• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.1-11
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• 2002

The morphology, seed germination, and life history of Salix nipponica were investigated in the wetland of the Nam-River, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea from 2000 to 2001 to provide the basic data necessary for riverine ecosystem restoration through understanding the growth characteristics of Salix nipponica. Salix nipponica had stomata on only lower side and stomata type was paracytic. Salix nipponica produced many small and light seeds. The seed number per mature ament was 1599.4, seed mass of 0.04 mg, and fertilization rate of 66.1%. Seed germination was little affected by light. Germination rate was high and mean germination time was short Under flooding condition, seeds were germinated normally and were viable after as much as 14 days of flooding. But there were no differences under various water depths on germination rates. Tree age was closely correlated with more stem diameter than tree height and there was no difference of growth rate between male and female tree. Growth rate was most rapid for 2 to 3 years after germination, and length growth was almost stopped for more than 11 years even though mass growth was done. Besides even a second-year indivisual was flowered.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.191-197
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• 2020

The purpose of this was to examine the differences of large whopper swan (Cygnus cygnus) in wintering habitat preference among bridge sections of the lower Nakdong River of the Nakdong River Estuary, the largest whopper swan's wintering habitat in Korea. This species is designated and protected as Natural Monument in Korea. The survey was conducted in six time-series during the 2018~2019 wintering season, and it found up to 500 whopper swans were wintering in the lower Nakdong River. For the survey, a seven sections were set up based on the bridges across the river. Whopper swans were rarely observed in five narrow sections where the distance between bridges was less than 2 km. The stable population of the whopper swan was observed only in two broader sections where the distance between bridges was is over 4 km. As these sections were relatively little affected by artificial interference, the distance from the mouth of the Nakdong River was not a factor. Securing a stable space is considered as one of the most important factors for wintering of whopper swans, which are an endangered species. The survey results indicate that the distance between bridges should be at least 4 km to secure the whopper swan's stable habitat. These results are expected to be a reference to the development or restoration of the river ecosystems, especially bridge construction.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.561-573
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• 2012

The object of this study was to analyze long-term water quality gradients during 1992-2008 at six sites of Geumho River and near-by two sites of Nakdong River and their influences on fish trophic guilds and tolerance guilds along with ecological health. Water quality including biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), conductivity, total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and total suspended solids (TSS) varied largely depending on the sampling locations and seasons. Values of ambient BOD, COD, TP, and TN were greater in the downstream than in the upstream reach, and seasonal and interannual variabilities were also higher in the downstreams. This phenomenon was evident due to a dilution by the Asian monsoon rainfall during the monsoon. These outcomes indicate that point sources near the downstream are important for the chemical conditions, but also seasonal stream runoff was considered as an important factor regulating the chemical conditions. Conductivity decreased rapidly during the summer due to ionic dilution, and nutrients (N, P), BOD, COD had an inverse function of seasonal precipitation. Based on the water quality, we selected two sites (control site = $C_s$ vs. impacted site = $I_s$) for impact analysis of water chemistry on fish community and trophic/tolerant guilds. Fish guild analysis showed that species diversity was higher in the headwater stream ($C_s$) than the impacted downstream ($I_s$), and that the proportion of tolerant and omnivore species were greater in the impacted site of downstream. Comparisons of water quality between Geumho River and Nakdong River indicated that Geumho River was considered as a point source which degradated water quality to the Nakdong River. Overall, chemical water quality and fish guild analysis suggest that even if current chemical quality got better after 1996 due to continuous constructions of wastewater disposal plants near the downstreams, fish compositions of tolerant and omnivores were still dominated the community. Thus, biological restoration based on ecological health is required for the ecosystem conservation.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.39 no.1 s.115
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• pp.52-61
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• 2006

The aim of this study was to analyze the seasonal patterns of zooplankton community dynamics in the lower Nakdong River (Mulgum, RK; river kilometer; 27 km from the estuarine barrage), with a Self-Organizing Map (SOM) based on weekly sampled data collected over ten years(1994 ${\sim}$ 2003). It is well known that zooplankton groups had important role in the food web of freshwater ecosystems, however, less attention has been paid to this group compared with other community constituents. A non-linear patterning algorithm of the SOM was applied to discover the relationship among river environments and zooplankton community dynamics. Limnological variables (water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH , Secchi transparency, turbidity, chlorophyll a, discharge, etc.) were taken into account to implement patterning seasonal changes of zooplankton community structures (consisting of rotifers, cladocerans and copepods). The trained SOM model allocated zooplankton on the map plane with limnological parameters. Three zooplankton groups had high similarities to one another in their changing seasonal patterns, Among the limnological variables, water temporature was highly related to the zooplankton community dynamics (especially for cladocerans). The SOM model illustrated the suppression of zooplankton due to the increased river discharge, particularly in summer. Chlorophyll a concentrations were separated from zooplankton data set on the map plane, which would intimate the herbivorous activity of dominant grazers. This study introduces the zooplankton dynamics associated with limnological parameters using a nonlinear method, and the information will be useful for managing the river ecosystem, with respect to the food web interactions.

• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.321-338
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• 2014

This study aims to identify spatial distribution of estuarine wetlands in Korea, and to assess temporal variation of the wetlands in the last few decades. Widely known in environmental and coastal management, watershed-based regions which composed with Han-river(western and eastern parts), Keum-river, Yeoungsan-river, Seomjin-river, Nakdong-river, and Jeju, are analyzed to evaluate temporal change of estuarine wetlands in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, through the land-cover map. Results show that estuarine wetlands dramatically decreased in Han-river(western part), Keum-river, Yeoungsan-river that estuarine circulation have been interrupted with man-made structures such as dyke and drainage. But, estuarine wetlands surrounded by forests and grasslands has been relatively less damaged. Habitat diversity providing healthy estuary ecosystem is lower in interrupted estuaries than circulated estuaries, which are composed of tidal-flat, open water, salt marsh, rocky coasts and sandy shoreline. This study indicates that spatial distribution and temporal variation of estuarine wetlands are different with estuary type and region, so estuary type with seven regions can be applied to provides a framework for estuary management strategies and to establish estuary restoration plans.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.665-679
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• 2015

Yearly mean temperature in the 29 lakes surveyed ranges from 12.6 (Suncheon) to 13.9℃ (Mokpo), the lowest in −2.7℃ (January) and the highest in 25.9℃ (July). Monthly mean the amount of rainfall recorded the highest of 336.7 mm in August and the lowest with 4.9 mm in January. A total of 424 species of phytoplankton were identified. They were 157 Chlorophyceae, 161 Bacillariophyceae, 39 Cyanophyceae, and 67 other algal taxa. The phytoplankton diversity were low in stream type reservoirs such as Guemho, Youngsan and Youngam. The population density of phytoplankton ranged from 19 to 53,161 cells/ml. Annual mean of total zooplankton abundance in 45 sites was 369±827 ind./L (n=180). Rotifers were the most common taxa and their relative abundance was high (65~77%). The benthic microinvertebrate fauna of 10 reservoirs of Jeonnam province were 71 species of 61 genera of 44 families of 16 orders of 7 classes of 4 phyla. Aquatic insects of Phylum Arthropoda were 50 species of 44 genera of 28 families of 6 orders. The number of individuals was 6,132. Diptera was highiest (41.3%), and Ephemeroptera (31.0%), Trichoptera (17.5%), Anellida (3.8%), Mollusca (3.3%), Crustacea (0.4%). Large hydrophytes were identified 32 taxa, 2 varieties 30 species 26 genera and 20 families. Especially, Jijung and Juam lakes require management such as physical remove of this ecosystem disturbance field plants. Fishes were identified total 44 taxa, such as 25 Cyprinidae (56.8%), 8 Cobitidae (17.0%), 3 Gobiidae (6.4%), 2 Bagridae (4.3%), 2 Osmeridae (4.3%), 2 Odontobutidae (4.3%), 2 Centrachidae (4.3%), 1 Siluridae (2.1%), and 1 Centropomidae (2.1%). A pale chub was dominant species (18.9%).

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.354-366
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• 2022

To analyze the distribution of plant communities growing in river wetlands and the relationship between biotic and abiotic environmental factors, plant communities and environmental factors were investigated in river wetlands in the Boseong River. The Boseong River Wetland, the research site, consists of Hwapyeong Wetland, Bangujeong Wetland, and Seokgok Wetland. From June to September 2022, a plant community survey was conducted from the perspective of physiognomical vegetation, and the coverage of the emerging species followed the Braun-Blanquet scale. Plant species and the coverage of each species were recorded in the quadrant for plant community survey, and the cover of the quadrant, the total number of species, and the number of exotic species were measured as biological factors. As abiotic factors, altitude, orientation, inclination, soil texture, litter layer depth, dominant species diameter at breast height, and topography were recorded. In a total of 50 square plots, the most common Salix koreensis and Phragmites japonicus communities were found, and the community with the highest Shannon species diversity index was Phragmites japonicus-Echinochloa caudata community. As a result of ordination analysis by DCCA, the most significant clusters were separated according to topographic factors such as leeve, leeve slope, upper floodplain, lower floodplain, upper waterside, middle waterside, lower waterside, river island and opem water. As rare plants that need to be preserved in river wetlands, Hydrocharis dubia and Penthorum chinense were found in lower waterside, and it was found that the management of the river in the reservoir is necessary in line with the topographical distribution of ecosystem-disrupting plants, such as Paspalum distichum var. indutum.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.398-405
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• 2022

The research was based on long-term studies on the major physico-chemical and hydrological factors and zooplankton community dynamics in the Hwang River. We had 341 times survey and collected zooplankton samples in the Hwang River of mid-Nakdong River from 1995 to 2013. We identified 97 zooplankton species, including 77 rotifers, 16 cladocerans, and 4 copepods. The total zooplankton abundance and species diversity were shown distinctive temporal variation (ANOVA, p<0.001). Annual average of zooplankton population density was 58.4±3.2 ind L^-1 (n=341) and the lowest was 17.0±3.8 ind L^-1 (1996, n=20), while the highest was 151.5±32.3 ind L^-1 (2010, n=22). For zooplankton, small rotifer groups(e.g., Keratella sp., Brachionus sp., Trichotria sp.) dominated the study site for 19 years survey. Statistical analysis revealed that there were positive relationships with SiO₂ (p=0.002) and water level (p<0.001) for the high abundance of rotifer community. There were considerable variations both the total cladocerans population and the number of cladocerans' species concerning annual precipitation. Despite the appearance of various zooplankton in the Hwang River, the mean population density remained low. Due to the lateral structures in the Nakdong River, the downstream basin of the Hwang River is inevitably affected. The zooplankton community in our study site is considered to be mainly influenced by external factors that can stably increase and maintain the volume of the water body and internal factors that induce an increase in food sources through the inflow of nutrients into the water body.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.169-188
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• 2024

Recently, Korean government has incorporated the assessment and restoration of river continuity as a key component of its integrated water management policy. While, methodologies for evaluating discontinuities and degradation, as well as the procedures for assessment and restoration, have been developed and proposed, there is a need for further improvement. Therefore, further research is required to establish a conceptual framework for continuity specific to domestic river ecosystems and to formulate appropriate assessment methods and restoration strategies. In this study we conduct a comparative analysis of the concepts, restoration approaches, and comprehensive evaluation methods for river continuity as proposed by Japan, the United States, and the European Union (EU), all of which have long-standing frameworks for river continuity assessment and restoration projects. Each country demonstrates distinct objectives and guidelines: Japan emphasizes habitat continuity within the context of river and watershed continuity, the United States integrates continuity as a tool for watershed management, and the EU prioritizes biodiversity conservation by advocating for the removal of artificial barriers and promoting the restoration of free-flowing rivers (FFR). By investigating these international examples, this study provides insights that can guide the development of long-term strategies and evaluation criteria for securing aquatic ecosystem continuity in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.150-164
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• 2022

The objective of this study is to analyze the biodiversity changes and characteristics of the benthic macroinvertebrate community in the Nakdong River with eight weirs, which was constructed as one of the Four Major River Restoration Projects from May to October 2020. The study also includes the analysis of changes in the major groups of benthic macroinvertebrates for about ten years, from 2010 to 2020. The surveys collected 97 species of benthic macroinvertebrates belonging to 83 genera, 52 families, 18 orders, five classes, three phyla, and 128.1 individuals/m². Chironomidae sp. and Tubificidae spp., which are pollutant indicators, dominated throughout the sections. The community analysis result shows the average dominant index and the diversity index of 0.62±0.20 and 1.87±0.63, respectively, and indicated the most stability of the freshwater ecosystem in the upper stream of the Nakdong River. The survey showed dominance by Chironomidae sp. at the center of the Nakdong River weir and the most unstable community in Chilgok and Gangjeong Goryeong weirs. The results of the community stability analysis showed a high distribution of the characteristic group I with high resilience and resistance and small distribution of characteristic group III with low resistance and resilience, indicating a very unstable condition of communities in the Nakdong River weir section. Predators were relatively abundant among the functional feeding groups (FFGs), whereas shredders, gathering-collectors, and filtering-collectors were relatively lower. Among the habitat orientation groups (HOGs), burrowers and climbers were dominant, indicating a wide distribution of groups in ecosystems with low dissolved oxygen. An endangered species level II of Macromia daimoji was found in Sangju and Nakdan weirs. The analysis results for 10 years from 2010 showed that the number of species and populations increased immediately after the dam construction but plummeted in 2016 and are now stabilizing. Chironomidae spp. has been dominant in all sections over the past 10 years, and they are currently maintained at a rate of about 50%. The EPT groups have decreased significantly since 2011, and the Plecoptera and Trichoptera of the group have not yet been restored. The population of Tubificidae spp. showed an increase after construction was completed in 2012 and drastically increased in 2015 and 2020. The species of Cristaria plicata, designated as endangered species level I, has not been observed since 2011 in Hapcheon Changnyeong weir. Moreover, Macromia daimoji was rarely observed in seven weirs until 2015, and it has been confirmed that the current distribution habitat has decreased rapidly.