• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.759-771
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• 2011

We evaluated the pollution levels of organic matter and metallic element (Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr, Mn, As, and Hg) in the intertidal surface sediments of Aphae Island using several sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) and assessment techniques for sediment pollution. Based on the textural composition of sediment, the surface sediments were classified into two main sedimentary facies: slightly gravelly mud and silt. The concentrations of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and acid volatile sulfide (AVS) in the sediments ranged from 4.6-9.9 (mean $7.4{\pm}1.1$) $mgO_2/g{\cdot}dry$ and from ND-0.53 (mean $0.04{\pm}0.10$) mgS/$g{\cdot}dry$, respectively. These values were considerably lower than those reported from a farming area in a semi-enclosed bay of Korea and for SQGs in Japan. The metallic element concentrations in the sediments varied widely with the mean grain size and organic matter content, implying that the concentrations of metallic elements are influenced mainly by secondary factors, such as bioturbation, the resuspension of sediment, and anthropogenic input. The overall results for the comparison with SQGs, enrichment factor (EF), and geoaccumulation index ($I_{geo}$) indicate that the surface sediments are slightly polluted by Cr and Ni, and moderately polluted by As. Our results suggest that the intertidal surface sediments of Aphae Island are not polluted by organic matter or metallic elements and the benthic conditions are suitable for healthy organisms.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.639-649
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• 2017

Measurements of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were taken in surface sediments inside Seogwipo and Hallim Harbors of Jeju Island, Korea, to evaluate their distribution. These harbors typically have heavy ship traffic. The samples were collected three times (in June, October, and December, 2013). PCB concentrations in sediments from Seogwipo Harbor were higher than in those from Hallim Harbor, but both levels were very low, compared with those in other parts of the world. Sedimentary PCB levels had a strong correlation with organic carbon and fine granule mud content. PCB concentration values in the examined surface sediments were much lower than Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) such as ER-L (Effect Rrange-Low), TEL (Threshold Effects Level) and ISQG (Interim Sediment Quality Guideline)-low value applied in countries, such as USA, Canada, and Australia. This suggests that the PCBs did not have significant biological effects on benthic organisms in the marine environment.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.772-784
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• 2011

We measured grain size, organic matter, and metallic elements (Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Mn, Hg, and As) in intertidal sediments collected from six islands in the western part of Jellanam Province in order to evaluate heavy metal contamination in the tidal flat sediments of coastal islands. The evaluation of metal contamination was carried out using geochemical assessment techniques such as sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), enrichment factor (EF), and geoaccumulation index ($I_{geo}$). Surface sediments were classified into four sedimentary facies: sand, gravelly muddy sand, slightly gravelly mud, and silt. The concentrations of heavy metals in intertidal sediments from Jaeun, Amtae, Biguem, and Docho islands showed good positive correlations with mean grain size and ignition loss, indicating that the concentrations of metallic elements in these sediments were dependent on grain size and the organic matter content. The concentrations of heavy metals in sediments from almost all of the stations were lower than two criterion values proposed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States. Based on the EF and $I_{geo}$ results, surface sediments were a little polluted for Cr and were moderately polluted for As. Our results suggest that more intensive studies are necessary in the future in order to determine the major source of As in intertidal sediment and to evaluate the As pollution level in macrobenthos.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.930-940
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• 2013

We evaluated contamination with organic matter and trace metals by analyzing grain size, ignition loss (IL), chemical oxygen demand (COD), acid volatile sulfide (AVS), and trace metals (Al, Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr, Mn, Hg, and As) in surface sediments at 28 stations around the Geum River estuary in July 2008. The surface sediments in the estuary were mainly composed of coarse sediment (sand and muddy sand), with mean grain size (Mz) ranging between $2-4{\O}$. The high concentrations of IL, COD, and trace metals were mainly found at stations in front of the Gusan outer port and industrial complex, and near the Seocheon coast with relatively fine sediments. In addition, the concentrations of IL and all trace metals, except Pb and As, showed good positive correlations with Mz, indicating that the concentrations of organic matter and trace metals were mainly dependent on sediment grain size. The concentrations of COD, AVS, and trace metals in most sediments did not exceed the sediment quality guideline (SQGs). Although the sediments in the study region are not polluted with organic matter and trace metals, there are many point sources of pollutants, such as Gusan port and industrial complex, Janghang refinery, and a thermoelectric power plant around the Geum River estuary. Thus, the management of coastal environments through periodic monitoring of organic matter and trace metals is required in the future.