• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.109-124
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• 2014

In order to understand the carbon cycle in the Amundsen Sea of the Southern Ocean, the export fluxes of particulate organic carbon from the euphotic zone to deep water estimated using ${\psi}$/${\psi}$ disequilibrium method. Seawaters in 14 water columns were collected during February and March 2012, and analyzed for total and dissolved ${\psi}$, and particulate organic carbon. Total ${\psi}$ activities in the water column showed deficiency and excess relative to those of ${\psi}$ depending on the water depth. Deficiency of total ${\psi}$ in the euphotic zone showed mirror images both with chlorophyll-a and fluorescence, and was consistent with the loss of nitrate, which indicated the effect of biological activity. In addition, deficiency of total ${\psi}$ from deep water was associated with the increase of total dissolvable Fe/Mn concentration. Excess total ${\psi}$ activity presented below the euphotic zone might be related to particulate ${\psi}$ concentrated in this water depth. Mean export flux of ${\psi}$ estimated using the steady state model was $867{\pm}246dpmm^{-2}day^{-1}$. Mean export flux of particulate organic carbon, which were estimated by the product of total ${\psi}$ flux and ratio of POC/${\psi}$ ($7.08{\pm}4.27{\mu}molCdpm^{-1}$) in the sinking particles, was $5.9{\pm}3.9mmolCm^{-2}day^{-1}$. These fluxes were similar levels to those in the Weddell Sea during February and March 2008. Export ratios (ThE) relative to the primary production in the euphotic zone were in the range of 3-54% (av. 28%).

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.202-211
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• 2011

In this study the seasonal and spatial pattern of mercury (Hg) concentrations in multimedia environments were investigated in Lake So-Yang. Total mercury (TM) in water column greatly enhanced as turbidity and particulate organic carbon (POC) increased due to the severe runoff, suggesting that most of Hg existed as particulate Hg in Lake Soyang. We also collected 22 species of fish in Lake Soyang and Han River, and the average total mercury in fish was 0.073 ppm, lower than both Korean (0.5 ppm) and EPA criteria (0.3 ppm). However when considering the amount of fish intake for Korean the Hg criterion in fish must be more stringent than current value, and the advisory for fish consumption should be made. Hg in fish considerably varied with sampling sites, having the highest in the upper region (Yang-gu) and the lowest in downstream (Han River). This spatial variation was possibly derived by "bloom dilution" associated with high phosphorus loading or elevated DOC concentrations, or both. Total mercury in sediment varied from 69.9 to $98.3{\mu}g/kg$, which was relatively lower than those measured in Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota in USA ($102{\sim}364{\mu}g/kg$).

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.41 no.spc
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• pp.27-34
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• 2008

The vertical distribution and origin of particulate organic matter (POM) were investigated in Shingu reservoir on 4th July (pre-monsoon) and 7th August (post-monsoon) 2006. High turbid water (120 NTU) were found at 4.5 m water depth in postmonsoon period. The average C/N ratio of POM was about 5.70 and 6.96 in surface water and bottom water, respectively in pre-monsoon period, exhibiting the close values to its ratio in phytoplankton cell. However, the average C/N ratio was 7.10 in surface water and 12.81 in bottom water in post-monsoon period. In addition, the ${\delta}^{13}C$ values of POM in pre-monsoon period ranged from -25.1%o to -26.1%o in whole water column, but the ${\delta}^{13}C$ values of POM in post-monsoon period showed relatively wide range between -23.2%o and -27.5%o. The apparently lighter values (average -27.5%o) in near bottom water (4.5 m water depth) demonstrate that POM in high turbid water in post-monsoon period may be derived from the outside terrestrial plants through heavy rainfall during the summer monsoon period. The present study suggests that carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios as well as C/N ratios should be useful indexes to clarify the origin of POM.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.81-92
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• 1999

This study discussed the appropriateness of organic matter indexes such as biochemical oxygen demand(BOD) and chemical oxygen demand with potassium permanganate($COD_{Mn}$) in water quality environmental standard of streams and lakes and the applicability of the items to water quality environmental standard to add or substitute COD with potassium dichromate ($COD_{Cr}$) and total organic carbon(TOC) being used as index of organic matter. And indexes of organic matter content and organic carbon concentration were distinguished between dissolved and particulate component in water sample to estimate their effect on pollutants loading in lake and stream. The ratio of $COD_{Cr}$/BOD was 5.1 under BOD concentration 3mg/L in river water quality environmental standard II, and 2.67 above it. This ratio was diminished to 2.04 when BOD concentration was more than 8mg/L, in river quality environmental standard IV. Also the ratio of $COD_{Mn}$/BOD showed 2.16 under 3mg/L(BOD), and 1.1 above it. This ratio is also diminished to 0.84 over 8mg/L(BOD). Accordingly, we should apply this ratio depending on the concentration level to add and change organic matter index of water quality environmental standard newly. The ratio $COD_{Cr}/COD_{Mn}$ both in lake and stream shows 2.37(r=0.986, p<0.001). But the ratios showed range of 2.34~2.50, which is no much difference of this ratio according to $COD_{Mn}$ concentration.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.203-215
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• 2006

Field observations on the spatio-temporal distribution of organic matter of the surface sediment were carried out at 15 stations in the central parts of the South Sea of Korea from April 2002 to January 2003. The range of water temperature and salinity in bottom waters, mud content and water content of surface sediment were $8.06{\sim}23.35^{\circ}C,\;29.20{\sim}34.51\;psu,\;71.2{\sim}99.9%$ and $38.7{\sim}68.9%$, respectively. Measured parameters on the surface sediments of ignition loss (IL), chemical oxygen demand (CODs), phaeopigment, particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate organic nitrogen (PON) also ranged in $3.9{\sim}l2.5%,\;9.60{\sim}44.05\;mgO_2/g-dry,\;1.58{\sim}29.51\;{\mu}g/g-dry,\;3.12{\sim}13.01\;mgC/g-dry$ and $0.49{\sim}2.00\;mgN/g-dry$, respectively. The spatio-temporal distribution of organic matter demonstrated higher concentrations offshore than at lesions near the coastal line. Higher concentrations occurred in the summer and spring. The results indicated that the origin of organic matter in surface sediments in the central part of the South Sea was autochthonous rather than allocthonous because the organic matter had an average C/N ratio of 6.44 (${\pm}0.51$). However, the composition of autochthonous organic matter was mainly derived from detritus rather than living phytoplankton, which was Indicated by the results of the POC/phaeopigment ratio. A principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that 73.2% of the variability in the data was described by two factors: 1) an 'environmental factor concerning the accumulation of materials (57.3%)' and 2) 'origin of organic matter and the composition by primary production (15.9%)'. The sedimentary environment in the central part of the South Sea was divided into four regions from the factor score of the PCA by the concentrations of organic matter and the composition ratio of organic matters from phytoplankton in surface sediments.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.160-167
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• 2018

The role played by reservoirs in the biogeochemical cycles of elements is a subject of ongoing debate. Recent research has revealed that reservoirs emit significant levels of greenhouse gases. To assess the importance of reservoirs in monsoon climate areas as a source of methane gas into the atmosphere, we investigated variations in organic carbon (OC) input into the reservoir, oxic state changes, and finally the amount of methane emitted (focusing on the ebullition pathway) in Lake Soyang, which is the largest reservoir in South Korea. Total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations were higher during summer after two years of heavy rainfall. The sedimentation rates of particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate organic nitrogen (PON) were higher in the epilimnion and hypolimnion than the metalimnioin, indicating that autochthonous and allochthonous carbon made separate contributions to the TOC. During stratification, oxygen depletion occurred in the hypolimnion due to the decomposition of organic matter. Under these conditions, $H_2S$ and $CH_4$ can be released from sediment. The methane emissions from the reservoir were much higher than from other natural lakes. However, the temporal and spatial variations of methane ebullition were huge, and were clearly dependent on many factors. Therefore, more research via a well-organized field campaign is needed to investigate methane emissions.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.442-450
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• 1997

The chemical properties of water masses were investigated at 33 stations of the southeastern last Sea in February, 1995 on board R/V Tam-Yang. The water masses were not clearly distinguished due to the vortical mixing in winter. However, on the basis of the T-S and $T-O_2$ diagrams, water masses in the study area were divided into five groups (Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV, Type V). (1) $>9.0^{\circ}C,\;>34.35\;psu,\;5.08\~5.60m\ell/\ell$ at Type I, (2) $6.0\~9.0^{\circ}C,\;34.15\~34.35\;psu,\;5.60\~5.90\;m\ell/\ell$ at Type II, (3) $4.0\~6.0^{\circ}C,\;34.00\~34.15\;psu,\;>5.90m\ell/\ell$ at Type III, (4) $1.5\~4.0^{\circ}C,\;34.00\~34.05\;psu,\;5.40\~5.90\;m\ell/\ell$ at Type IV, (5) $<1.5^{\circ}C,\;34.05\~34.07\;psu,\;4.80\~5.40\;m\ell/\ell$ at Type V. In the vertical profiles of nutrients, the concentrations were very low in the surface layer and increased rapidly with depth. The highest concentrations occurred in Type IV, while the concentrations in Type I were the lowest. The N/P ratios were less than Redfield ratio, indicating that nitrogenous nutrients were the limiting factor tor phytoplankton growth. The concentrations of POC and PON were in the range of $0.49\~20.03\;{\mu}g-at/\ell\;and\;0.09\~5.34\;{\mu}g-at/\ell$, respectively. The relatively high concentration occured in the surface layer of inner shore, showing that the concentration at each water mass followed the order Type I > Type II > Type III > Type IV > Type V, respectively. The C:N ratio in particulate organic matter was lower than the values reported in other region due to relatively high concentrations of PON in the study area. Relatively high ratios of POC to chlorophyll $\alpha$ during the study periods indicate that non-living detritus comparised most of the POC in the study area.

• Ocean Science Journal
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.125-137
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• 2006

Nutrients, chlorophyll-a, particulate organic carbon (POC), and environmental conditions were extensively investigated in the northern East China Sea (ECS) near Cheju Island during three seasonal cruises from 2003 to 2005. In spring and autumn, relatively high concentrations of nitrate ($2.6{\sim}12.4\;{\mu}mol\;kg^{-1}$) and phosphate ($0.17{\sim}0.61\;{\mu}mol\;kg^{-1}$) were observed in the surface waters in the western part of the study area because of the large supply of nutrients from deep waters by vertical mixing. The surface concentrations of nitrate and phosphate in summer were much lower than those in spring and autumn, which is ascribed to a reduced nutrient supply from the deep waters in summer because of surface layer stratification. While previous studies indicate that upwellings of the Kuroshio Current and the Changjiang (Yangtze River) are main sources of nutrients in the ECS, these two inputs seem not to have contributed significantly to the build-up of nutrients in the northern ECS during the time of this study. The lower nitrate:phosphate (N:P) ratio in the surface waters and the positive correlation between the surface N:P ratio and nitrate concentration indicate that nitrate acts as a main nutrient limiting phytoplankton growth in the northern ECS, contrary to previous reports of phosphate-limited phytoplankton growth in the ECS. This difference arises because most surface water nutrients are supplied by vertical mixing from deep waters with low N:P ratios and are not directly influenced by the Changjiang, which has a high N:P ratio. Surface chlorophyll-a levels showed large seasonal variation, with high concentrations ($0.38{\sim}4.14\;mg\;m^{-3}$) in spring and autumn and low concentrations ($0.22{\sim}1.05\;mg\;m^{-3}$) in summer. The surface distribution of chlorophyll-a coincided fairly well with that of nitrate in the northern ECS, implying that nitrate is an important nutrient controlling phytoplankton biomass. The POC:chlorophyll-a ratio was $4{\sim}6$ times higher in summer than in spring and autumn, presumably because of the high summer phytoplankton death rate caused by nutrient depletion in the surface waters.

• 한국해양학회지
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.193-203
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• 1991

KODOS (Korea Deep ocean Study)-89 sediments, recovered from western part of Clarion-Clipperton fracture zone in north Pacific, show two distinctly colored layer zones: surface yellow brown layer (unit A) and subsurface dark brown layer (unit B), and roughly recognized as Quaternary and Tertiary in age, respectively. Geochemical characteristics are also different in those two units. Smectite, water, micronodule, and heavy metal contents are higher in unit B, while POC content is higher in unit A. High smectite and low POC contents in unit B are due to the longer formation period of smectite, almost decomposition of labile organic matter in unit B relative to unit A. High water content in unit B is caused by coarse fabric which results from higher content of spicules and spines. Additionally, stronger electrostatic repulsion force caused by high smectite content also supports high water content in unit B relative to unit A. Variations in heavy metal contents are closely related to the amount of micronodule, which has higher metal contents than that of sediment. Therefore, we conclude that the differences of geochemical characteristics in unit A and unit B are resulted from the different diagenetic durations of unit A and unit B.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.57-69
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• 2001

The chemical, elemental and biochemical components of the suspended particulate matter (SPM) were investigated in order to quantify particulate organic matter (POM) and assess diet quality for suspension feeders in the southern coastal bay systems of Korea where the marine farming of the suspension feeders are most active, The intense field observation program was carried out seasonally in the three coastal bay systems of Chinhae, Gosung and Kangjin bays, The SPM was characterized as collective properties of organic carbon (POC), nitrogen (PON), phosphorus (PP) and more refined collective properties of protein (PPr), carbohydrate (PCHO) and chlorophyll a (Chl a) compound. Although the three coastal bays are regarded as phytoplankton based ecosystem, the SPM is not composed entirely with phytoplankton cells. Due to the shallow water depth, resuspension of bottom sediment contributes significantly to some of the regions. Therefore, concentration of SPM in the surface water did not co-vary with Chl a or PPr, PCHO. In general, temporal variation of POC, PON and Chl a contents in seawater were closely associated with phytoplankton biomass in the three coastal bays, However, PPr and PCHO contents in seawater were higher in Chinhae bay than in Gosung and Kangjin bays and Chl a PPr-N ratio was higher in Chinhae bay than in Kosung and Kangjin bays, since Chinhae bay is more eutrophicated than other bays. Average C : N ratios from regressions of POC and PON of SPM were 6.6, 6.6 and 5.0 in Chinhae, Gosung and Kangjin bays, respectively. SPM in Chinhae and Gosung bays appears to be made of largely phytoplankton cells and SPM in Kangjin bay appears to be contributed from the bacterial biomass due to the shallow water depth. N : P ratios from regressions of PON and PP of SPM were 10.8 and 14.7 in spring, and 18.2 and 24.6 in Chinhae and Gosung bays, respectively. With respect to the hypothetical Redfield molecule, phytoplankton appears to be limited by the lack of N and f in spring and summer, respectively, in the two bays, In Kangjin bay, N : P ratios from regressions of PON and PP of SPM were varied from 6.3 to 12.8 throughout the year. The low N : P ratio with resepct to the hypothetical Redfield molecule, phytoplankton growth appears to be limited by the lack of N-nutrients.