• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.264-271
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• 2011

At the Jangheung multipurpose dam, which is on the Tamjin River, a trapping and trucking operation was established to maintain continuous upstream migration of fish,. To facilitate fish gathering, installation of an effective fishing trap was required. In this study, we evaluated the fish trap, established at the Jangheung dam, using PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) telemetry. A total of 254 individuals from 15 species were monitored. Among these tagged species, 36 individuals from 6 species (Carassius auratus, C. cuvieri, Zacco temminckii, Z. platypus, Pungtungia herzi, and Pseudobagrus koreanus) were detected; a 14.2% detection rate. C. auratus recorded the highest detection rate of 44.2% while P. herzi was 14.3%. Z. temminckii and Z. platypus showed relatively low detection, 5% and 7.7% respectively. Some of individuals from C. auratus and Z. platypus did not pass through the antenna at the first attempt but were continuously detected on multiple days. There were no statistical differences in body size (total length, standard length and body weight) of individuals that did or did not swim into the trap (Mann-Whitney U test, p>0.05). Fish mainly swam into the trap during outflow of water from the dam (Mann-Whitney U test, p<0.001) and showed a higher detection frequency in daytime than nighttime (Mann-Whitney U test, p<0.001). Thus, for fish movement into the trap, external factors such as outflow from dam and time of day have important roles. Based on detection rate, not all fishes showed upstream migration but represented selective migration. Consequently, the establishment of flexible outflow strategies that take into consideration ecological characteristics of fishes should required for improving the efficiency of fishway.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.474-481
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• 2012

This study was performed to investigate the degree of long-term pollution at the mainstream of the Han River by comparing the concentration of BOD and COD from 1975 to 2011. The long-term annual average BOD and COD concentration at the mainstream of the Han River showed an increasing trend as it flowed downstream from Paldang Dam to Gayang. The concentration of BOD ($r^2$=0.646) and COD ($r^2$=0.260) showed a consistent decreasing trend for 37 years. In the case of Paldang Dam, BOD has maintained a decreasing trend, whereas the COD value showed an increasing trend after the 1990s. Therefore, a control of non-biodegradable materials in areas around Paldang Dam is required. The result of the seasonal variations of BOD and COD is as follows: spring>winter>summer and fall (p<0.001). The time series analysis revealed a strong correlation for every 12-month period. Also, the amount of water discharge at Paldang Dam has to be systematically controlled because the amount of water discharge from the dam influences the water quality at the mainstream of the Han River.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.459-473
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• 2012

This study evaluated the rainfall-runoff characteristics of Non-point Pollution Source (NPS) of the impervious area through on-site monitoring. In this study, trend analysis was performed by various runoff analysis method of non-point pollution source. The characteristics of rainfall at impervious area appeared to be influenced by rainfall strength. It is judged that the measure is required to be prepared against that now that concentration difference of non-point pollution source appeared to be big by precedent number of days of no rainfall. However, it appeared that Rainfall Sustaining Time (RST) has nothing to do with effluent concentration of non-point pollution source, however, the rising tendency that effluent concentration did not appear because the tendency that concentration of non-point pollution source reduces more than 50% within initial 60 min due to first flushing effects and rainfall sustaining time is long. If looking into the outflow tendency of non-point pollution source at the impervious area, it showed the tendency that the concentration lowers gradually as time goes by after initial concentration appeared very high. However, it could be recognized that the concentration of non-point pollution source appeared to be high as the pollutants integrated on the surface of the road during dry season. The Event Mean Concentrations (EMCs) in impervious area were ranged $9.2{\sim}199.3mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ for TSS, $8.1{\sim}24.2mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ for $COD_{Mn}$, $0.070{\sim}1.860mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ for T-N. Based on such runoff characteristics of non-point pollution source, it is judged that it would be desirable to process initial rain efficiently as the measure against initial rain phenomenon at the impervious area.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.378-391
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• 2012

The objective of this study was to determine temporal patterns and longitudinal gradients of water chemistry at eight artificial reservoirs and ten streams within the Han-River watershed along the main axis of the headwaters to the downstreams during 2009~2010. Also, we evaluated chemical relations and their variations among major trophic variables such as total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and chlorophyll-a (CHL-a) and determined intense summer monsoon and annual precipitation effects on algal growth using empirical regression model. Stream water quality of TN, TP, and other parameters degradated toward the downstreams, and especially was largely impacted by point-sources of wastewater disposal plants near Jungrang Stream. In contrast, summer river runoff and rainwater improved the stream water quality of TP, TN, and ionic contents, measured as conductivity (EC) in the downstream reach. Empirical linear regression models of log-transformed CHL-a against log-transformed TN, TP, and TN : TP mass ratios in five reservoirs indicated that the variation of TP accounted 33.8% ($R^2$=0.338, p<0.001, slope=0.710) in the variation of CHL and the variation of TN accounted only 21.4% ($R^2$=0.214, p<0.001) in the CHL-a. Overall, our study suggests that, primary productions, estimated as CHL-a, were more determined by ambient phosphorus loading rather than nitrogen in the lentic systems of artificial reservoirs, and the stream water quality as lotic ecosystems were more influenced by a point-source locations of tributary streams and intense seasonal rainfall rather than a presence of artificial dam reservoirs along the main axis of the watershed.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.444-452
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• 2012

We conducted a comprehensive monitoring for freshwater food web in a wetland system (Jangcheok Lake), from May to October, 2011. Monthly sampling for zooplankton, fish as well as organic matters, was implemented. In order to understand the food web structure and energy flow, we applied stable isotope analysis to the collected samples, based on ${\delta}^{13}C$ and ${\delta}^{15}N$ values of epiphytic particulate organic matter(EPOM) and particulate organic matter (POM), epiphytic and planktonic zooplankton, fish (Lepomis macrochirus). In the study site, epiphytic and planktonic zooplankton was 24 and 30 species, respectively, and coincidence species between epiphytic and planktonic zooplankton were 20 species. Epiphytic zooplankton were more abundant during the spring and early summer (May to July); however, planktonic zooplankton were more abundant during the autumn (September to October) season. Stable isotope analysis revealed that fish and epiphytic zooplankton had seasonal variations on their food sources. EPOM largely contributed epiphytic zooplankton in spring (May), but increasing contribution of POM in autumn (September) was detected. However, planktonic zooplankton depended on only POM in both seasons. Fish utilized both epiphytic and planktonic zooplankton, but small sized (1~3 cm), fish preferred epiphytic zooplankton, where as larger sized (4~7 cm) fish tended to consume planktonic zooplankton, and epiphytic zooplankton had important role in energy transfer. This pattern was clear when results of spring and autumn stable isotope analysis were compared. From the results of this study, we confirmed that wetlands ecosystem supported various epiphytic and planktonic zooplankton species, they depend on other food items, respectively. L. macrochirus also showed a difference of food source according to the body size, they depend on seasonal density change of zooplankton. In particular, epiphytic zooplankton was very important for growth and development of young fish in the spring.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.356-367
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• 2012

Community structure of fish and inhabiting status of endangered species, Cobitis choii and Gobiobotia naktongensis were investigated in the Ji Stream, a tributary of the Geum River Drainage System of Korea from May to October 2011. Ten to 23 fish species inhabited upper stream (St. 1~St. 4) with a Aa-Bb river type composed of mostly pebble and cobble bottoms, 16~28 species did middle stream (St. 5~St. 7) with a Bb type composed of mostly cobble and boulder bottoms, and 20-29 species did lower stream (St. 8~St. 10) with a Bb-Bc type composed of mostly sand bottoms. A total of 44 species belonging to nine families were found in the stream during the survay. The dominant species were in the order of Zacco platypus (37.2%), Pungtungia herzi (5.8%) and Pseudogobio esocinus (5.5%). Other abundant species included Acheilognathus lanceolatus (5.3%), Zacco koreanus (5.2%), Hemibarbus longirostris (4.9%) and Squalidus gracilis majimae (3.5%). Among residing species, 16 species were endemic to Korea, two (Cobits choii and Gobiobotia naktongensis) were endangered, and one (Micropterus salmoides) was non-indigenous. The similarity index based on species composition and abundance clearly delineated the fish community of the Ji Stream according to the three major sections, which were defined at the above. Dominance index gradually decreased toward downstream, while diversity, evenness and species richness indexes gradually increased toward downstream. The two endangered species, C. choii and G. naktongensis co-occurred at the lower stream due to the prevalence of a sandy substratum.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.412-419
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• 2012

This study assessed the impacts of land use types on water quality in the tributary of the Yeongsan river basin. Temporal changes in water quality parameters (BOD, COD, TOC, T-P, T-N, SS) were investigated. 13 water sampling sites were selected; they were then collected and analyzed according to the standard method. The results showed that water quality parameters of the study sites ranged as follows : BOD, from 0.3 to $21.9mg\;L^{-1}$ (mean $3.3mg\;L^{-1}$); COD, from 1.0 to $38.0mg\;L^{-1}$ ($6.4mg\;L^{-1}$); TOC, from 0.6 to $20.0mg\;L^{-1}$ ($4.5mg\;L^{-1}$); T-P, from 0.009 to $1.973mg\;L^{-1}$ ($0.144mg\;L^{-1}$); T-N, from 0.6 to $17.1mg\;L^{-1}$ (mean $3.5mg\;L^{-1}$); SS, from 0.3 to $292.0mg\;L^{-1}$ ($20.3mg\;L^{-1}$). Generally, the paddy and upland dominated region had high concentrations of water quality parameters, whereas the forest dominated region had low concentrations. In addition, water quality parameters were positively correlated with paddy and upland, whereas the parameters were negatively correlated with forest. The result implies that paddy and upland are the dominant factors leading to stream pollution in the study sites, while a higher percentage of forest area contributes to improved water quality. Therefore, it is important to manage paddy and upland in order achieve efficient management of water quality.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.403-411
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• 2012

Acoustic telemetry is used to obtain a relatively continuous record of fish movement. This method has several advantages for studying migrating fish populations that are moving from large rivers. The Nakdong River is the longest river in South Korea and the main stream has faced a change, which consists of the installation of the large weirs. In this study, we applied acoustic telemetry to monitor the movement pattern of Erythroculter erythropterus (family Cyprinidae) and identified home range and movement distance in the Nakdong River. A total of fourteen individuals were released at three different locations and around 80 km section from the estuary barrage was investigated. Eight individuals were tagged and released at estuary barrage (N02) utilized up to 15.9 km (home range) upstream from the release site as home range. Four individuals were tagged and released at Samrangjin (N07), most fish moved and stayed within 9.7 km (home range) downstream area, except E12, which did not show any movement. Two individuals were tagged and released at Changnyeong-Haman weir (N10), and all individuals migrated downstream from the release site. Especially, E14 recorded the longest accumulated detected distance, 36.7 km downstream during 32 days after release. There was no correlation identified between movement (accumulated detected distance and home range) and standard length (Spearman rank correlation, p>0.05). Although, this technique could be an available method to monitor behavior and ecology of freshwater fish effectively, increment of number of receivers and tags are required for more detailed results of fish migration.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.263-270
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• 2012

The objectives of the study were to determine fish fauna and compositions during 2010~2011 in Walpyung Conservation Park along with analysis of fish community structures and trophic and tolerance guilds. Total number of species and individuals sampled were 31 and 2667, respectively and dominant species was Zacco platypus (46.6%) and subdominant species was Acheilognathus lanceolatus (8.7%), which were composed of >50% of the total. Total number of Korean endemic species including Microphysogobio yaluensis was 10 and the proportion of the individuals was 8.7%. Also, natural monument No. 454 of Iksookimia choii, which is endangered species and legal protected species, was sampled and the total number of individuals was only three. According to the analysis of fish community structures, species richness index in the mid-stream reach ($M_r$) was 3.145, which is higher than any other stream reaches ($U_r$ and $D_r$). In contrast, the richness index was 2.180 in the up-stream reach ($U_r$), which is minimum among the sampling sites. Species diversity index was 1.785 and 1.975, respectively in the headwater ($U_r$) and mid-stream reach ($M_r$) and the low values in the down-stream reach ($D_r$, 1.660) were due to the influences of pointsource (i.e., road construction) and non-point sources (sporadic agricultural spots). According to analysis of tolerance guilds, the proportion of tolerant species (TS), based on the number of individuals, was composed of 64.2% and sensitive species (SS) was only 3.3%, indicating a predominance of tolerant fishes in the compositions. The proportion of omnivore species (OS), however, was composed of 64.0% and insectivore species (IS) was 29.3%, indicating a predominance of omnivore fishes in the stream. The high proportions of tolerant and omnivore species in this stream indicates that the water quality and physical habitat environments were degradated in this system. For these reasons, especially natural monument and endemic fish species in this region should be protected from the massive constructions and required to provide efficient stream management strategies.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.428-436
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• 2010

This study was to evaluate water quality characteristics and ecological health using a mulimetric fish model in Taehwa-River watershed during May~September 2009. The ecological health assessments were based on the Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) using fish community and the multimetric model of Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI). For the study, the models of IBI and QHEI were modified as 8 and 11 metric attributes, respectively. We also analyzed spatial patterns of chemical water quality over the period of 2000~2009, using the water chemistry dataset, obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Korea. Values of BOD and COD averaged $1.7\;mg\;L^{-1}$ (scope: $0.1{\sim}31.8\;mg\;L^{-1}$) and $3.6\;mg\;L^{-1}$ (scope: $0.4{\sim}33\;mg\;L^{-1}$), respectively during the study. Total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) averaged $2.8\;mg\;L^{-1}$ and $96.8\;{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$, respectively, indicating an eutrophic-hypertrophic state. Also, TN and TP showed longitudinal increases toward the downriver reach. In the watershed, QHEI values varied from 67.5 (fair condition) to 164.5 (good condition) by the criteria of US EPA (1993). There was a abruptly decreasing tendency from T9 site in the QHEI values. According to 1st and 2nd surveys of Taewha River, multimetric model values of IBI was averaged 26.1 (n=14) with "good" condition (B) and the spatial variation was evident. Our results suggest that the mainstream sites was getting worse health condition along the river gradient due to inputs of the point and non-point sources from the urban (Ulsan city). Overall, dataset of IBI, QHEI, and water chemistry indicated that the ecological river health showed a downriver decline and the pattern was closely associated with habitat degradations and chemical pollutions as the waters pass through the urban region.