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http://dx.doi.org/10.11626/KJEB.2013.31.4.440

Ecological Health Assessments on Stream Order in Southern Han River Watershed and Physical Habitat Assessments  

Choi, Ji-Woong (Department of Biological Science, College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University)
An, Kwang-Guk (Department of Biological Science, College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University)
Publication Information
Korean Journal of Environmental Biology / v.31, no.4, 2013 , pp. 440-447 More about this Journal
Abstract
The ecological health, based on the Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) and Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) was evaluated in 10 stream sites of Southern Han River. Eleven parameters of 12 parameters (Karr 1981) were modified for the application of regional Korean circumstance. The ecological health, based on IBI grade, was in "good condition" and the IBI score ranged from 33 to 47. Nine parameters of the original 12-parameter metrics in QHEI model (Plafkin et al. 1989) were applied in the habitat assessment. The mean QHEI model values were judged as "partially supporting" and ranged from 75 (non-supporting) to 109 (supporting). Comparative analyses revealed that values of IBI and QHEI models were greater in Gj stream than Ig- and Dn streams. The analysis of fish compositions showed that the proportions of insectivore, omnivore, and carnivore were 61.9%, 19%, and 9.5%, respectively. According to tolerance guild analysis, sensitive species and tolerant species were 76.1% and 4.7%, respectively, indicating a healthy trophic state in terms of food chain. The analysis by habitat guild type indicated that riffle benthic species dominated (57.1%) when compared to water column species (28.5%). The introduced species and individuals with diseases or external abnormality were not observed. Overall, the model values of IBI and QHEI suggested that the ecological health was maintained well in this upstream region.
Keywords
ecological health; physical habitat; stream order; Southern Han River;
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