• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.846-852
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• 2011

This study researched the spawning sites of Kaloula borealis in a large number of wetlands in Jeju Island between May and August from 2007 to 2010. Based on the surveys, we discovered the locations of their habitats by investigating their calls from a rainy night to the next day and where their spawning sites were by ascertaining the existence of their eggs and tadpoles. According to the results, 83 wetlands were used as spawning sites across Jeju Island. A large number of wetlands were found to be permanent wetlands for Kaloula borealis. In addition, 81.9% of the wetlands in Jeju Island were found to be at an altitude of 150m or lower, and they spawned in shallow water not more than 50cm in depth. By region, 54 wetlands were in Jeju-island 29 wetlands were in Seogwipo-si. One of the reasons that Seogwipo-si has less wetlands than Jeju-si is that there are more orchards in Seogwipo-si than Jeju-si; accordingly, wetlands in Seogwipo-si were found to be more destroyed by farming. In the case of Seongsan-eup, a reedy marsh stretches out widely so that spawning sites were well preserved compared to other regions. This research will provide useful data for sustaining the population of Kaloula borealis by protecting their spawning sites from development, by offering habitats, and restoring spawning sites, which have become severely damaged and destroyed.

• 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.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.133-143
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• 2015

Freshwater macrophytes improve the structural heterogeneity of microhabitats in water, often providing an important habitat for zooplankton. Some studies have focused on the overall influence of macrophytes on zooplankton, but the effects of macrophyte in relation to different habitat characteristics of zooplankton (e.g., epiphytic and pelagic) have not been intensively studied. We hypothesized that different habitat structures (i.e., macrophyte habitat) would strongly affect zooplankton distribution. We investigated zooplankton density and diversity, macrophyte characteristics (dry weight and species number), and environmental parameters in 40 shallow wetlands in South Korea. Patterns in the data were analyzed using a self-organizing map (SOM), which extracts information through competitive and adaptive properties. A total of 20 variables (11 environmental parameters and 9 zooplankton groups) were patterned onto the SOM. Based on a U-matrix, 3 clusters were identified from the model. Zooplankton assemblages were positively related to macrophyte characteristics (i.e., dry weight and species number). In particular, epiphytic species (i.e., epiphytic rotifers and cladocerans) exhibited a clear relationship with macrophyte characteristics, while large biomass and greater numbers of macrophyte species supported high zooplankton assemblages. Consequently, habitat heterogeneity in the macrophyte bed was recognized as an important factor to determine zooplankton distribution, particularly in epiphytic species. The results indicate that macrophytes are critical for heterogeneity in lentic freshwater ecosystems, and the inclusion of diverse plant species in wetland construction or restoration schemes is expected to generate ecologically healthy food webs.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.23-41
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• 2002

In this paper, changes of the coliform bacteria were investigated when aquatic plant pond was used for separating algal particles from waste stabilization ponds(WSPs). Three different types of integrated natural systems were operated. It was found that there were no significant interferences for the disinfection efficiency of two integrated systems (WSPs coupled with water hyacinth ponds) used for treating domestic sewage and upgrading the secondary effluent as well. However, when constructed wetland (CW) was combined with the shallow algal ponds and used for the secondary effluent, it seriously interfered with the disinfection efficiency due to the regrowth and/or after-growth of the coliform bacteria, which can readily metabolize the amino acids and sugars leached from plants. In order to find out the primary disinfection parameters, several sets of the batch test were run. It was found that sunlight is the most predominant factor for the coliform decay. During the night, algal toxicity partly supports the decay but during the day, deteriorates it by attenuating the sunlight. The pH in the range of 4 to 10 did not affect the decay in the dark.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.49-57
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• 2008

Tidal flat, classified as wetland of coastal zone, is critical transitional zone connecting sea with land, and fulfills a variety of functions necessary for maintaining coastal ecosystem. Although it is critical to protect and strengthen its functions of coastal wetlands, tidal flat has been mainly viewed as areas for development in Korea. Therefore, this study provides with the effective mitigation measures so as to minimize adverse impacts of tidal flat reclamation projects on the proper environmental values. So far, coastal development has not considered as important the fact that development site consists of tidal flat in site selection. Therefore, large scale of tidal flats was abused. Problems were emerged only after tidal flat development was already planned. The original plan had to be revised. To rectify the problem, impacts of development on the environment need to be discussed based on the initial development planning. Particularly, sandy beaches, rocky shores and shallow areas, underwater forest including seagrass beds as well as the tidal flat in good condition should be excluded from development site.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.1-12
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• 2010

This study examined geological characteristics of a wetland in Mountain Geumjeong in Busan Metropolitan City. Field survey and laboratory tests were performed to identify topographic features, geological and structural geological characteristics, rock strength along the distance from the wetland, soil profile in the wetland, and chemical property of the wetland soil. The bedrock of the wetland consists of hornblende granite. Hornblende granite and rhyolitic rock around the wetland have the joints with strikes of N-S, E-W, and NE-SW directions and with higher dips greater than $60^{\circ}$. Lower rock strength and higher weathering grades take place towards the wetlands. According to X-ray diffraction analysis of wetland soil samples, kaolinite, montmorillonite, and gibbsite appear which demonstrate weathered products of feldspars in the hornblende granite. The soil profile in the wetland comprises O, A, B, and C horizons from the land surface. The contents of the organic matters decrease from shallow parts to deeper parts of the soil profile. In addition, $K^+$ and $Na^+$ originating from the weathering of feldspars are dominant components among inorganic ions in the wetland soil.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.185-194
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• 2014

Seasonal monitoring was implemented to understand the influence of macrophyte bed structure on the composition and trophic interaction of aquatic organisms (algae, zooplankton, macro-invertebrate, and fish) in a shallow wetland (Upo Wetland, South Korea). Distinct division of the plant assemblage (reed zone and mixed plant zone) was observed. The reed zone was composed solely of Phragmites communis, whereas the mixed plant zone comprised a diverse macrophyte assemblage (Salvinia natans, Spirodela polyrhiza, Trapa japonica, Ceratophyllum demersum, and Hydrilla verticillata). Most of the aquatic organisms were more abundant in the mixed plant zone than in the reed zone, and this was positively associated with the seasonal development of macrophyte cover. Stable isotope analysis showed seasonal interactions among aquatic organisms. The majority of aquatic animal (zooplankton, Odonata, and Ephemeroptera) were dependent on epiphytic particulate organic matter (EPOM), and the dependence on EPOM gradually increased toward autumn. Interestingly, Lepomis macrochirus consumed Ephemeroptera and zooplankton in both macrophyte zones, but Micropterus salmoides depended on different food items in the reed zone and the mixed plant zone. Although, M. salmoides in the reed zone showed food utilization similar to L. macrochirus, it consumed Odonata or small L. macrochirus in the mixed plant zone. Based on these results, it appears that differences in the structure of the two macrophyte zones support different assemblages of aquatic organisms, strongly influencing the trophic interactions between the aquatic organisms.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.391-400
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• 2015

In order to investigate the distribution and species composition of fish in shallow wetlands that might be affected by environmental factors, we investigated the physicochemical parameters, macrophytes biomass, and fish assemblage in 24 shallow wetlands in South Korea from May to June, 2012. In this study, a total of 20 fish species were identified, and Cypinidae were found to be the most dominant species. Physicochemical parameters and macrophyte biomass were different in the survey sites, and macrophytes biomass, in particular, showed a positive relationship with fish abundance in stepwise multiple regression (df=1, F=32.00, P=0.001). According to the result of the cluster analysis between survey sites, the survey sites were divided into three groups in accordance with species composition of fish in relation to macrophytes biomass. In the wetlands of the first group, Lepomis macrochirus which belongs to Centrarchidae was found to be dominant and other fish assemblages were hardly seen. In the second group, unlike the first group, Carassius auratus that belongs to Cypinidae was found to be dominant. In the third group, Lepomis macrochirus was found to be as dominant as the first group but various other fish species appeared. Where there was abundance of the main food sources (i. e. zooplankton) of fish in the survey sites, there were more diverse macrophyte biomass. Consequently, it is proven that macrophytes strongly affect the species composition and abundance of fish, and high biomass of macrophytes support high assemblage of fish. Based on these results, we recommend establishing diverse aquatic macrophytes communities when restoring or creating wetlands to assure high diversity of fish species that use macrophytes as their habitat.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.37-51
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• 2015

Sparganium japonicum Rothert. is designated as a near threatened species by the National Institute of Biological Resources and is restrictively distributed in South Korea. To conserve and restore habitats of this plant, we investigated environmental characteristics and vegetation at five habitats during the growing season. Thirty plant species from seventeen families were found in the S. japonicum community. The species frequently found in this community included Utricularia vulgaris, Potamogeton distinctus, Phragmites japonica, Cicuta virosa, Persicaria thunbergii, Phragmites communis, Hydrilla verticillata. Maximum height of this plant reached at August and average height at five habitats is 120 cm at this time. Water and soil environmental factors showed low values compared with that of other wetlands. S. japonicum lived in not only shallow water level but also deep water level. These results can be helpful for S. japonicum habitat conservation and restoration.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.488-498
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• 2016

In order to assess the role of aeration in stormwater wetlands, oxygen supply and consumption in a wetland treating runoff from livestock farms were estimated and analyzed. Furthermore, oxygen mass balance was conducted during day time and night time. Internal production by algal photosynthesis dominated the oxygen production particularly in the shallow marsh due to the large amount of algae. Consequently, algal respiration was also the major oxygen depletion element with nitrification and biodegradation estimated as 5.35% and 6.43% of the total oxygen consumption. This excessive portion of oxygen consumption by algae was associated to the highly turbid water caused by the resuspension of sediment particles in the aeration pond, which also affected the subsequent wetland. Moreover, an abundance of oxygen was estimated during the day indicating that oxygen produced by algal activity is sufficient to meet the oxygen demand in the wetland. Thus, supplemental aeration was deemed not necessary at daytime. In contrast, oxygen was greatly depleted at night when algal photosynthesis stopped which induced denitrification. Therefore, it was suggested that supplemental aeration may be operated continuously instead of intermittently to avoid oxygen deficit in the wetland at night or it may be stopped entirely to further enhance denitrification.