• Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.373-383
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• 2016

Cheonsu Bay, one of the most important in Korea as a coastal fishery is a semi-enclosed bay that is surrounded by large farmlands and industrial areas. This coastal environment has been affected by anthropogenic pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The objectives of this study were to investigate the distribution of PCBs and OCPs in sediment, Manila clams, and mussels from Cheonsu Bay; the accumulation pattern of these chemicals in these bivalves in relation to seasonal changes; and the ecological risk from sediments and the risk to the Korean population from the consumption of these bivalves. The levels of ${\Sigma}PCBs$, ${\Sigma}DDT$, and ${\Sigma}HCHs$ were 69.3-109, 40.3-49.3 and 6.25-17.8 ng/g lipid in Manila clams, and 70.6-159, 38.6-102 and 9.00-13.5 ng/g lipid in Mussels. Significant seasonal variations in PCBs and OCPs concentrations were observed in the two bivalves, suggesting that the accumulation of PCBs and OCPs in these species is related to their spawning times. The dietary intake of these two bivalves and the resulting lifetime cancer risk (LCR) and non-cancer risk were calculated for the human population. The consumption of these bivalves seemed to be safe in relation to human health with negligible LCR and non-cancer risk.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.1879-1887
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• 2013

To investigate the level of genotoxicity over Bangkok atmosphere, $PM_{10}$ samples were collected at the Klongchan Housing Authority (KHA), Nonsree High School (NHS), Watsing High School (WHS), Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), Chokchai 4 Police Station (CPS), Dindaeng Housing Authority (DHA) and Badindecha High School (BHS). For all monitoring stations, each sample covered a period of 24 hours taken at a normal weekday every month from January-December 2006 forming a database of 84 individual air samples (i.e. $12{\times}7=84$). Atmospheric concentrations of low molecular weight PAHs (i.e. phenanthrene, anthracene, pyrene and fluoranthene) were measured in $PM_{10}$ at seven observatory sites operated by the pollution control department of Thailand (PCD). The mutagenicity of extracts of the samples was compared in Salmonella according to standard Ames test method. The dependence of the effects on sampling time and on sampling location was investigated with the aid of a calculation of mutagenic index (MI). This MI was used to estimate the increase in mutagenicity above background levels (i.e. negative control) at the seven monitoring sites in urban area of Bangkok due to anthropogenic emissions within that area. Applications of the AMES method showed that the average MI of $PM_{10}$ collected at all sampling sites were $1.37{\pm}0.10$ (TA98; +S9), $1.24{\pm}0.08$ (TA98; -S9), $1.45{\pm}0.10$ (TA100; +S9) and $1.30{\pm}0.09$ (TA100; -S9) with relatively less variations. Analytical results reconfirm that the particulate PAH concentrations measured at PCD air quality monitoring stations are moderately low in comparison with previous results observed in other countries. In addition, the concept of incremental lifetime particulate matter exposure (ILPE) was employed to investigate the potential risks of exposure to particulate PAHs in Bangkok atmosphere.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.307-321
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• 1995

Division of ecoregions having respective functions was attempted through quantitative and qualitative analysis on vegetation diversity, and heterogeneity and on soil environment of the study sites. Field research was carried out in a square of 81 ㎢ around Andongpo (126°38'E, 37°30'N), Kimpo-gun, Kyonggi provice. Conventional methods applied are as follows: classical syntaxonomy by the Zurich-Montpellier School, interpolation method to determine the degree of diversity, heterogeneity and distribution pattern of vegetation, and correlation analysis between soil properties and plant communities. 41 plant communities were identified and composed of 6 forests, 4 mantle and 31 herb communities including 6 saltmarsh plant communities. In a mesh, number of plant communities was highly correlated to the number of species. The highest number of plant community and species was 25 communities·km-2·mesh-1 and 381 species· km-2·mesh-1 ,and the highest value of vegetation heterogeneity was 28.1 species· community-1·mesh-1. Their lowest numbers were 4 communities·km-2·mesh-1. and 28 species·km-2·mesh-1. and 7 species·community-1·mesh-1, respectively. Contour map on vegetation diversity and heterogeneity enabled us to establish two regions; coastal and inland vegetation. Isoline 〔150〕,〔10〕and〔10〕and〔15〕on the species diversity, the community diversity and the vegetation heterogeneity, respectively, were regarded as ecolines in the study area. Cl- content was recognized as the most important factor from correlation analysis between soil properties. Ordination of sites indicated that the study area be divided into two edaphic types: inland and coastal habitats. It was considered that the extent of desalinization in soil played a major role in determining the species composition in the reclamed area. By matching edaphic division of habitats with division of vegetation structures, designation of ecoregion was endorsed. The approach of current study was suggested as an effective tool to implement an assessment of the vegetation dynamics by the disparity of natural environment and anthropogenic interferences.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.865-875
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• 2016

In this study, mass concentrations and chemical compositions of $PM_{2.5}$, including water-soluble ions and elements were determined at the 1,100 m-highland of Mt. Hallasan in Jeju Island across four seasons from August 2013 to August 2014. The average mass concentration of $PM_{2.5}$ was $12.5{\pm}8.41{\mu}g/m^3$ with 45.8% of the contribution from eight water-soluble ionic species. Three ionic species ($SO{_4}^{2-}$, $NH{_4}^+$, and $NO{_3}^-$) comprised 96.2% of the total concentration of ions contained in $PM_{2.5}$ and were the dominant ions, accounting for 43.5% of the $PM_{2.5}$ mass at Mt. Hallasan. On the basis of the mass concentration level, seasonal variation, enrichment factor, and relationship among elements, we can presume that Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Sr, Ba, Nd, and Dy originated mainly from crust or soil and that V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb were significantly enriched in $PM_{2.5}$ owing to the effects of the anthropogenic emissions. These results and the local distribution of emission sources and topographic characteristics near this sampling site suggest that the compositions of $PM_{2.5}$ collected at the 1100 m-highland of Mt. Hallasan were largely influenced by inflow from outside of Jeju Island.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.192-201
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• 2015

Information on plant diversity and community structure are required to chalk out necessary actions for conservation management. The present study assessed the composition and diversity of tree species in Kamalachari Natural Forest of Chittagong South Forest Division, Bangladesh, during April 2010 to November 2011. A total of 107 tree species belonging to 72 genera and 37 families were recorded, where Moraceae family was represented by maximum (11) species. Density, Basal area and volume of tree species were $418{\pm}20.09stem/ha$, $21.10{\pm}2.62m^2/ha$ and $417.4{\pm}79.8m^3/ha$ respectively. Diameter and height class distribution of tree species revealed an almost reverse J-shaped curve. Both the number of species and percentage of tree individuals were maximum in the lower DBH and height ranges. Anthropogenic disturbances like illegal tree cutting, over extraction, settlement inside forest area etc. were noticed during the study, which are supposed to cause gradual decrease of both tree species and individuals in the higher DBH and height classes. However, Artocarpus chama was found dominant showing maximum IVI followed by Schima wallichii, Aporosa wallichii, and Lithocarpus acuminata. The quantitative structure of the tree species of Kamalachari natural forest is comparable to other tree species rich tropical natural forests. The findings of the study may help in monitoring future plant population changes of the identified species and adopting species specific conservation programs in Kamalachari natural forest.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.164-176
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• 2015

Cyathea gigantea is a tree fern distributed throughout humid tropical regions of northeast India and other parts of the country. However, wild populations of this species are largely affected by various natural and anthropogenic activities. Therefore, an attempt was made to study the population structure and regeneration status of C. gigantea in and around greater Itanagar area of Papum Pare district, Arunachal Pradesh. Altogether 45 patches, ranging from 19.63 to $260m^2$ of area, were randomly sampled to study population structure and regeneration status of the species. Population study showed highest number of youngs in the height class of 0.50-0.75 m while, immatures were recorded highest in the height class of 2.0 to 2.5 m. Majority of the matures belonged to 6-9 m height class while it was recorded maximum in the diameter class of 10-15 cm. Average density of C. gigantea was $0.07individuals\;ha^{-1}$ which varied greatly among different patches with a range of 2 to 14. Significant correlations were found between patch size and density of youngs, immatures, matures and total density. Maximum concentration of youngs was observed in patch size $60-140m^2$, while for immatures, it was highest in patch size $20-160m^2$. Similarly, highest concentration of matures was observed in patch size $20-80m^2$ and $80-180m^2$. Population structure of the total population exhibited inverted pyramid shaped distribution. Population structure consisting of youngs, immatures, matures showed that around 60% patches lack of regenerating individuals which depict very poor natural regeneration of the species. Effective conservation strategies are therefore to be formulated to save C. gigantea from the threat of extinction in near future.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.25 no.11
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• pp.1563-1573
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• 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of vanadium in Jeju Island groundwater, focusing on the spatio-temporal patterns and geochemical controlling factors of vanadium. For this, we collected two sets of groundwater data: 1) concentrations of major constituents of 2,595 groundwater samples between 2008 and 2014 and 2) 258 groundwater samples between December 2006 and June 2008. The concentrations of groundwater vanadium were in the range of $0.2{\sim}71.0{\mu}g/L$ (average, $12.0{\mu}g/L$) and showed local enrichments without temporal/seasonal variation. This indicated that vanadium distribution was controlled by 1) the geochemical/mineralogical composition and dissolution processes of original materials (i.e., volcanic rock) and 2) the flow and chemical properties of groundwater. Vanadium concentration was significantly positively correlated with that of major ions ($Cl^-$, $Na^+$, and $K^+$) and trace metals (As, Cr, and Al), and with pH, but was negatively correlated with $NO_3-N$ concentration. The high concentrations of vanadium (>$15{\mu}g/L$) occurred in typically alkaline groundwater with high pH (${\geq}8.0$), indicating that a higher degree of water-rock interaction resulted in vanadium enrichment. Thus, higher concentrations of vanadium occurred in groundwater of $Na-Ca-HCO_3$, $Na-Mg-HCO_3$ and $Na-HCO_3$ types and were remarkably lower in groundwater of $Na-Ca-NO_3$(Cl) type that represented the influences from anthropogenic pollution.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.327-340
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• 2007

The $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ aerosols were collected at Busan from March to May, 2005, and the concentrations of some metallic elements were analysed to study their characteristics. The mean concentration of $PM_{10}$ was $66.5{\pm}23.0{\mu}g/m^3$ with a range of 22.2 to $118.1{\mu}g/m^3$. The mean concentration of $PM_{2.5}$ was $46.1{\pm}17.2{\mu}g/m^3$ with a range of 9.7 to $83.3{\mu}g/m^3$. The ratio of $PM_{2.5}/PM_{10}$ was 0.69 at Busan. The distribution of metallic elements for $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ were Cd${\ldots}$ ${\ldots}$ $PM_{10}$ were $94.9{\mu}g/m^3$ and $63.7{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively. And The mean mass concentrations of Asian dust and non Asian dust in $PM_{2.5}$ were $56.9{\mu}g/m^3$ and $45.1{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively. The mean values of crustal enrichment factors for five elements (Cd, Cu, Pb, V and Zn) were all higher than 10, possibly suggesting the influence of anthropogenic sources. The soil contribution ratios for $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ were 20.5% and 19.4, respectively.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.159-166
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• 2013

Oryzias latipes and Oryzias sinensis are indigenous species found in Japan, China, and other East Asian countries, including Korea. Based on morphological differences, the species have been classified distinctly. However, the range of morphological characters such as the number of gill rakers, vertebrae, and spots on the lateral body overlaps and is too vague for clear identification, so their classification based on their morphological characteristics remains uncertain. In this study, the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, which is used for DNA barcoding, was applied to clarify interspecific variation of O. latipes and O. sinensis. Intraspecific genetic diversity was calculated to identify correlations with geographic distributions. We studied two species collected from 55 locations in Korea. All individuals carried a 679-base pair gene without deletion or insertion. Between species, 525 base pairs of the gene were shared. The Kimura two parameter (K2P) distance of O. latipes and O. sinensis was 0.41% and 1.39%, respectively. Mean divergence within genera was 23.5%. Therefore, the species were clearly different. The distance between O. latipes and O. sinensis was 14.0%, which is the closest within genera. Interestingly O. latipes from the Japanese and Korean group represented 16.5% distant. These results were derived from geohistorical and anthropogenic environmental factors. The O. latipes haplotypes were joined in only one group, but O. sinensis was divided into two groups, one is found in the Han River and upper Geum River watershed; the other is found in the remaining South Korean watersheds. Further studies will address the causes for geographic speciation of O. sinensis haplotypes.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.33 no.2 s.90
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• pp.69-79
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• 2000

Fractal geometry has become one of prospective research approaches as the complex structure of natural entities is not easily characterized by traditional Euclidean geometry. With the fractal geometry, we can better decipher the complex structure and identify natural and anthropogenic agents of landscape patterns occurring at different spatial scales. The usefulness of fractal, however, has not been fully appreciated among Korean academic societies, especially in ecological and limnological fields. We attempt to address three points in this study. First, we introduce the concept and dimension of fractal and review relevant research approaches, especially with respect to ecological and limnological phenomena. Second, we explore possible applications of fractal to some aspects of geography and land use characteristics in South Korea. For the analyses of fractal dimensions, we used data published in other studies previously and collected for this study. Data were analyzed by a perimeter/area method of fractal dimension for the spatial distribution of global solar radiation and leaf area index, and the movement of wild boars in forested landscapes of mid-eastern Korea. The same approach was also applied to the water channel of a hypothetical river and the shape of reservoirs in Yongin, Kyunggi Province. Finally, we discuss the results and key issues to consider when a fractal approach is employed in ecology and limnology.