of $0.1m^2$) areal size and sieved through a 1 mm pore size mesh on site. A total of 1,008 species were identified with 602 species in HRE, 612 in GRE, and 619 in NRE, showing similar number of species between estuaries. Mean density was $1,357ind./m^2$, showing the high in NRE ($1,357ind./m^2$), mid in GRE ($1,357ind./m^2$), and low in HRE ($1,127ind./m^2$). Mean biomass was $116.8g/m^2$, showing similar variations to density ($174.2g/m^2$ in NRE, $129.0g/m^2$ in GRE, $49.0g/m^2$ in HRE). Polychaeta dominated in number of species and density in three estuaries. Biomass-dominated taxon was Mollusca in HRE and GRE, and Echinodermata in NRE. Polychaetous species dominated all three estuaries over 4% of density, such as Dispio oculata, Heteromastus filiformis and Aonides oxycephala in HRE, Heteromastus filiformis and Scoletoma longifolia in GRE, and Pseudopolydora sp. and Aphelochaeta sp. in NRE, showing various density between estuaries. Community structure was determined by various environmental variables among estuaries such as mean grain size and sorting (HRE), salinity and mean grain size (GRE), and salinity, dissolved oxygen, loss on ignition and mud content (NRE). Our study demonstrates the application of different measures to manage ecosystems in three estuaries. HRE needs to alleviate sedimentary stressors such as sand mining, land-filling, dike construction. Management of GRE should be focused on fresh water control and sedimentary stressors. In NRE, monitoring of dominant benthos and process study on hypoxia occurrence in inner Masan Bay are necessary.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.42 no.3
• /
• pp.382-393
• /
• 2009

The objectives of this study were to characterize long-term annual and seasonal trophic state of Topjeong Reservoir using conventional variables of Trophic State Index (TSI) and to determine the empirical relations between the trophic parameters. For the analysis, we used water quality dataset of 1995$\sim$2007, which is obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Korea and the number of parameters was 9. Annual ambient mean values of TN and TP were 1.78 mg $L^{-1}$ and 0.03 mg $L^{-1}$, respectively and TN : TP ratios averaged 76, indicating that this system was nitrogen-rich hypertrophic, and was probably phosphorus-limitation for algal growth. Therefore, nitrogen varied little with seasons and years, and total phosphorus (TP) varied depending on season and year. Monsoon dilutions of TP occurred in August and monthly fluctuations of suspended solid (SS) was similar to those of chlorophyll-$\alpha$ (CHL). Annual mean values of BOD and $COD_{Mn}$ were 1.61 mg $L^{-1}$ and 4.23 mg $L^{-1}$, respectively and the interannual values were directly influenced by the intensity of annual rainfall. There were no significant differences in the trophic variables between the two sampling sites. Mean values of Trophic State Index (TSI, Carlson, 1977), based on TN, TP, CHL, and SD (Secchi depth), turned out as eutrophic state, except for the TN (hypertrophic). Regression analyses of log-transformed seasonal CHL against TP and TN showed that variation of the CHL was explained 37% by the variation of TP ($R^2$=0.37, p<0.001, r=0.616), but not by TN ($R^2$=0.03, p>0.05). Regression coefficient of $Log_{10}$CHL vs $Log_{10}SD$ was 0.330 (p<0.003, r=0.580), indicating that transparency is regulated by the organic matter in the system. Results, data suggest that one of the ways controlling the eutrophication would be a reduction of phosphorus from the watershed.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.315-321
• /
• 2010

Greenhouse soil cultivated with excessive compost and chemical fertilizer has been an issue to deteriorate soil and water quality in the environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutrient outflow by desalting method, flooding soil surface, after vegetable cropping in greenhouse soils. Field experiment from July to September 2008, was conducted to quantify greenhouse locations, i.e. alluvial plain and local valley. The changes of desalinization in both locations were higher as the amounts of irrigated and drained water were increased. Particularly, the ratio of desalinization in alluvial plain was much higher (66.7%) than the one in local valley (45.6%). However, $NH_4$-N contents of local valley soil during the flooding were higher than in those of alluvial plain. This was caused by high total nitrogen and organic matter in local valley soil than those in alluvial plain soil. With comparing to the input and output loads of T-N and T-P in greenhouses with local valley and alluvial plain soils, the output loads of nutrients were larger than the input loads of nutrients. This result showed that the flooding soil surface can be a good treatment to desalinize greenhouse soils. However, this conclusion remained that the flooding water containing high N and P concentrations might cause the secondary effect on the quality of streams and groundwater since excessive nutrient concentrations can be the main cause of eutrophication problem in aquatic environment.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.44 no.2
• /
• pp.172-177
• /
• 2011

The study sought to determine the efficient management of Korean aucha perch by estimating the potential yield (PY), which means the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) based on the optimal stock, in the mid-upper region of the Seomjin River watershed from August 2008 to April 2009. The stock assessment was conducted by the swept area method and PY was estimated by a modified fisheries management system based on the allowable biological catch. Also, the yield-per-recruit analysis (Beverton and Holt, 1957) was used to review the efficient management of resource, Coreoperca herzi. The age at first capture ($t_c$) was 1.464 age and converted body length was 7.8 cm. Concerning current fishing intensities, the instantaneous coefficient of fishing mortality (F) was estimated to be 0.061 $year^{-1}$; yield-per-recruit analysis estimated the current yield per recruit as 4.124 g with F and $t_c$. The fishing mortality of Allowable Biological Catch ($F_{ABC}$) based on the current $t_c$ and F was estimated to be 0.401 $year^{-1}$, therefore, the optimum fishing intensities could be achieved at the higher fishing intensity for Coreoperca herzi. The calculated annual stock of Coreoperca herzi was 3,048 kg, the potential yield was estimated to be 861 kg with $t_c$ and $F_{ABC}$ at the fixed current level. Using yield-per-recruit analysis, if F and $t_c$ were set at 0.643 $year^{-1}$ and 3 age, respectively, the yield per recruit would be predicted to increase 3.4-fold, from 4.12 g to 13.84 g.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.37 no.1 s.106
• /
• pp.26-35
• /
• 2004

We investigated the effect of physicochemical environmental factors on the community dynamics of phytoplanktons and bacteria at the Hoeya Dam Reservoir, a drinking water reservoir for Ulsan city. Water samples were collected and analyzed every two to four weeks at three sites along the reservoir from April to October, 2001. During the study period, the Secchi depths were between 0.4 and 3.5 m. At the surface layer of water column, temperature ranged 10.2 ~ $32.0^{\circ}C$, pH 7.3${\sim}$9.6, dissolved oxygen 5.5 ${\sim}$ 12.4 mg $L^{-1}$, $BOD_5$ 0.8 ${\sim}$ 5.0 mg $L^{-1}$, $COD_{Mn}$ 3.7 ${\sim}$ 10.0 mg $L^{-1}$, and Chl-a 8.9 ${\sim}$ 60.9 mg $m^{-3}$. At the bottom layer, temperature varied 7.2 ${\sim}$ $28.9^{\circ}C$, pH 7.1 ${\sim}$ 9.3, dissolved oxygen 0.6 ${\sim}$ 9.7 mg $L^{-1}$, $BOD_5$ 0.8 ${\sim}$ 4.5 mg $L^{-1}$, $COD_{Mn}$ 3.9 ${\sim}$ 10.0 mg $L^{-1}$, and Chl-a 4.3 ${\sim}$ 81.9 mg $m^{-3}$. The numbers of phytoplanktons were 7.4${\pm}10^2{\sim}2.6{\pm}10^5$ cells $mL^{-1}$ at surface and 2.5${\pm}10^2{\sim}2.4{\pm}10^4$ cells $mL^{-1}$ at bottom, and were positively correlated with water temperature and Chl- a concentration. Genus Stephanodiscus and genus Oscillatoria dominated on April and on May, respectively. Cyanobacterial blooms of Aphanizomenon, Microcystis, Anabaena were observed from June to early September, and thereafter Stephanodiscus and Aulacoseiral dominated again. Total microbial counts ranged 1.73${\pm}10^4{\sim}1.68{\pm}10^5$ cells $mL^{-1}$, and were positively correlated with water temperature and phytoplankton counts at surface water. Heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs) ranged 30${\sim}4.1{\pm}10^3$ CFU $mL^{-1}$, and were positively correlated with $BOD_5$ and $NO^3\;^-$-N concentration at bottom water. Unlike the total microbial counts, the numbers of fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci as well as HPCs were higher at the bottom than the surface layer and were highest at the upper a site among the three sampling sites. Since the concentrations of fecal coliforms and streptococci were still high at the bottom of site c, where intake for water treatment plant is located, it appeared that special management of water treatment processes may be needed especially after strong rainfall.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.36 no.3 s.104
• /
• pp.356-368
• /
• 2003

Water quality of effluent from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPS) was reviewed to examine the feasibility of agricultural reuse using USEPA and WHO guidelines. It might meet the guidelines for BOD and SS, however, the most critical microbiological concentration was too high and further treatment is required. The pilot study of three treatments were performed to reduce microbiological concentrations. The UV irradiation was proved to be very effective in disinfection of secondary level effluent, and about 30 mW ${\cdot}$ s/$cm^2$ of dose was suggested to meet the even most stringent USEPA guidelines. Slow sand filter demonstrated effective removal of bacteria, and effluent concentration of total coliform (TC), fecal coliform (FC), and E. coli. dropped from about 10,000/100 mL to 300, 200, and 150 MPN/100 mL, respectively, showing over 95% removal. These level of bacterial concentration sufficiently meet the WHO guidelines ($10^3\;{\sim}\;10^5$ FC/100 mL), and could meet the more stringent USEPA guidelines (200 FC/100 mL) if properly applied. Slow sand filter also provided about 50% removal of SS, turbidity, and BOD in addition to bacterial removal. The removal efficiency of pond system was relatively poor, but still showed over 85% removal and effluent concentration of TC, FC, and E. coli was all below 10,000/100 mL. The pond system alone could meet the WHO guidelines, but hardly meet the USEPA guidelines and further treatment might be necessary. Overall, three methods evaluated in the study treat the effluent to meet the WHO microbiological guidelines for agricultural reuse. The UV disinfection and slow sand filter might also could the USEPA guidelines, while the pond system can hardly meet the USEPA guidelines if applied alone. The WHO and USEPA guidelines were made based on data from upland field agricultural system and may not be directly applicable to the paddy field agricultural system. Therefore, national standards for agricultural reuse of reclaimed water should be made considering domestic agricultural systems as well as international guidelines. Also, further investigation is recommended to develop optimum and feasible treatment measures for agricultural reuse of effluent from WWTPs.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.33 no.3 s.91
• /
• pp.187-196
• /
• 2000

This paper describes a simple method that uses differences among Carlson's (1977) trophic state index (TSI) values based on total phosphorus (TP), chlorophyll a (CHL) and Secchi depth (SD) to draw inferences regarding the factors that are limiting to phytoplankton growth and the composition of lake seston. Examples are provided regarding seasonal and spatial patterns in a large subtropical lake (Lake Okeechobee, Florida, USA) and inter- and intra-lake variations from a multilake data set developed from published studies. Once an investigator has collected routine water quality data and established TSI values based on TP, CHL, and SD, a number of inferences can be made. Additional information can be provided where it also is possible to calculate a TSI based on total nitrogen (TN). Where TSI (CHL)<>TSI (SD), light attenuating particles are large (large filaments or colonies of algae), and the phytoplankton may be limited by zooplankton grazing. Other limiting conditions are inferred by different relationships between the TSI values. Results of this study indicate that the analysis is quite robust, and that it generally gives good agreement with conclusions based on more direct methods (e.g., nutrientaddition bioassays, zooplankton size data, zooplankton removal experiments). The TSI approach, when validated periodically with these more costly and time-intensive methods, provides an effective, low cost method for tracking long-term changes in pelagic structure and function with potential value in monitoring lake ecology and responses to management.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.40 no.2
• /
• pp.201-213
• /
• 2007

In this study, the Batter Assessment Science Integrating point and Nonpoint Sources (BASINS 3.0)/window interface to Hydrological Simulation Program-FPRTRAN (WinHSPF) was applied for assessment of Soyang Dam watershed. WinHSPF calibration was performed using monitoring data from 2000 to 2004 to simulate stream flow. Water quality (water temperature, DO, BOD, nitrate, total organic nitrogen, total nitrogen, total organic phosphorus and total phosphorus) was calibrated. Calibration results for dry-days and wet-days simulation were reasonably matched with observed data in stream flow, temperature, DO, BOD and nutrient simulation. Some deviation in the model results were caused by the lack of measured watershed data, hydraulic structure data and meteorological data. It was found that most of pollutant loading was contributed by nonpoint source pollution showing about $98.6%{\sim}99.0%$. The WinHSPF BMPRAC was applied to evaluate the water quality improvement. These scenarios included constructed wetland for controlling nonpoint source poilution and wet detention pond. The results illustrated that reasonably reduced pollutant loadin. Overall, BASINS/WinHSPF was found to be applicable and can be a powerful tool in pollutant loading and BMP efficiency estimation from the watershed.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.36 no.3 s.104
• /
• pp.235-241
• /
• 2003

The effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the characteristics of algae-derived dissolved organic matter (DOM) was examined by comparing the biodegradability and DOM fraction distribution of algal DOM before and after UV exposure. Algal DOM from two axenic cultures of Microcystis aeruginosa and Oscillatoria agardhii were irradiated for 24 h at a UV intensity of 42 W/$m^2$. A complete degradation of algal DOM during the UV exposure did not occur, remaining at constant concentrations of dissolved organic carbon(DOC). After UV exposure, however, microbial degradations were reduced by 17% in M. aeruginosa and 53% in O. agardhii, respectively, and decomposition rates also were two times lower in UV exposed algal DOM. In addition, the chemical compositions of algal DOM altered substantially after UV radiation exposure. The proportions of hydrophilic bases (HiB; protein-like DOM) decreased considerably in both algal DOM sources after UV exposure (16.8% and 20.0% of DOM, respectively), whereas those of hydrophilic acids (HiA; carboxylic acids-like DOM) increased as much as the decrease of the HiB fraction. Capillary ion electrophoresis (CE) analysis showed that several carboxylic acids increased significantly after UV exposure, further confirming an increase in HiA fractions. The results of this study clearly indicate that algal DOM can be changed in its chemical composition as well as biodegradability without complete degradation by UV radiation.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.48 no.4
• /
• pp.212-218
• /
• 2015

In South Korea, various nature-like fishways recently been installed for use by a wide variety of fish species. However, limited attempts have been made to monitor the fish utilization. The present study was conducted to ascertain the frequencies and patterns of utilization of the fishway installed at Beakjae Weir. We collected fish species that use the fishway by installing a fyke net at the exit of the fishway at least once a month from April 2013 to October 2013. Additionally, in order to identify all fish species that can potentially use the fishway, we investigated the fish fauna downstream to Beakjae Weir (mainstream of the Geum River). We found that 10 species belonging to 2 families used the fishway; this accounted for 64% of the total species inhabiting the mainstream. The species that used the fishway most frequently were Microphysogobio jeoni, followed by Squaliobarbus curriculus and Opsariichthys uncirostris amurensis. The highest number of fish using the fishway was observed in August, which was positively correlated with the water temperature (Spearman rank correlation, $r_s$=0.743, P=0.035). The sizes of the fish using the fishway varied widely, with the total body length ranging from 39 mm to 550 mm. Analysis of the time-dependent utilization frequency revealed that most fish used the fishway during the night (20:00~08:00). Compared to other fishways installed along the Geum River, the fishway installed at Beakjae Weir was used by fewer species and fish. This may be attributed to the structural inadequacy of the fishway, thereby resulting in a low attraction efficiency. Therefore, measures should be adopted to enhance the fishway attraction and passage efficiency. The results of this study can be used to ensure efficient operation and management of the Beakjae Weir fishway as well as serve as basic data for developing and building nature-like fishways tailored to Korean situations.