• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
• /
• v.37 no.2
• /
• pp.204-216
• /
• 2019

To evaluate the biological integrity of aquatic ecosystems, we developed Korean multimetric diatom index (KMDI) using metrics that many researchers have been previously described, and compared to single-metric diatom index such as trophic diatom index (TDI) and diatom assemblage index to organic pollution (DAIpo). For the biological and environmental data, we investigated the epilithic diatoms, water quality and the land-use for 923 sites in Korean streams between 2013-2017, and estuaries between 2010-2017, respectively. Five appropriate metrics were selected according to the following steps; 1) extraction of 300 potential metrics (biological, chemical, physical, and geographical) based on previous references, of these, 2) 46 samples having high separation power were selected, 3) the selected metrics were each tested for variability, redundancy, and sensitivity to the environments, finally 4) construction of multi-metric diatom index comprising single type metrics such as TDI, DAIpo, % motile diatoms, % Achnanthes / (Achnanthes+Navicula), and % number of Gomphonema species. The biological integrity of the 233 sites from the Geum River basin were independently investigated using KMDI. Collectively, the new KMDI showed high sensitivity and explanatory power for environmental factors such as land-use, biochemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, and electric conductivity. However, it had slightly higher biological integrity for the same sites as compared to single type diatom metrics. Finally, more data accumulation from all over Korea and the development of acceptable diatom metrics were required.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.189-196
• /
• 1993

Allelopathic inhibition by substance(s) originated from sicklepod(Cassia tora L.) seed on germination of other plant seeds, was confirmed and used to elucidate general mechanism of allelopathy which was occurred widly in natural and/or agricultural ecosystems. The mechanism was deduced from changes in water contents, ${\alpha}$-amylase activities, protease activities, concentrations of abscisic acid and total phenolic compounds during germination of rice and radish seeds treated with water-soluble extracts of sicklepod seeds. The results obtained were summarized as follows. 1. The % germinations of radish, rice, lettuce, barley seeds were decreased by substances originated from crushed sicklepod seeds. 2. By the treatment of water-soluble extracts of sicklepod seeds, the inhibition of germination of radish seeds was occured with the sequential phenomena of increase of protease activity(synthesis), decrease of water content and increase of total phenolic compounds content. 3. In rice, the inhibition of seed germination by the water-slouble extracts of sicklepod seeds was related to increase of abscisic acid concentration and then decrease of ${\alpha}$-amylase activity(synthesis).

• Journal of Wetlands Research
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.66-72
• /
• 2020

The coastal sand dunes have transitional characteristics of marine and inland ecosystems, and they have abundant biodiversity. This study investigated flora and vegetation and analyzed the landscape structure at seven beaches in Busan metropolitan city. As a result, the vascular species of the coastal sand dunes in Busan were identified as 178 taxa of 140 families. Vegetation landscape was damaged to the extent that no natural vegetation was found in 4 of 7 beaches (57%). The coastal dune vegetation was dominated by the Carex pumila community and Carex kobomugi community. The halophyte and invasive alien species were classified into 18 taxa (10% of all species) and 40 taxa (22% of all), respectively. The vegetation that made up the largest area was the Phragmites communis community of the salt marsh, and the species number of halophyte increased as the wetland area increased. This means that the maintenance and management of salt marshes is important to conserve the unique plant diversity of the region.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
• /
• v.35 no.4
• /
• pp.399-405
• /
• 2011

The number of abandoned dogs is increasing with the worsening of the economy and the rising of feed value. It was becoming a serious social problem because of the disease transmission and destruction of natural ecosystems by abandoned dogs been wild animal. In order to solve these problems, companion dogs necessary to secure its own genetic information and to establish the systematic tracking system. Using multiplex-PCR method with 27 microsatellite marker (MS marker) divided 3 set, various alleles occurring to 6 dog breed (Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, English Springer Spaniel, Belgian Malinois, Jindo Dog, PoongSan Dog) make use of markers to determine allele frequency and heterozygosity. MS marker FH2834 and FH2790 have only two allele and most were found in 13 alleles at FH3381 and FH3399. Average heterozygosity of MS marker is 0.534 and especially, heterozygosity represented the highest value of 0.765 at FH3381. So, it was recognized appropriate allele frequency for individual identification and paternity diagnosis in companion dogs. Using multiplex-PCR method with MS marker, various alleles occurring to dog breed make use of markers to deter mine individual identification and paternity diagnosis, traits associated biomarkers and breed-specific marker for faster, more accurate and ways to reduce the analysis cost. Based on this result, a scientific basis was established to the existing pedigree data by applying genetics additionally. Animal registration system is expected to be conducted nationwide in future. The method expects to very useful this system.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
• /
• v.38 no.1
• /
• pp.189-196
• /
• 2020

Mosquitos serve as vectors for diseases, causing inconvenience as well as a threat to human life and health. Concern about mosquitos introducing and spreading new diseases has been intensifying. We observed a variety of mosquito habitats based on land cover classification from Korea's Ministry of Environment, and the mosquito species that could appear were classified according to the each habitat type. Finally, we suggested the best control methods for each type of habitat considering habitat characteristics and the ecological traits of mosquitos. Urban areas harbor various habitats for pests, contributing significantly to mosquito habitats. Control must be performed regarding larva and adults because various sources for habitats exist. Public mosquito control programs such as educational training, as well as information brochures can be effective in managing mosquito populations and public health. Agricultural areas show high densities of mosquito larva to lentic zones such as reservoirs, wetlands, paddy fields. So, biological control using natural predators may be effective in controlling mosquito populations. Forests are major habitats for Aedes albopctus, so physical controls should be deployed for residents living nearby, and excessive deforestation should be minimized. Other areas including aquatic ecosystems should be adopted regarding biological control using Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis) and chemical control for eradicating mosquitos. We classified habitats into four types of land cover patterns considering ecological traits and habitat preference, and suggest adequate control methods for each habitat type. Our suggestion can be used to positively contribute toward effective managing mosquito's density and reducing the damage to public health.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.53 no.1
• /
• pp.46-54
• /
• 2020

Artificial and natural changes such as weir construction and climate change often cause abnormal blooming of organism. Therefore, variations in species community of organisms have been actively investigated to identify influential environmental changes on the fresh water ecosystem. In this study, we investigated Chironomidae community and environmental factors at 5 representative weirs (Ipo, IP; Sejong, SJ; Juksan, JS; Gangjeong-goryung, GG; and Dalsung weir) in 4 Korean major rivers to figure out relationship between Chironomidae community and environmental factors. Environmental factors indicating organic matter (total organic carbon, TOC and Chlorophyll-a, Chl-a) showed lower concentration in IP and SJ compared with other sites(JS, GG and DS). 3 sub-family 18 genus 25 species of Chironomidae community were found in this study. Among them, Chironominae was dominant in JS (Tanytarsus sp.1), GG (Polypedilum scalaenum) and DS (Polypedilum scalaenum), while different sub-family were dominant in IP (Orthcladinae, Tokunagayusurika akamushi) and SJ (Tanypodinae, Tanypus punctipennis). Moreover, based on the dominant species of Chironomidae community and environmental factors, the cluster analysis classified our study sites into 3 groups. These results imply that the diet resource is the most important factor for dominance of Chironomidae in Korean rivers. We also suggest that further study on the identification of diet resources for each Chironomidae specie is required for better understating of distribution in species community of Chironomidae at various ecosystems.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.231-242
• /
• 2011

Recently, the green spaces in the urban areas were greatly reduced due to urbanization and industrialization. As urban structures such as roads and buildings are built, the amount of impervious area within a watershed increases. High impervious surfaces are the common causes of high runoff volumes as the soil infiltration capacity decreases and the volume and rate of runoff increase thereby decreasing the groundwater recharge. These effects are causing many environmental problems, such as floods and droughts, climate change, heat island phenomenon, drying streams, etc. Most cities attempted to reduce sewer overflows by separating combined sewers, expanding treatment capacity or storage within the sewer system, or by replacing broken or decaying pipes. However, these practices can be enormously expensive than combined sewer overflows. Therefore, in order to improve these practices, alternative methods should be undertaken. A new approach termed as "Low Impact Development (LID)" technology is currently applied in developed countries around the world. The purpose of this study was to effectively manage runoff by adopting the LID techniques. Small Constructed Wetland(Horizontal Subsurface Flow, HSSF) Pilot-scale reactors were made in which monitoring and experiments were performed to investigate the efficiency of the system in removing pollutants from runoff. Based on the results of the Pilot-plant experiments, TSS, $COD_{Cr}$, TN, TP, Total Pb removal efficiency were 95, 82, 35, 91 and 57%, respectively. Most of the pollutants were reduced after passing the settling tank and the vertical filter media. The results of this study can contribute to the conservation of aquatic ecosystems and restoration of natural water cycle in the urban areas.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.80-92
• /
• 2015

Some of alien plants, which were introduced from foreign countries, have caused problems in Korea. Invasion of these alien plants in the ecosystem threatens the habitat of endemic species, reducing biodiversity, and causing a disturbance in the ecological system. In urbanized areas of campus universities, a diverse range of organisms were found and a comparison between the sites, near roads or housing sites were made because the campuses provided a large biotope. Although the campus had been exposed to interferences like gardening, it was also a place for most organisms to live in an active floating population due to free access. This research investigated the flora of alien plants that appeared in Beakseok University, Sangmyung University, Hoseo University and Dankook University, and relationship between the distribution of alien plants and the campus and green areas and distance from the highway. The total number of plant species and naturalized species found in the four universities was 189 and 43 species. Those of Dankook University were 136 and 35 species, Hoseo 108 and 25 species, Sangmyung 103 and 31 species, and Baekseok 97 and 26 species, respectively. The abundance of natural plants for each respective university tended to be higher as it became closer to the highway. Also, the closer the walking distance to the university, the greater the tendency for the degree of similarity to be higher. As a result, we may conclude that the distribution of alien plants and anthropogenic activities may be closely related.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
• /
• v.26 no.6
• /
• pp.508-523
• /
• 2017

This study monitored the changes before and after restoration of ecological stream focusing on the places which are applied Sustainable Structured wetland Biotop (SSB) system and ecological Fish-way for restoration of Maeno stream. A total of 11 species and 191 individuals of fishes were founded out which were not verified inhabitation before restoration at SSB wetlands. Especially, it was could identified that micro habitat and healthy Fish-way was created because the restored target species, Microphysogobio yaluensis and Iksookimia koreensis were identified that habitation was monitored in SSB wetland. Amphibian have been restored to a number of Rana nigromaculata found in and around wetlands at the time of the third survey, which is highly active after restoration. Specified endangered species class 1 and natural monuments designated by the Ministry of Environment, Lutra lutra lutra, as a Mammalian, uses the wetlands and ecological Fish-way as habitat areas, and the his habitat is restored. In the case of Flora, vascular plants emerging in the survey area were increased to 7 and 13 species before restoration and 15 and 19 species directly after restoration, and 22 species and 33 species after restoration. Vegetation after restoration was found to be a basic producer of various ecosystems and a plant community that contributes to the purification of water quality such as Phragmites japonica communities. As the result of water quality monitoring, the average of treatment efficiencies were BOD 64.3%, T-N 47.2%, T-P 80.7%. Successful treatment of the nonpoint pullution source, which is a limiting factor to disturb the ecosystem, creatively restored the target species in the water quality class I, II.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.45 no.2
• /
• pp.252-260
• /
• 2012

The wetlands have eco-sociological values because their functions have proven to be useful to human society. Many countries are working to conserve and protect the wetland ecosystems. However, many wetlands have disappeared or have been fragmented due to a natural and/or anthropogenic disturbance. These isolated wetlands appear to work best in the landscape, as a spatially distributed system. We have analyzed the spatial-social distribution patterns of wetlands in Gyeongsangnam-do Province (GNP). We examined the frequency distribution of wetland sizes, the distances to the nearest wetlands, the shapes of the wetlands, land-use patterns, land owners, and official land values were confirmed as social characteristics for each wetland. A total of 146 wetlands (3,598.85 ha), including 76 riverine wetlands (1,955.60 ha), 49 palustrine wetlands (1,282.28 ha) and 21 mountain wetlands (1,282.28 ha) were identified in GNP. Most wetlands left for use to drainage were small (<2 ha) and located in agricultural areas. However, small and isolated wetlands were clustered, according to the location, indicating that these wetlands can be connected to each other using the linear riverine wetlands and water channels in agricultural areas. This is extremely valuable in maintaining the biodiversity, such that any loss of small wetlands will cause a direct reduction in the connectedness among populations of the remaining species. Due to most wetlands belonging to the nation or businesses, being classified as reservoirs (water storage areas), and consequently, degradation of wetlands will progress due to grand-scale engineering works. Therefore, wetland policy and ecologically sensitive laws and policies should be developed in order to promote the wise-use for wetlands.