• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.177-184
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• 2022

BACKGROUND: Recently, the inflow of nonpoint pollutants into rivers caused by rapid urban and industrialization promotes the proliferation of algae, which causes eutrophication of rivers. This study was conducted to evaluate the seasonal variation of water quality characteristics and cryptomonads growth in the Oncheon River. METHODS AND RESULTS: The water quality and distribution characteristics of cryptomonads in the Oncheon River were investigated monthly for 12 months from January 2021. The cell number of cryptomonads was intensively developed in January-April, and it decreased sharply in the summer with heavy rainfall. In particular, cryptomonads moved to the downstream side of the river depending on the time, and as a result, significant differences were shown for each investigation point. The Korean trophic state index (Tsi_KO) in Oncheon River was classified as eutrophy all year round, indicating that cryptomonads can grow year-round. Distribution characteristics of cryptomonads in Oncheon River showed high correlations with DO (r=0.678), BOD (r=0.826) and chlorophyll-a (r=0.613) in water. CONCLUSION(S): In order to reduce cryptomonads in the Oncheon River, it is judged that a complex countermeasure considering the residence time, insolation and precipitation along with water quality factors is required.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.491-501
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• 2022

This study evaluated the contamination levels of inland pollution sources flowing into Taeanhaean National Park. The nutritional status of influents was assessed by analyzing water quality and trophic status index (TRIX) at 52 stations, and the contamination levels of sediments were evaluated by analyzing eutrophication cleanup index (CIET) and heavy metals at 36 stations. The results of the TRIX analysis showed that 26 of the 52 stations had influents with a TRIX value of 6-10 (poor water quality/very high trophic level), indicating atrocious water quality and high eutrophication levels. The results of the CIET analysis showed that 4 out of the 36 stations were highly contaminated with organic matter. Analysis of heavy metals showed that the copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels exceeded the threshold effects level (TEL) and probable effects levels (PEL) at several stations. In addition, the arsenic (As) level exceeded the threshold effects level at one station, and the levels of the other heavy metals (Cd, Cr⁶⁺, Ni, Pb, and Hg) were lower. Most inland pollution sources have been identified as small-scale, but long-term and continuous exposure can negatively affect the marine ecosystem; therefore, it necessary to prepare inland pollution source management standards and measures suitable for the characteristics of the coastal area.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.23 no.9
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• pp.1537-1549
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• 2014

The objectives of this study were to analyze reservoir trophic state, based on Trophic State Index (TSI), spatial variation patterns of three zones (riverine, transition, and lacustrine zone), and empirical models through 20-years long-term data analysis. Trophic variables of TP and CHL-a were highest during the summer monsoon, and decreased along the main axis from the riverine to lacustrine zone. In the mean time, TN did not show the trend. Ratios of N:P and Secchi disc transparency (SD) increased from the riverine to lacustrine zone. The analysis of trophic state index (TSI) showed that mean TSI (TP) and TSI (CHL-a) were 62 and 57, respectively, and these values were highest in the transition zone during the summer. This zone should be managed well due to highest lake water pollution. The analysis of Trophic State Index Deviation (TSID) showed that algal growth was primarily limited by light penetration, and this was most pronounced in the monsoon season. The analysis of empirical models showed that the value of $R^2$, based on CHL-SD model, was 0.30 (p < 0.0001) in the transition zone and the $R^2$, based on TP-SD model, was 0.41 (p < 0.0001) in the transition zone.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.22 no.11
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• pp.2025-2036
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• 2000

A physicochemical process called ultra rapid coagulation(URC) was applied as a pilot scale to recover eutrophicated lake water at Inkyung Lake located on-campus in Inha university. The URC was uniquely designed to completely remove the presence of phosphorus up to 95%, which in turn leading to lessen the level of eutrophication of lake. For a pilot test of period, the lake was restored showing Carlson's Trophic State Index(TSI) of mesotrophic state which accounts for the reduction of total phosphorus and chlorophyll-a down to approximately 55 from 70 and 73, respectively. A residual presence of aluminum and additional coagulants in the effluent was tested for their potential effects on Photobacterium phosphoreum. The effect concentration ($EC_{50}$-15 min) observed in the effluent revealed that the bioactivity of Photobacterium phosphoreum was not influenced by the residual presence of coagulants. After the pilot test of period, the lake was consequently restored as a mesotrophic state in obtaining the second grade of lake water quality. The URC may be further applied for restoration of greater scale of lake in eutrophication.

• Journal of Korean Society of Coastal and Ocean Engineers
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.258-271
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• 2010

In order to figure out hydrodynamic and water quality changes after completion of dike construction of the Saemangeum, which behaves as a semi-enclosed estuarine lake, numerical simulations based on fine grid structure by using EFDC were intensively carried out. In this study some limitations of precedent study has been improved and gate operation were considered. Also 3 phases such as air-water-sediment interaction modeling was considered. It is clear that inner mixing of the Saemangeum is dominated by Mankyeong and Dongjin riverine discharges rather than the gate opening influence through the Lagrangian particle tracking simulations. Vertical DO structure after the dike completion shows steep gradient especially at Dongjin river estuary due to lessen of outer sea water exchange. Increasing SOD at stagnantly changed man-made reservoir might cause oxygen deficiency and accelerating degradation of water quality. According to TSI evaluation test representing eutrophication status, it shows high possibility of eutrophication along Mankyeong waterway in spite of dike completion, while the index is getting high after final closing along Dongjin waterway. Numerical tests with gate operations show significant differences in water quality. Thus it should be noted that proper gate operation plays a major role in preserving target water quality and management for inner development plan.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.156-166
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• 2022

Understanding the characteristics of reservoir water quality is fundamental in reservoir ecosystem management. The water quality of reservoirs is affected by various factors including hydro-morphology of reservoirs, land use/cover, and human activities in their catchments. In this study, we classified 83 major reservoirs in South Korea based on nine physicochemical factors (pH, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solid, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total organic carbon, electric conductivity, and chlorophyll-a) measured for five years (2015~2019). Study reservoirs were classified into five main clusters through hierarchical cluster analysis. Each cluster reflected differences in the water quality of reservoirs as well as hydromorphological variables such as elevation, catchment area, full water level, and full storage. In particular, water quality condition was low at a low elevation with large reservoirs representing cluster I. In the comparison of eutrophication status in major reservoirs in South Korea using the Korean trophic state index, in some reservoirs including cluster IV composed of lagoons, the eutrophication was improved compared to 2004~2008. However, eutrophication status has been more impaired in most agricultural reservoirs in clusters I, III, and V than past. Therefore, more attention is needed to improve the water quality of these reservoirs.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.61-74
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• 2021

In this study, we used marine environment assessment indices to evaluate impacts of various development projects on the marine environment. TheWaterQuality Index (WQI) was applied in the field of marine water quality and the Cleanup Index of Harmful Chemicals (CIHC), the Cleanup Index of Eutrophication (CIET), the Enrichment Factor(EF) were used in the field of marine sediment. In the field of marine benthic organisms, the Benthic Health Index (BHI) and the Benthic Pollution Index (BPI) were utilized. Each assessment index was calculated using the data observed in the development project, and its characteristics and usefulness were evaluated. The assessment method and criteria were clearly defined for WQI, CIHC, and BHI. Furthermore, through these indices, an integrated environment impact analysis was possible. Apart from the indices presented in this study, there are various indices that can be used for evaluating the marine environment. Therefore, it is important to utilize appropriate indices according to the characteristics of each project.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.79-88
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• 2019

In order to study the water quality status and its causal environmental factors, the water quality variables of chemical oxygen demand (COD), chlorophyll a (Chl a), Total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN), the hydrogeomorphologic variables of water level fluctuation, total water storage, dam elevation, watershed area, and shoreline development index, and the land cover variables of forest, agricultural area, and urbanized area in the watershed were investigated in total 73 reservoirs with various operational purposes, water level fluctuation and geographical distribution in South Korea. The water quality was more eutrophic in the reservoirs of the more urbanized and agricultural area in the watershed, the low altitude, the narrow water level fluctuation, the narrowed watershed area, and the more circular shape. In terms of the purposes of reservoir operation, the reservoirs for agricultural irrigation were more eutrophic than the reservoirs for flood control. The results of the variable selection and path analysis showed that COD determined by Chl a and TP was directly affected by water level fluctuation and the shoreline development of the reservoirs. TP was directly affected by the urbanized area of the watershed which was related to the elevation of the reservoir. TP was also influenced by the water level fluctuation and the shoreline development. In conclusion, the eutrophication of the reservoirs in Korea would be influenced by the land use of the watershed, hydrological and geographical characteristics of the reservoir, water level fluctuation by the anthropogenic management according to the reservoir operation purpose, and the location of the reservoirs.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.340-351
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• 2019

In this study, the relationship between trophic state indices was analyzed based on the monthly or weekly water quality data of 81 lakes (mostly man-made) in Korea between 2013-2017. Carlson's $TSI_C$ and Aizaki's $TSI_m$ were calculated using the summer (Jun.-Sep.) average data at the upper water layer. The previous Korean trophic state index ($TSI_{KO}$) and the newly suggested index ($TSI_{KON}$) was calculated using the annual average data at the whole layer and at the upper layer, respectively. While previous trophic state index (TSI) such as Carlson's TSI included logarithmic function, we devised newly Monod-type $TSI_{KON}$(Chl) that is 50 when half-saturation concentration of chlorophyll ${\alpha}$ ($Chl.{\alpha}$) measured by UNESCO-method is $10{\mu}gL^{-1}$. MMF-type $TSI_{KON}$(TP) was derived based on the relationship between TP and $Chl.{\alpha}$. A comprehensive $TSI_{KON}$ was decided as the larger one of the two $TSI_{KON}$ values. The range of previous TSI was usually 40-50 for the mesotrophic state, which seemed narrow to discriminate trophic characteristics of the class. The upper limits of $TSI_{KON}$ for oligotrophic, mesotrophic, and eutrophic state were set to 23, 50 and 75, respectively. Classification by $TSI_C$ and $TSI_m$ showed higher frequency of eutrophic class compared to $TSI_{KO}$ and $TSI_{KON}$. This means that the estimation by TSIs developed in foreign natural lakes can lead to distorted results in the classification of the trophic state of Korean lakes. This is due to the decrease of transparency by non-algal material and the reduction in phosphorus availability to algal growth, particularly in Monsoon period.

• ALGAE
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.209-219
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• 2007

Marine algal flora and community structure of medicinal seaweeds were examined at Kkotji of Taean Peninsula, Korea from May 2005 to January 2006. Seventy-nine seaweeds including 42 medicinal algae and one marine plant were identified. Sargassum thunbergii was the representative alga occurred at all seasons and shore levels. The dominant medicinal seaweeds were perennial S. thunbergii, Neorhodomela aculeata, and Corallina pilulifera, and ephemeral Monostroma grevillei, Porphyra yezoensis, and Ulva pertusa. Their vertical distribution were N. aculeata – P. yezoensis, M. grevillei, and U. pertusa – C. pilulifera from high to low intertidal zone. The average biomass of medicinal seaweeds varied from 34.17 g m–2 in spring to 56.41 g m–2 in summer. At Kkotji shore, the opportunistic species (Enteromorpha, Ulva, and Cladophora) and turf-forming algae (Caulacanthus okamurae and Gelidium divaricatum) were easily observed. Such fast growing ESG II (ecological state group) was 87.50% and slow growing perennial algae, ESG I was only 12.15%. Also, diversity index (H’) and dominance index (DI) indicate that the seaweed community of Kkotji is unstable. Therefore, Kkotji rocky shore should be more protected from human activities such as turbulence and eutrophication in order to maintain species diversity and abundance of medicinal seaweeds.