• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.395-401
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• 2009

The smectite-illite (SI) reaction is a ubiquitous process in siliciclastic sedimentary environments. For the last 4 decades the importance of smectite to illite (S-I) reaction was described in research papers and reports, as the degree of the (S-I) reaction, termed "smectite illitization", is linked to the exploration of hydrocarbons, and geochemical/petrophysical indicators. The S-I transformation has been thought that the reaction, explained either by layer-by-layer mechanism in the solid state or dissolution/reprecipitation process, was entirely abiotic and to require burial, heat, and time to proceed, however few studies have taken into account the bacterial activity. Recent laboratory studies showed evidence suggesting that the structural ferric iron (Fe(III)) in clay minerals can be reduced by microbial activity and the role of microorganisms is to link organic matter oxidation to metal reduction, resulting in the S-I transformation. In abiotic systems, elevated temperatures are typically used in laboratory experiments to accelerate the smectite to illite reaction in order to compensate for a long geological time in nature. However, in biotic systems, bacteria may catalyze the reaction and elevated temperature or prolonged time may not be necessary. Despite the important role of microbe in S-I reaction, factors that control the reaction mechanism are not clearly addressed yet. This paper, therefore, overviews the current status of microbially mediated smectite-to-illite reaction studies and characterization techniques.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.59-65
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• 2010

Wetlands are a well known ecosystem which have high spatial-temporal heterogeneity of chemical characteristics. This high heterogeneity induces diverse biogeochemical processes, such as aerobic decomposition, denitrification, and plant productivity in wetlands. Understanding the dynamics of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and inorganic nitrogen in wetlands is important because DOC and inorganic nitrogen are main factors controlling biological processes in wetlands. In this study, we assessed spatial distribution of DOC and inorganic nitrogen with relation to the different hydrology and vegetation in created wetlands. Both DOC and nitrate contents were significantly higher in vegetated areas than open areas. Different water levels also affected DOC contents and their quality. Average DOC contents were $0.37mg{\cdot}g^{-1}$ in deep riparian (DR) and $0.31mg{\cdot}g^{-1}$ in shallow riparian (SR). These results appeared to be related to the interaction between carbon supply by vegetation and microbial decomposition. On the other hand, inorganic nitrogen contents were not affected by water level differences. This result indicates that presence/absence of vegetation could be a more important factor than hydrology in the spatial dynamics of inorganic nitrogen. In conclusion, we observed that vegetation and hydrology differences induced spatial distribution of carbon and nitrogen which are directly related to biogeochemical processes in wetlands.

• 한국해양학회지
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.171-182
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• 1994

Dissolved free amino acid (DFAA) dissolved hydrolyzable amino acid (DHAA) and D/L amino acid racemic ratio in the dissolved organic compounds were studied to investigate the biogeochemical characteristics of dissolved organic compound in the Yellow Sea. Concentration of total DFAA ranged from 0.06 uM to 0.26 uM in the study area. DFAA composition showed that aspiratae, glutamate, serine, glycine and alanine were predominant. According to characteristics of functional group of amino acid, these belonged to hydroponic group. C-18 short column cartridge (Sep-Pak) activated by methanol was used to extract organic macromolecules in the seawater. In operational scheme, macromolecules were divided into two fractions. Geomacromolecule fraction eluted with 50% methanol was used to extract organic macromolecules in the seawater. In operational scheme, macromolecules were divided into two fractions. Geomacromolecule fraction eluted with 50% methanol was moderately hydrophilic and showed characteristics of humic substance in the seawater. Biomacromolecule fraction eluted with 100% methanol was hydrophobic and most abundant in the surface seawater samples. DHAA was much higher than DFAA in this study area. DHAA ranged from 2.05 uM to 6.19 uM in the B-fraction and from 8.13 uM to 24.46 uM in the G-fraction. DHAA was higher in the surface water than in the bottom water where the vertical stratification developed well. The result of HPLC analysis of D/L amino acid showed that low racemic ratio was found in the B-fraction. It implies that the B-fraction is relatively younger than the G-fraction and freshly derived from biosphere.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.35 no.4 s.100
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• pp.306-311
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• 2002

The amount and composition of dissolved organic carbon in wetlands are of great importance for their influence in secondary productivity, various biogeochemical processes, and aquatic ecosystem functions. In the present study, we measured variations of DOC and phenolics concentrations in pore-water of three northern peatlands (bog, fen, and swamp) over a 1-year period. General microbial activity (soil respirometry) and phenol oxidase enzyme activity were determined in the same peatlands to elucidate mechanisms underlying the differences in DOC and phenolics contents. The concentrations of DOC varied 25.5-45.4 (bog),29.2-71.4 (fen), and 13.5-87.6 (swamp) mg/L, while phenolic concentrations ranged 13.3-48.1 (bog), 7.6-29.5(fen) , and 4.9-30.8 (swamp) mg/L. The seasonal variations of DOC and phenolics in the swamp suggest that litterfall may be one of the most important factors for the DOC dynamics in such systems. The lowest microbial activity and phenol oxidase activity were found in the bog, which appears to Induce high percentage of phenolic contents in pore-water from bogs. It is also suggested that not only the DOC concentrations but also composition of DOC is of great importance in wetland biogeochernistry.

• 한국신재생에너지학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2011.05a
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• pp.147.1-147.1
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• 2011

지식경제부 가스 하이드레이트 개발사업의 일환으로 동해 울릉분지 가스 하이드레이트 2차 시추(Ulleung Basin Gas Hydrate Drilling Expedition: UBGH2)가 2010년 7월 8일부터 9월 30일까지 D/V Fugro Synergy를 이용하여 수행되었다. UBGH2 수행을 위해 선정된 13개 site에서 약 1개월 동안 Schlumberger사의 장비를 이용 Logging-While-Drilling/Measurement-While-Drilling(LWD/MWD) 자료를 취득하였다. LWD/MWD 자료는 선상에서 분석되었으며, 이 결과는 coring 및 borehole plan 수립을 위하여 활용되었다. Coring Phase 동안 10개 site의 18개 hole로부터 퇴적물 코어 시료를 채취하고 선상에서 퇴적학, 지구화학, 생지화학, 물리적 특성 등 각종 분석과 측정 작업을 수행하였다. 약 2개월에 걸쳐 수행된 coring phase 동안에 2개 site에서 FAOL(Fugro Alluvial Offshore Limited)사의 장비를 이용 Wireline Logging/Vertical Seismic Profile(WL/VSP) 자료도 취득하였다. LWD/MWD phase와 coring phase 동안 12개 site에서 무인잠수정(remotely operated vehicle: ROV)를 이용하여 퇴적물 시료 채취, 해저면 관찰, 용존메탄 측정 등의 작업을 수행하였으며, 선상에서 취득된 이들 자료를 분석하였다. Coring을 수행한 모든 site에서 가스 하이드레이트 부존을 확인하였으며, 다양한 산상의 가스 하이드레이트 실물을 회수하고 분석하였다.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.105-119
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• 2012

Indigenous bacteria isolated from contaminated sites play important roles to remediate contaminated groundwater. Chromium has the most stable oxidation states. Cr(VI) is toxic, carcinogenic, and mobile, but Cr(III) is less toxic and immobile. In this study, indigenous microorganism (MMPH-0) was enriched from Cr(VI) contaminated groundwater, and identified by 16S rRNA gene analysis. Using MMPH-0, the effect of stimulating with e-donors (glucose, lactate, acetate, and no e-donor control), respiration conditions, biomass, tolerance, and geochemical changes on Cr(VI) reduction were investigated in batch experiments for 4 weeks. The changes of Cr(VI) concentration and geochemical conditions were monitored using UV-vis-spectrophotometer and Eh-pH meter. And the morphological and chemical characteristics of MMPH-0 and precipitates in the effluents were characterized by TEM-EDS and SEM-EDS analyses. MMPH-0 (Enterobacter aerogenes) was able to tolerate up to 2000 mg/L Cr(VI) and reduce Cr(VI) under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. MMPH-0 performed faster and higher efficiency of Cr(VI) reduction with electron donors (over 70% after 1 week with e-donor, 10-20% after 4 weeks without e-donor). The changes of Eh-pH in effluents showing the tendency from oxidizing to reducing condition and a bit of acidic change in pH due to microbial oxidation of organic matters donating electrons and protons suggested the roles of MMPH-0 on Cr(VI) in the contaminated water catalyzing to transit geochemical stable zone for more stable $Cr(OH)_3$ or Cr(III) precipitates. TEM/SEM-EDS analyses of MMPH-0 and precipitates indicate direct and indirect Cr(VI) reduction: extracellular polymers capturing Cr component outside cells. These results suggested diverse indigenous bacteria and their biogeochemical reactions might enhance more effective and feasible remediation technology of redox sensitive heavy metals in metal-contaminated in groundwater.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.53-68
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• 1997

Lake Shihwa, artificially constructed since 1988, shows a typical two-layered system depending on strong haline density stratification. Sill of the water gate at 6 m depth greatly restricts physical mixing with outer seawater and circulation in the lake, and contributes to the enhancement of anoxic environment in the deeper layer. With this enclosed physical environment, Lake Shihwa receives enormous amounts of organics, ammonia, and other pollutants from the neighboring municipal and industrial complexes through six major streams, thus developing biogeochemical differentiation of anoxic to suboxic environment in the high saline bottom water and highly eutrophicated brackish surface water. This study investigated vertical structures, biogeochemical behaviors and processes of various organic and inorganic compounds around oxic-anoxic interface. Nitrite and nitrate rapidly decreased below the pycnocline where about $1{\times}10^8$ tons of hypoxic bottom water exist. In this bottom layer, ammonium ranged from 75 to 360 ${\mu}M$ mainly resulting from deamination of dissolved organic nitrogen and ammonification of precipitated organic particles. Despite large amounts of surface water discharge and dilution by outer seawater inflow about $3{\times}10^8$ tons from April to August, 1996, bottom layer did not show any improvement of water quality and maintained highly reduced environment. The main reason seems to be imbalance between ineffectiveness of dilution due to shallow depth and large surface area, overloaded POC influx from the eutrophicated surface biological activity, and poor replenishment of oxygen in this artificial lake system. Therefore, as long as current salinity dependent two-layered system maintains with its physical limitations, any improvement of water quality cannot be foreseen in Lake Shihwa.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.93-102
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• 2007

The runoff characteristics of organic matter in turbid water were investigated in eleven tributary streams of the Han River system, Korea. The flow-weighted event mean concentrations of organic matter ranged from 1.5 to 3.2 mg $L^{-1}$ of DOM and 2.2 of 29.1 mg $L^{-1}$ of POM, respectively. The SUVA value which reflects the proportion of humic substance in organic matters was higher during the rainfall season, meaning that the runoff of refractory form increase in this period. Stable carbon isotope ratios of both POM and DOM were different among streams, which reflect the sources of organic matter. DOM isotope ratios were less depleted of $^{13}C$ than that of POM by approximately 1 to $2%_{\circ}$ ${\delta}^{13}C$ of the several turbid streams (the Mandae Stream, the Jawoon Stream, and the Daegi stream) were heavier than those of clear streams. ${\delta}^{13}C$ values in the turbid upstream tributaries were similar to those of downstream reaches (such as the Soyang River, the Sum River, and the Seo River). From the ${\delta}^{13}C$ analysis of POM it could be calculated that $C_4$ pathway contributed approximately 15.9 to 23.6% of organic matter in several turbid upstream sites, and over 20% in the three sites of large downstream reaches. On the contrary it contributed only 9.1 to 12.8% in clear streams of forest watersheds. In the Soyang River, $C_4$ pathway organic matter contributed 8.8% of the DOM pool.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.147-154
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• 2014

Bacteria play an important role in biogeochemical cycles in marine environments and their functional attributes in ecosystems depend primarily on species composition. In this study, seasonal variation of bacterial diversity was investigated by pyrosequencing of 16S rDNA in surface sediment and overlying seawater collected in the south East Sea, planned for the site of $CO_2$ sequestration by the carbon capture and storage (CCS) project. Gammaproteobacteria was dominant in the sediment in most seasons, whereas Alphaproteobacteria was a most dominant group in the overlying water. Thus, the bacterial diversity greatly differ between sediment and seawater samples. On the genus level, bacterial diversity between two habitats was also different. However, the number of genera found over 5% were less than 10 in both habitats and the bacterial community was composed of a number of diverse minor or rare genera. Elevation of $CO_2$ concentration during a $CO_2$ storage process, could result in change of bacterial diversity. Thus, this study will be very useful to access the effect of $CO_2$ on bacterial diversity and to predict functional change of the ecosystem during the process of CCS project.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.199-205
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• 2015

Nitrogen and phosphorus are the limiting elements for growth of phytoplankton, which is a major primary producer of marine ecosystem. Incidentally the stoichiometry of N/P of ocean waters, measured by the (nitrate + nitrite)/phosphate ratio converges to a constant of 16. This characteristic ratio has been used widely for the understanding the ecosystem dynamics and biogeochemical cycles in the ocean. In the East Sea, several key papers were issued in recent years regarding the climate change and its impact on ecosystem dynamic and biogeochemical cycles using N/P ratio because the East Sea is a "miniature ocean" having her own meridional overturning circulation with the appropriate responding time and excellent accessibility. However, cited N/P values are different by authors that we tried to propose a single representative value by reanalyzing the historical nutrient data. We present N/P of the East Sea as $12.7{\pm}0.1$ for the year 2000. The ratio reveals a remarkable consistency for waters exceeding 300m depth (below the seasonal thermocline). We recommend to use this value in the future studies and hope to minimize confusion for understanding ecosystem response and biogeochemical cycles in relation to future climate change until new N/P value is established from future studies.