• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• 제57권3호
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• pp.162-168
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• 2024

The purpose of this study was to record for the first time in Korea the presence of Melanoides tuberculata (an invasive alien species), which was confirmed during the "National Survey on the Status of Alien Species" in Jukdang stream (also known as Guppy Stream, located in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province), which is affected by the year-round discharge of heated effluent from a large semiconductor factory and where various tropical organisms, including ornamental fish, appear due to artificial release. A Total of 52 specimens were collected, and they can be visually distinguished from native melanian snails by their reddish-brown flames and spots. Genetic analysis further confirmed the species as Melanoides tuberculate. Melanoides tuberculata typically inhabits tropical climates, but its presence has been confirmed in altered aquatic environments such as Jukdang stream, where the water temperature remains warm even in a temperate climate. This indicates the need for further monitoring of domestic streams with similar conditions, particularly those receiving heated effluent, like Jukdang stream. Additionally, due to its strong reproductive capacity, including parthenogenesis, and its adaptability to various environments, there have been cases where the populations of Pomacea lineata and Aylacostoma tenuilabris have declined. This suggests that Melanoides tuberculata may have a competitive advantage in interspecific competition, potentially suppressing native species populations if it spreads within the domestic ecosystem. Melanoides tuberculata serves as an intermediate host for parasites that can cause diseases in both humans and animals, raising public health concerns in many countries. There is also a significant risk that it could be mistaken for native melanian snail species and consumed, which necessitates a high level of caution.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• 제113권3호
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• pp.271-281
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• 2024

The purpose of this study is to establish baseline data on the habitat status of Dracocephalum argunense Fisch. ex Link by identifying its vegetation structure and correlating environmental factors. A total of 9 vegetation plots (10 m×10 m) were surveyed. Cluster analysis revealed a total of three clusters: Quercus aliena (Group 1), Pinus thunbergii-Rubus parvilolius (Group 2), and Indigofera kirilowii-Zanthoxylum piperitum (Group 3). The importance value of D. argunense was the highest in Group 2, with a value of 6.19. Diversity analysis indicated a range of 2.747-3.166, but differences among the groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05). In the areas surrounding sedimentary rock zones, invasive plants were identified as indicator species, emphasizing the need for monitoring invasive species in the future. Although D. argunense exhibits good adaptability to moisture and atmospheric conditions due to its diverse habitats (forest and coast), there is a risk of decline due to interspecific competition and human activities, as analyzed in this study.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• 제27권7호
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• pp.924-942
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• 2021

The expansion of the Changjiang Diluted Water (CDW) plume during summer is known to be a major factor influencing phytoplankton diversity, community structure, and the regional marine environment of the northern East China Sea (ECS). The discharge of the CDW plume was very high in the summer of 2020, and cruise surveys and stationary monitoring were conducted to understand the dynamics of changes in environmental characteristics and the impact on phytoplankton diversity and community structure. A cruise survey was conducted from August 16 to 17, 2020, using R/V Eardo, and a stay survey at the Ieodo Ocean Research Station (IORS) from August 15 to 21, 2020, to analyze phytoplankton diversity and community structure. The southwestern part of the survey area exhibited low salinity and high chlorophyll a fluorescence under the influence of the CDW plume, whereas the southeastern part of the survey area presented high salinity and low chlorophyll a fluorescence under the influence of the Tsushima Warm Current (TWC). The total chlorophyll a concentrations of surface water samples from 12 sampling stations indicated that nano-phytoplankton (20-3 ㎛) and micro-phytoplankton (> 20 ㎛) were the dominant groups during the survey period. Only stations strongly influenced by the TWC presented approximately 50% of the biomass contributed by pico-phytoplankton (< 3 ㎛). The size distribution of phytoplankton in the surface water samples is related to nutrient supplies, and areas where high nutrient (nitrate) supplies were provided by the CDW plume displayed higher biomass contribution by micro-phytoplankton groups. A total of 45 genera of nano- and micro-phytoplankton groups were classified using morphological analysis. Among them, the dominant taxa were the diatoms Guinardia flaccida and Nitzschia spp. and the dinoflagellates Gonyaulax monacantha, Noctiluca scintillans, Gymnodinium spirale, Heterocapsa spp., Prorocentrum micans, and Tripos furca. The sampling stations affected by the TWC and low in nitrate concentrations presented high concentrations of photosynthetic pico-eukaryotes (PPE) and photosynthetic pico-prokaryotes (PPP). Most sampling stations had phosphate-limited conditions. Higher Synechococcus concentrations were enumerated for the sampling stations influenced by low-nutrient water of the TWC using flow cytometry. The NGS analysis revealed 29 clades of Synechococcus among PPP, and 11 clades displayed a dominance rate of 1% or more at least once in one sample. Clade II was the dominant group in the surface water, whereas various clades (Clades I, IV, etc.) were found to be the next dominant groups in the SCM layers. The Prochlorococcus group, belonging to the PPP, observed in the warm water region, presented a high-light-adapted ecotype and did not appear in the northern part of the survey region. PPE analysis resulted in 163 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), indicating very high diversity. Among them, 11 major taxa showed dominant OTUs with more than 5% in at least one sample, while Amphidinium testudo was the dominant taxon in the surface water in the low-salinity region affected by the CDW plume, and the chlorophyta was dominant in the SCM layer. In the warm water region affected by the TWC, various groups of haptophytes were dominant. Observations from the IORS also presented similar results to the cruise survey results for biomass, size distribution, and diversity of phytoplankton. The results revealed the various dynamic responses of phytoplankton influenced by the CDW plume. By comparing the results from the IORS and research cruise studies, the study confirmed that the IORS is an important observational station to monitor the dynamic impact of the CDW plume. In future research, it is necessary to establish an effective use of IORS in preparation for changes in the ECS summer environment and ecosystem due to climate change.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• 제43권1호
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• pp.91-98
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• 2016

The growth area of living modified (LM) cotton has steadily increased every year, since its first commercialization in 1996. Development of environmental risk assessment tools and techniques for LM cotton is required for ecosystem safety. We therefore developed multiplex PCR assays for simultaneous detection of two (MON15985, MON531) and four (GHB614, LLCOTTON25, MON88913 and MON1445) LM cotton events approved in Korea, with event specific primer pairs. The PCR reactions were optimized by using event specific primers of six LM cottons at various concentrations. The reactions allows amplification of estimated amplicons of MON15985 (214 bp), MON531 (270 bp), GHB614 (119 bp), LLCOTTON25 (164 bp), MON88913 (276 bp), and MON1445 (389 bp) from multiplex PCR reactions. The multiplex PCR assay developed allowed that two annealing steps (15 cycles at $55^{\circ}C$ and 25 cycles at $60^{\circ}C$) were performed for amplification of distinguished two LM cottons, and only one annealing step (50 cycles at $60^{\circ}C$) was necessary for tetraplex PCR. Primer extension step of all PCR reactions was skipped for time-effective amplification. Our methods suggest that two multiplex PCR assays can be cost-effective and a rapid diagnostic tool for environmental LMO monitoring of six LM cottons.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.307-319
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• 2000

Community structure (seasonal fluctuation), taxon diversity, nematodes/benthic harpacticoids and nematodes/kinorhynchs ratios of meiobenthos were studied in the Gamak Bay, Korea. A series of samplings were carried out from April 1997 to May 1999. Meiobenthic organisms was collected by van Veen grab and three subcores of 34 mm in internal diameter were taken from each sediment sample. The total density of meiobenthos in each seasons was found to be the highest in May 1999, and the lowest in December 1998. Total density of meiobenthos at each station was the highest at Station 9 in May 1999 ($2,218 inds./10 cm^2$) and the lowest at Station 3 in December 1998 ($2 inds./10 cm^2$). The Gamak Bay seemed to have an individual number increased from the inner toward the outer stations. The highest number of meiobenthos was observed on 0.125 and 0.063 mm mesh size. In every season, over $80{\%}$ of the meiobenthos was composed of only four groups: nematodes, benthic harpacticoids, sarcomastigophorans and nauplius larvae of crustaceans. Seasonal fluctuation of meiobenthos was also studied. The nematodes/benthic harpacticoids(nematodes/kinorhynchs) ratios were studied as an index of pollution monitoring for benthic ecosystem at each station in each season. The value of nematodes/benthic harpacticoids ratio was the highest at the inner stations and the lowest at the outer stations in the Gamak Bay. Taxon diversity (H') was the highest at the outer stations and the lowest at the inner stations in the Gamak Bay. The value of nematodes/benthic harpacticoids ratio significantly increased from the outer toward the inner stations, whereas the taxon diversity (H') significantly increased from the inner toward the outer stations in Gamak Bay.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.374-383
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• 2019

The Wangpo stream located in the Buyeo-gun was a small stream with both low water quality and quantity due to the cultivated land and settlement area through the stream. In order to restore ecosystem, the Sustainable Structured wetland Biotop system was applied to treat 1,500 to 7,000 ㎥/d amount of effluent water pumped from the Buyeo sewage treatment plant facility as well as inflowed from nonpoint pollution source of Wangpo stream. As a result of continuous monitoring for 2 years from 2016 to 2018 after completing restorative construction, the average BOD₅ as an index of organic pollution was 7.3 mg/L and the average effluent concentration became 2.1 mg/L, showing an improvement by 71.2%. The average inflow concentration of T-N was 7.953 mg/L and the average outflow concentration was 3.379 mg/L, showing 57.5% of improvement. The average inflow concentration of T-P was 0.177 mg/L and the average outflow concentration was 0.052 mg/L, showing about 70.7% improvement. The results of ecological monitoring after creating biotope by reuse of treated waste water and nonpoint pollution source of the Wangpo Stream are as follows. The plant taxa founded in water SSB(Sustainable Structured wetland Biotop) system of the Wangpo Stream was total 41 species in 21 families, showing a higher proportion of naturally introduced plant than that of artificially planted species. In case of other terrestrial animals, both amphibian and reptile group were confirmed as 3 species in 6 families, avian group was 25 species of 15 families, and mammal group observed 5 species in 5 families, respectively. All species have been created and enhanced through purified water inhabited in the SSB(Sustainable Structured wetland Biotop) system as a treatment wetland, eventually migrating to the Wangpo Stream.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• 제40권3호
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• pp.69-80
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• 2012

The purpose of this paper was to study the issues related to converting the graveyards within forests into spaces intended for tree burials by means of planting, given the situation that the graveyards have encroached on land and damaged the environment. For the reason, a field survey was performed to determine the width, length, and distance to the nearest tree of 205 graveyards in the capital area. Through this, it was determined that the domestic lands damaged by graveyards amounted to $862km^2$, including the areas that were deforested to manage the graves. This only confirms that land encroachment by graveyards is a serious issue. The methods for making tree burial sites were examined from the perspective of how to meet public demands given the graveyard's spatial distinctiveness. As a result, this study suggested different methods to establish tree burial sites according to the degree of transformation and the term of its formation. This study also classified the graveyards into three types, and identified the planting methods that harmonized the safe growth of trees and the scenic beauty of memorial places based on the standard. This is in order to plant trees that are shade-tolerant and suitable to the forest line, along with which other tree line was and also, to plant aesthetic trees around the empty space. Through applying the developed methods, this study established and monitored two exemplary sites in Yongin and Boryeng. Aesthetic trees were planted in Yongin site which was located in an open area, aod the shade-tolerant trees were planted in Boryeong, which was located in a forest area. As a result, the image of a garden appeared at Yongin site and the image of a tree colony harmonized with the near forest emerged at Boryeong site. Therefore, it is confirmed that the method of planting according to the distribution status of neighboring trees was effective. As a result of monitoring, mulching wood chips were suitable for sites that were small or easy to approach. This is because the weeds were controlled in Yongin site by mulching. Furthermore, by monitoring the growth of 11 species of vegetation, this study confirmed that low and cover-type vegetations were suitable for tree burial sites. In Boryeong site, the wild cherry trees, which were planted as adult trees, all died, and the tilling of snake's beard, which were planted as cover vegetation, was slow. Therefore, this study found that seedlings were more suitable to plant in forest graveyards than adult trees, which were large and difficult to approach, and it was effective to use the remaining lawn and form a low vegetation after the crown of trees had expanded to such places.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• 제47권1호
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• pp.76-87
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of and to derive future maintenance-management measures of the constructed alternative habitat for the Kaloula borealis at the University of Seoul, examining the period between 2015-2017. The research was constructed in 2014 and in a $191m^2$ area. The performance evaluation was divided into maintaining the habitat of the target species, maintaining the population and reproduction rates of the target species, maintaining the habitat of the wild species, the resilience of natural ecosystems, and the harmony with the surrounding environment. In terms of maintaining the habitat of the target species, soil collected from the existing habitat of the Kaloula borealis and was the depth was increased to 30cm in the alternative habitat. An artificial water supply was required every year during the supporting the spawning and hatching of other amphibians along with the Kaloula borealis. The sources of water of the alternative habitat were both rain and tap water, as it cannot be maintained naturally. Additionally, the Kaloula borealis thrived because it inhabited the research site and the average temperature was $26.2^{\circ}C$ from April-June, which is when the Kaloula borealis spawns. In terms of maintaining the population and reproduction rates of the Kaloula borealis, they were evaluated to have stable rates of reproduction. In terms of maintaining the habitat of the wild species, studies on vegetation and the structure of the characteristics of prey or predators will be needed. Also, alien species, such as Humulus japonicus and Bidens frondosa needed to be removed to maintain the wetland ecosystem of the wild species. In the assessment of the resilience of the natural ecosystems, the mud was monitored, noting the changes in the depth of water, with steps taken to reduce the leakage of water. The mud collected from the Haneul Pond wetland, which is located around the research site was piled up. Also, partial mowing management and the inducement of a natural vegetation colony was required for vegetation management. It was also necessary to create porous spaces, such as old trees and tree branches to create a habitat with hiding places and feeding and spawning places for small organisms. In terms of the harmony with the surrounding environment, the following threat factors needed to be managed: amphibian roadkill by vehicles and pedestrians and artificial draining due to nearby user access. Based on the monitoring results, alternative habitat management measures presented the promoting various waterside structures, in which amphibians can spawn and hide in, managing the water environment consistently, managing the vegetation, focused on the habitat of the wild species, and managing the surrounding environment for the habitat. The creation of an alternative habitat should be managed through monitoring, reflecting the characteristics of the changes in the site. Also continuing efforts are also needed to improve the habitat of the target species.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• 제51권4호
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• pp.1-15
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• 2023

This research intended to reveal the special characteristics of the vegetation structure and the tendency of change of -landfill slope districts, which are reclaimed land, through an investigationsinto the presently existent vegetation and plant community structure of the World Cup Park landfill slope district. For the analysis of changes in vegetation, this study compared the results of field surveys in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2021. For the investigation into the plant community structure, a field investigation was carried out in 2021 with six fixed investigation districts designated in 1999 as subjects. To analyze the change in the plant community structure, the past data on the population, the number of the species, and the species diversity by the layer in 2021 were compared and analyzed in the landfill slope district, which is reclaimed land. The changes of the vegetation distribution and the power had been affected by typhoons (Kompasu). Above the plantation foundation, which had been dry and poor, Salix koreensis, marsh woody plants that had formed the community, decreased greatly. The Robinia pseudoacacia community, after the typhoon in 2010, decreased in the number of species and population. Afterward, it showed a tendency to rebound. Regarding the Ailanthus altissima-Robinia pseudoacacia-Paulownia tomentosa community, the number of the species and the population had shown a change similar to the Robinia pseudoacacia community. The Paulownia tomentosa and the Ailanthus altissima have been culled. The slope was predicted as a Future Robinia pseudoacacia forest. The Salix pseudolasiogyne community has been transitioning to a Robinia pseudoacacia forest. Only some enumeration districts, the Robinia pseudoacacia forests and the Salix pseudolasiogyne, had been growing. However, most had been in been declining. It was predicted that this community will be maintained as a Robinia pseudoacacia forest in the future. As these vegetation communities are the representative vegetation of the landfill slope districts, which is reclaimed land, there is a need to understand the ecosystem changes of the community through continuous monitoring. The results of this research can be utilized as a basic material for the vegetation restoration of reclaimed land.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.85-101
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• 2013

In order to search for distribution characteristics on C4 plants at the paddy fields, uplands, orchard and roadside in South Korea, vascular plants were investigated. Flora investigation had been carried out from May 2002 to October 2006 at 241 plots. In the results of survey, the flora of these areas consist of 74 families, 231 genera and 352 species totally. The class frequencies were arranged by the order of Magnoliopsidae (255 species), Monocotyledoneae (89 species), Pteropsida (7 species) and Sphenopsida (1 species). The number of species in each investigated agricultural field types was 55 families with 203 species in paddy field, 49 families with 218 species in uplands, 44 families with 115 species in orchard and 48 families with 202 species in roadside respectiviely. Representative species compositions of these four agricultural field types were characterized by Artemisia princeps, Persicaria thunbergii in paddy field, Artemisia princeps, Erigeron annuus in upland and roadside, Commelina communis, Digitaria ciliaris in orchard, respectively. Therefore, indicative species in agricultural ecosystem was Artemisia princeps. Among the investigated 352 species, $C_4$ plants identified were 38 species, and the occurrence ratio of $C_4$ monocotyledonous plants were higher in paddy field, orchard and roadside than upland. Such differences in the occurrence ratio of $C_4$ plants under diverse agricultural field types reflect differences in environmental condition such as micro-climate, soil moisture under various agricultural fields. Dominant $C_4$ monocotyledonous plants were Digitaria ciliaris and Commelina communis, while $C_4$ dicotyledonous plants were Amaranthus mangostanus and Chenopodium album var. centrorubrum in agricultural fields. Naturalized plants were identified as 47 species and occurrence ratio were higher in upland and roadside than other agricultural field types. Among the investigated naturalized plants, $C_4$ plants were Amaranthus mangostanus and Amaranthus retroflexus. Distribution characteristics of representative $C_4$ plants in agricultural field types, revealed that the projected increase in temperature due to climate change may provide better conditions for the growth of $C_4$ plants. Thus, the necessity of long-term monitoring should be conducted on the diffusion of $C_4$ plants that may threaten influence agroecosystem in Korea.