• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
• /
• v.9 no.4
• /
• pp.247-258
• /
• 2015

Exposure of high concentration of ground-level ozone (GLO) can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, asthma, bronchitis and congestion. There are substantial human and animal toxicological data that support health effects associated with exposure to ozone and associations have been observed with a wide range of outcomes in epidemiological studies. The aim of the present study is to estimate the spatial distributions of GLO using geostatistical method (ordinary kriging) for assessing the exposure level of ozone in the eastern part of Texas, U.S.A. GLO data were obtained from 63 U.S. EPA's monitoring stations distributed in the region of study during the period January, 2012 to December, 2012. The descriptive statistics indicate that the spatial monthly mean of daily maximum 8 hour ozone concentrations ranged from 30.33 ppb (in January) to 48.05 (in June). The monthly mean of daily maximum 8 hour ozone concentrations was relatively low during the winter months (December, January, and February) and the higher values observed during the summer months (April, May, and June). The higher level of spatial variations observed in the months of July (Standard Deviation: 10.33) and August (Standard Deviation: 10.02). This indicates the existence of regional variations in climatic conditions in the study area. The range of the semivariogram models varied from 0.372 (in November) to 15.59 (in April). The value of the range represents the spatial patterns of ozone concentrations. Kriging maps revealed that the spatial patterns of ozone concentration were not uniform in each month. This may be due to uneven fluctuation in the local climatic conditions from one region to another. Thus, the formation and dispersion processes of ozone also change unevenly from one region to another. The ozone maps clearly indicate that the concentration values found maximum in the north-east region of the study area in most of the months. Part of the coastal area also showed maximum concentrations during the months of October, November, December, and January.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.79-89
• /
• 2007

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the present status of several environmental problems caused by emerging toxic substances such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and arsenic in various environmental media in Vietnam. Monitoring data reported during the 1990s demonstrated elevated contamination of DDTs in most of these compartments in Vietnam. Studies in frame of the Asia-Pacific Mussel Watch Program revealed that fish, mussels and resident birds from Vietnam contained higher concentrations of DDTs as compared to other countries in region, suggesting the role of Vietnamese environment as a significant emission source of DDT in the Southeast Asian region. The estimated dietary intakes of PCBs and DDTs for Vietnamese were relatively high among Asian developing countries, suggesting potential risk for humans posed by thesechemicals. Widespread contamination of some endocrine active compounds such as alkylphenols and phthalates was observed at various sites along the coasts of northern and middle Vietnam. The presence of significant source of bisphenol-A along Red River estuary was revealed with the concentrations comparable to those reported for developed nations. A case study on seasonal variation of alkylphenols and phthalates in surface water of river delta and estuary of north and middle Vietnam indicated the differences in distribution of these compounds between dry and rainy seasons. Higher concentrations of alkylphenols and phthalates were found in dry season in estuary; while the contrasting pattern was observed in the river delta, showing elevated residues in rainy season. This result suggests the different behavior of alkylphenols and phthalates in river delta and coastal environment. From ecotoxicological perspectives, concentrations of bis-phenol A and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalates [DEHP] in surface water from some locations in Vietnam exceeded the guideline values for Ecotoxicological Effects and the Environmental Risk Limit, respectively, suggesting potential for toxic implications on aquatic wildlife. Widespread and elevated arsenic contamination was discovered inour recent surveys in groundwater in a large area of suburban areas of Hanoi city, the capital of Vietnam. The most recent investigation in 4 villages showed about more than 50 % of groundwater samples contained As concentrations exceeding 50 g/L (the WHO and Vietnamese standard). In particular, in Son Dong villages, 58 % of samples analyzed contained As concentrations higher than 200 g/L. Good correlations were found in As concentrations in water and hair and urine of peoples in corresponding families, suggesting the chronic exposure to As by people living in As-contaminated ground water areas. In Son Dong village, As levels in hair (mean: 1.7 mg/kg dry wt) and urine (g/g creatinine) exceeding the reference values recommended by WHO, suggesting potential for human risk posed by long term accumulation of As in human body. Future studies should be focused on the time trends of POPs and EDCs in biota in Vietnam in order to predict future trend of contamination and to reveal new clues for understanding possible toxic impacts on aquatic organisms. The issues of arsenic contamination in groundwater and their chronic toxic implications on human health should be systematically investigated in the future.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
• /
• v.30 no.1
• /
• pp.41-49
• /
• 2014

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of cadmium (Cd) exposure on biochemical factors in the hemolymph and hepatopancreas of the abalone, Haliotis discus hannai. The abalone were exposed to 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 ${\mu}g/L$ Cd for 4 weeks. The phenoloxidase (PO) activity was decreased in hemolymph of abalone exposed to 40 Cd ${\mu}g/L$ for 4 weeks compared to the control (P < 0.05). The hemolymph enzymes, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were markedly elevated in 40 Cd ${\mu}g/L$ after 4 weeks. The hemolymph calcium concentrations were significantly decreased in 20 and 40 Cd ${\mu}g/L$ for 4 weeks. Hepatopancreas superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were significantly increased by Cd. SOD was increased in both 20 and 40 Cd ${\mu}g/L$ and CAT, in 40 Cd ${\mu}g/L$ after 2 weeks (P < 0.05). These results suggested that the abalone SOD and CAT including PO may serve as a protective mechanism against oxidative stress by Cd. We conclude that a Cd concentration, 40 ${\mu}g/L$ in water may curtail hemolymph homeostasis and anti-oxidative reactions in abalone hepatopancreas. From these results, these biochemical factors may represent a convenient method of monitoring heavy metal pollution in coastal areas.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.75-86
• /
• 2007

In Korea, it is significantly deficient in the study about tourism geology, which is a new branch of applied geology that would support the growth of ecotourism world-wide. The objectives of this study include (1) the promotion in geodiversity of tourism geology using the data for type and distribution patterns of geological and geomorphological landscape resources and (2) the redoubling of diversity in the environmental interpretation programs offered by the Korea National Parks Service (KNPS). Our field study discovered 212 geological and geomorphological landscape resources distributed in the area of Taean seashore national park. Coastal topography is the most discovered type followed by weathering topography. It is our belief that the aforementioned resources can be utilized as a tourism geological site in assisting the public to understand geological science and to draw their attention and interests after sorting and filtering it out through discussions with geologists and geomorphologists of a consortium. Furthermore, in order to promote the activation of developing user-oriented geotourism sites, it is recommended to keep monitoring on demographical characteristics of geotourists, behavioral characteristics of geotouconrists within the geotourism site and ducting analysis for developing geotourism program and events. And, the research support of geological engineering dealing with the estimation of weathering degree and the development of conservation techniques for the object of geotourism along with the research of environmental science aspects will improve the activation of tourism geology.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.46 no.5
• /
• pp.607-618
• /
• 2013

Marine macroalgal community structures and characteristics of ocean environmental factors were examined seasonally at four sites in Jeju Island, Korea, from March to November 2012. A total of 71 macroalgal species were identified, including 9 green, 7 brown, and 55 red algae. Peyssonnelia capensis occurred at all study sites and in all seasons. The average annual biomass of seaweed was 991.84 g wet $wt/m^2$, with seasonal variations from 543.80 g in autumn to 1,284.17 $g/m^2$ in summer. A green alga, Codium coactum, was the dominant species, occupying 21.31% (211.39 $g/m^2$) of the total algal biomass in Jeju Island. Subdominant species were Ecklonia cava and Lithophyllum okamurae, comprising 20.85% (206.75 $g/m^2$) and 19.64% (194.75 $g/m^2$), respectively, of the total algal biomass in Jeju Island. The vertical distribution of subtidal seaweeds was represented by L. okamurae at 5 m depth, C. coactum at 10 m depth, E. cava at 5-10 m depth and P. capensis at the 20 m depth level. In the present study, crustose coralline algae, which predominated on barren ground, were subdominant species at all study sites. Community indices varied between 0.51-0.63 for dominance index (DI), 5.53-8.14 for richness index (R), 0.51-0.63 for evenness index (J'), and 2.04-2.32 for diversity index (H'). On the basis of seaweed biomass and community indices, Sinchang was the best preserved coastal area, showing maximal values in biomass, and evenness- and diversity-indices, and minimal value in the dominance index, representing stable environmental conditions. In contrast, the Onpyung and Topyeong sites, located near tourist venues such as Udo and Seogwipo were relatively poor habitats based on community indices and biomass. The present results could imply that climate changes alter seaweed community structure, and long-term monitoring of the study sites is required.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.39-51
• /
• 2011

Acute toxicity test and behavioral change analysis of seawater acclimated Japanese medaka were conducted to identify the brine effects on fish by seawater desalination. 7 day acute toxicity test of brine revealed linear concentration-response relationship from 40.0~80.0 psu treatment groups. There was no significant brine effect for 30-40 psu groups and mass mortality was observed from >50 psu exposure (7-day $LC_{50}$=51.4 psu). Images from the real time camera system were analyzed to observe the changes in behavioral patterns of medaka exposed to various salinity. 40.0 and 50.0 psu exposed groups were stabilized in behavioral patterns after 3.1 and 4.6 hours, respectively and 60.0 psu group showed sharp increase in activity during first 12 hours and 50% mortality thereafter. Similar patterns were observed to 70 and 80 psu groups and both experimental groups showed 100% mortality within 12 hours. Acute toxicity test and behavioral patterns showed very similar toxicity results which revealed the increases in mortality and behavioral activities from 50.0 psu. This critical salinity for fish impacts must be implemented to brine discharge strategy by seawater desalination into the coastal area. Also, we recommend that real time camera monitoring system must be a useful tool for early warning of fish toxicity for other applications. This research was funded by Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, Korea.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
• /
• v.36 no.3
• /
• pp.349-359
• /
• 2016

In order to analytically evaluate buffeting responses, the analysis of wind characteristics such as turbulence intensity, turbulence length, gust, roughness coefficient, etc must be a priority. Static aerodynamic force coefficients, flutter coefficients, structural damping ratios, aerodynamic damping ratios and natural frequencies affect the analytical responses. The bridge interested in this paper has being been used for 32 years. As the time passes, current terrain conditions around the bridge are different markedly from the conditions it was built 32 years ago. Also, wind environments were considerably varied by the climate change. For this reason, it is necessary to evaluate the turbulence intensity, length, spectrum and roughness coefficient of the bridge site from full-scale measurements using the structural health monitoring system. The evaluation results indicate that wind characteristics of bridge site is analogous to that of open terrain although the bridge is located on the coastal area. To calculate buffeting responses, the analysis variables such as damping ratios, static aerodynamic force coefficients and natural frequency were evaluated from measured data. The analysis was performed with regard to 4 cases. The evaluated variables from measured data are applied to the first and second analysis cases. And the other analysis cases were performed based on Design Guidelines for Steel Cable Supported Bridges. The calculated responses of each analysis cases are compared with the buffeting response measured at less than 25m/s wind speed. It is verified that the responses by the numerical analysis applying the estimated variables based on full-scale measurements are well agreed with the measured actual buffeting responses under wind speed 25m/s. Also, the extreme wind speed corresponding to a recurrence interval 200 years is derived from Gumbel distribution. The derived wind speed for return period of 200 years is 45m/s. Therefore the buffeting responses at wind speed 45m/s is determined by the analysis applying the estimated variables.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.1-15
• /
• 2017

Wetland function assessment is not only a basic step to understand wetland ecosystems in detail but also an important process as a base of the term, ecosystem service to recognize wetland ecosystems as valuable and useful resources and goods for human being. WET (wetland evaluation technique), EMAP (environmental monitoring assessment program)-wetlands, and HGM (hydrogeomorphic method) were developed as pioneer wetland function assessments in U.S. at the end of $20^{th}$-century. RAMs (rapid assessment methods) became a major function assessment tool which is relatively simpler and easier assessment tool at the beginning of $21^{th}$-century. After that, the hierarchy of three levels of assessment (landscape assessment, rapid assessment, and intensive assesment) has been prepared and strategically utilized according to the objectives and purposes of function assessments. In South Korea, RAM and HGM were used to assess wetland functions with reforming a couple of items and contents at 2001. And, modified and reformed function assessments have been developed to complement and improve upon the existing RAMs and HGMs. Via the trend analysis on wetland function assessments, some needs which require supplements in terms of function assessment are pointed out: 1) wetland function assessments using useful indicators such as birds are needed with considering our environmental characteristics. 2) optimized wetland function assessments for coastal wetlands are also needed. 3) the network construction and further expansion to lead communications and co-operations between researchers and policy makers is needed in the field of wetland function assessment.

• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
• /
• 2007.05a
• /
• pp.336-340
• /
• 2007

국내 산업 및 기능적 측면에서 중추역할을 수행하고 있는 부산 울산 인천 등 전체 도시의 40%를 이루고 있는 해안도시들이 하천범람과 같은 홍수피해, 해일피해 등에 대한 체계적인 대비가 전무한 실정으로서 본 연구는 모형화 기법을 이용하여 해안도시홍수 경보발령 기준안을 도출하고 이를 실 수문관측 자료를 이용한 검정을 통해 경보발령 기준안의 문제점을 파악하여 그 개선방향을 제시하였다. 대상유역은 대표적 해안도시하천의 특성을 지니고 있는 부산시 온천천유역으로 강우-수위 관측 모니터링 시스템을 구축, 운영을 통해 10분 간격 강우 및 수위 자료를 구축하였으며, 수위 자료는 수위 유량 관계곡선을 이용하여 유량으로 환산하였다. 미계측 상태에서의 수리 수문 모형화를 통해 도출된 경보발령기준안에 대한 평가 및 문제점 도출을 위해 본 연구는 유역내 실시간 수문관측을 통해 얻은 강우 및 유출 특성 자료를 이용하였다. 대상 유역내 경보발령 지점인 세병교 지점의 20분 누가기준 경보발령 기준우량은 한계수위 $H_{c1},\;H_{c2},\;H_{c4}$인 경우 각각 4mm, 5mm, 6mm로서 20개월 동안 이러한 기준을 이용하여 관측된 강우사상 중 경보발령 기준안의 평가가 가능한 26개의 강우사상을 분류할 수 있었다. 그 결과 약 60%의 강우사상(case_1)이 성공한 경보발령 기준우량 임을 관측할 수 있었으며 이러한 발생강우에 대해 $20{\sim}150$분의 대피여유시간을 확보할 수 있었다. 그러나. 경보발령에 실패한 40%의 강우사상은 발생 강우의 총강우량이 대체적으로 적은 경우 및 지속기간 동안 경보발령기준에 준하는 강우를 발생하였으나 수위에 영향이 미비하여 한계수위에 도달하지 못한 경우(case_2), 20분 누가강우는 기준에 도달하지 않았으나 강우 지속시간이 길어 이미 선행강우로 인해 경보발령 이전에 한계수위를 넘어서는 경우(case_3)로서 분석되었다. 이러한 실패한 경보발령의 경우에 대한 원인분석 결과, 기존의 모형화를 통해 고려되지 못하였던 해안도시 홍수의 특성 중 총강우량에 대한 고려, 선행강우 여부 및 강우 지속시간, 지속시간 내 강우집중도 그리고 선정지점 내 조위의 영향과 유역내 합류식 하수관거 시스템의 영향 등 자연유역과는 다른 다소 복잡한 요소를 고려한 해안도시홍수 경보발령 기준에 대한 개선이 필요함을 확인할 수 있었다.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.49 no.1
• /
• pp.22-30
• /
• 2016

Environmental changes exert harmful effects on organisms inhabiting coastal regions. These changes are also associated with reduced production in aquaculture farms. In this study, we investigated internal and external responses of two Bivalvia species (Crassostrea gigas and Mytilus galloprovincialis) in Gamak Bay under stressful environmental conditions in aquaculture farms. We investigated external responses such as weight, size, and environment exposure time, and analyzed the expression of the HSP70 gene. C. gigas HSP70 gene expression level was significantly high in the C3 aquaculture farm site, but the weight and size of C. gigas were high in the C2 aquaculture farm site. The response of C. gigas HSP70 mRNA was associated with the environmental exposure time in each aquaculture farm. Expression of M. galloprovincialis HSP70 gene was found to be significantly higher in the M2 aquaculture farm site than in the M1 site, whereas the weight of M. galloprovincialis was observed to be higher in the M1 site. The size and environmental exposure time of M. galloprovincialis were similar between M1 and M2 sites. In addition, HSP70 sequences of C. gigas and M. galloprovincialis showed high similarity with that of another marine species. According to our results, there were differences in internal responses following environmental stress in aquaculture farms, with respect to HSP70 gene expression. The results suggest that the HSP70 gene is a useful molecular indicator for monitoring stress responses in Bivalvia species in the field.