• Journal of Wetlands Research
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.515-522
• /
• 2011

This study examined the epiphytes using stable isotopes. Separated epiphytes should represent the water quality. In study areas, where agricultural paddies were prevailing, biomass of epiphytes can increase nitrogen isotopes(${\delta}^{15}N$) and as a result decrease in carbon isotopes(${\delta}^{13}C$). Naerin stream and Inbuk upper areas showed higher nitrogen isotopes(${\delta}^{15}N$) than in Hangye and Buk stream. Also, stable carbon isotopes(${\delta}^{13}C$) in Naerin stream and Inbuk streams tended to increase than in Hangye and Buk stream. This can indicate the epiphytes can be a good indicator for water quality pollution.

• Journal of Conservation Science
• /
• v.33 no.6
• /
• pp.533-539
• /
• 2017

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope results recorded in human bone reflects palaeodiet, nutrition, subsistence and palaeoenvironment. We analyzed the remains of the Naju Yeongdong-ri people, who live at around $6^{th}$ century, excavated from stone chambers and stone-lined tombs. The following results of the analysis of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes were obtained: ${\delta}^{13}C=-19.5{\pm}0.7$‰, ${\delta}^{15}N=9.6{\pm}0.7$‰, (n=9). The value for stable carbon isotopes indicates that the Naju Yeongdong-ri people had a largely $C_3$-based diet such as rice, barley, and beans. On the other hand, the value for stable nitrogen isotopes reflect the consumption of terrestrial animal protein. This study presents new information on the dietary patterns of the Naju Yeongdong-ri people, whose tombs were similar to the Baekje tomb style and their burial type was much like the one followed by the indigenous people of the Yeongsan river basin.

• Animal cells and systems
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.162-171
• /
• 2012

We investigated food webs of a $Salix$ $subfragilis$-dominated wetland in the Janghang wetland in the Hangang estuary, which is very close to the Demilitarized Zone, along the west coast of Korea. Our study focused on understanding sesarmine crab ($Sesarma$ $dehaani$)-related food webs in a $S.$ $subfragilis$ forest. For our study, we used carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes and fatty acid biomarkers. We collected samples of plants, animals, and detrital sediment from four quadrats ($5{\times}5m^2$) set in the $S.$ $subfragilis$ community. Samples were collected from September 2006 to June 2009, except during the winter hibernation period of $S.$ $dehaani$. In the wet season, the sediment showed relatively high ${\delta}^{13}C$ and low ${\delta}^{15}N$ signatures compared with relatively low ${\delta}13C$ and high ${\delta}15N$ signatures in the dry season. Mature $S.$ $dehaani$ appeared to feed on fresh leaves and other carbon sources, such as immature individuals or fish, in addition to detrital sediment, which appeared to be the main carbon source for immature crabs. Principal component analysis of fatty acid biomarkers of $S.$ $dehaani$ showed a clear difference between immature individuals (10-30 mm) and mature ones (larger than 30 mm), indicating that the main food source for immature crabs was detrital sediment, whereas mature crabs foraged plants in addition to consuming detrital sediment. On the basis of our results from stable isotope and fatty acid analyses, mature $S.$ $dehaani$ appeared to feed on detrital sediment and fresh leaves of $S.$ $subfragilis$ in summer in addition to engaging in cannibalism of immature individuals.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
• /
• v.26 no.5
• /
• pp.493-505
• /
• 2020

Food web structures in the lower trophic levels of the seas around the Korean peninsula were investigated in August 2019 using stable isotopes. There were variable ratios of the carbon (-26.18 ~ -20.61 ‰) and nitrogen stable (5.36 ~ 15.20 ‰) isotopes in the particulate organic matter (POM). Most of the organisms ingested micro-POM as a major food source, but this varied spatially. The chaetognaths (3.40 ± 0.61) occupied the highest trophic level. The isotope mixing model showed that the proportions (13 ~ 51 %) of some organisms (i.e., copepods and euphausiids) reflected the relative contributions as major food sources for chaetognaths at each site.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
• /
• v.97 no.4
• /
• pp.357-362
• /
• 2008

We compared the morphological characters and stable isotopes of seeds of wild simulated ginseng with those of cultivated field ginseng. Seeds were collected from ten areas for wild simulated ginseng and two areas for cultivated field ginseng. The length, width, thickness and number of seeds per gram were measured and the ratio of stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen was analysed as well. There was a overlapping variation of morphological characters and the ratio of stable isotope of the wild simulated ginseng among study areas. In Geumsan area, compared with the seed of cultivated field ginseng, the seed of wild simulated ginseng was significantly small and light, and the ${\delta}^{15}N$(‰) of wild simulated ginseng was lower than that of cultivated field ginseng. However, it is somewhat impossible to compare the regional variation of the unique value of ${\delta}^{15}N$(‰) among study areas of wild simulated ginseng. We can suggest the value of ${\delta}^{15}N$(‰) can be used as detection factor for cultivation regime like chemical fertilization and organic farming.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.51 no.6
• /
• pp.262-271
• /
• 2008

Natural abundances of stable isotopes of nitrogen and carbon (${\delta}^{15}N$ and ${\delta}^{13}C$) are being widely used to study N and C cycle processes in plant and soil systems. Variations in ${\delta}^{15}N$ of the soil and the plant reflect the potentially variable isotope signature of the external N sources and the isotope fractionation during the N cycle process. $N_2$ fixation and N fertilizer supply the nitrogen, whose ${\delta}^{15}N$ is close to 0%o, whereas the compost as. an organic input generally provides the nitrogen enriched in $^{15}N$ compared to the atmospheric $N_2$. The isotope fractionation during the N cycle process decreases the ${\delta}^{15}N$ of the substrate and increases the ${\delta}^{15}N$ of the product. N transformations such as N mineralization, nitrification, denitrification, assimilation, and the $NH_3$ volatilization have a specific isotope fractionation factor (${\alpha}$) for each N process. Variation in the ${\delta}^{13}C$ of plants reflects the photosynthetic type of plant, which affects the isotope fractionation during photosynthesis. The ${\delta}^{13}C$ of C3 plant is significantly lower than, whereas the ${\delta}^{13}C$ of C4 plant is similar to that of the atmospheric $CO_2$. Variation in the isotope fractionation of carbon and nitrogen can be observed under different environmental conditions. The effect of environmental factors on the stomatal conductance and the carboxylation rate affects the carbon isotope fractionation during photosynthesis. Changes in the environmental factors such as temperature and salt concentration affect the nitrogen isotope fractionation during the N cycle processes; however, the mechanism of variation in the nitrogen isotope fractionation has not been studied as much as that in the carbon isotope fractionation. Isotope fractionation factors of carbon and nitrogen could be the integrated factors for interpreting the effects of the environmental factors on plants and soils.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
• /
• v.27 no.3
• /
• pp.279-284
• /
• 2009

In order to understand food sources-metabolism for the pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas), the stable isotope ratios of carbon (${\delta}^{13}C$) and nitrogen (${\delta}^{15}N$) of its gut, gill, and muscle as well as potential food sources (particulate organic matter, sedimentary organic matter, benthic microalgae, seagrass detritus) were determined in Dongdae Bay. Average ${\delta}^{13}C$ and ${\delta}^{15}N$ values reflect that oysters primarily fed on sedimentary organic matter as opposed to suspended organic matter during summer and winter seasons. However, the relatively enriched $^{15}N$ values of particulate organic matter (>$250{\mu}m$) and sedimentary organic matter in the summer may be due to the photosynthetic incorporation of $^{15}N$-enriched nitrogen (DIN) or the spawning events of bivalves. Specific oyster tissues (gut, gill, and muscle) revealed different metabolic pathways, which were determined through analysis of ${\delta}^{13}C$ and ${\delta}^{15}N$ in each organ. The present results suggest the determination of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes to be a useful approach in ecological research related to the food sources- metabolism of Crassostrea gigas.

• Proceedings of the National Institute of Ecology of the Republic of Korea
• /
• v.2 no.4
• /
• pp.259-273
• /
• 2021

We conducted a study to investigate the characteristics of the carbon cycle of two streams (located in Shig a Prefecture, Japan), having similar size, namely, the Adokawa stream (length: 52 km, area: 305 km², watershed population: 8,000) and the Yasukawa stream (length: 62 km, area: 380 km², watershed population: 120,000), but with different degree of human activity. Samples were collected from these two streams at 14 (Adokawa stream) and 23 (Yasukawa stream) stations in the flowing direction. The dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration and the stable carbon isotope ratio of DIC (δ¹³C-DIC) were measured in addition to the watershed features and the chemical variables of the stream water. The δ¹³C-DIC (-9.50 ± 2.54‰), DIC concentration (249 ± 76 µM), and electric conductivity (52 ± 13 µS/cm) in Adokawa stream showed small variations from upstream to downstream. However, the δ¹³C-DIC (-8.68 ± 2.3‰) upstream of Yasukawa stream was similar to that of Adokawa stream and decreased downstream (-12.13 ± 0.43‰). DIC concentration (upstream: 272 ± 89 µM, downstream: 690 ± 37 µM) and electric conductivity (upstream: 69 ± 17 µS/cm, downstream: 193 ± 37 µS/cm) were higher downstream than upstream of Yasukawa stream. The DIC concentration of Yasukawa stream was significantly correlated with watershed environmental variables, such as, watershed population density (r = 0.8581, p<0.0001, n = 23), and forest area percentage of the watershed (r = -0.9188, p<0.0001, n = 23). δ¹³C-DIC showed significant negative correlation with the DIC concentration (r = -0.7734, p<0.0001, n = 23), electric conductivity (r = -0.5396, p = 0.0079, n = 23), and watershed population density (r = -0.6836, p = 0.0003, n = 23). Our approach using a stable carbon isotope ratio suggests that DIC concentration and δ¹³C-DIC could be used as indicators for monitoring the health of stream ecosystems with different watershed characteristics.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.25 no.3
• /
• pp.392-404
• /
• 2015

Objectives: This study measured and analyzed the concentrations of crystalline silica, elemental carbon and the contribution ratio of pollutants which influence environmental and respiratory disease around the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex in Daegu, Korea. Methods: We analyzed the crystalline silica and elemental carbon in the air according to FTIR(Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and NIOSH(National Institute of Occupation Safety and Health) method 5040, respectively. In addition, lead stable isotopes, and carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes were analyzed using MC-ICP/MS(Multi Collector-Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometer), and IRMS(Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer), respectively. Results: The concentration of crystalline silica in the direct exposure area around the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex was found to be $0.0014{\pm}0.0005mg/Sm^3$, but not to exceed the exposure standards of the ACGIH(American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists). In the case of the autumn, the direct exposure area was found to show a level 2.5 times higher than the reference area, and on the whole, the direct exposure area was found to have a level 1.4 times higher than the reference area. The concentration of elemental carbon in the direct exposure area and in the reference area were found to be $0.0014{\pm}0.0006mg/Sm^3$, and $0.0006{\pm}0.0003mg/Sm^3$, respectively. This study confirmed the contribution ratio of coal raw materials to residentially deposited dusts in the area within 500 meters from the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex and the surrounding area with a stable isotope ratio of 24.0%(0.7-62.7%) on average in the case of carbon and nitrogen, and 33.9%(26.6-54.1%) on average in the case of lead stable isotopes. Conclusions: This study was able to confirm correlations with coal raw materials used by the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex and the surrounding area. The concentration of some pollutants, crystalline silica, and elemental carbon emitted to the direct-influence area around the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex were relatively higher than in the reference area. Therefore, we need to impose continuous and substantive reduction countermeasures in the future to prevent particulate matter and coal raw materials in the study area. It is time for the local government and authorities to prepare active administrative methods such as the relocation of Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.29 no.8
• /
• pp.1152-1158
• /
• 2016

Morphological and physiological alterations occur in the digestive system of weanling piglets, compromising the performance in subsequent phases. This experiment aimed at verifying the influence of glutamine, glutamate and nucleotides on the carbon turnover in the pancreas and liver of piglets weaned at 21 days of age. Four diets were evaluated: glutamine, glutamic acid or nucleotides-free diet (CD); containing 1% glutamine (GD); containing 1% glutamic acid (GAD) and containing 1% nucleotides (ND). One hundred and twenty-three piglets were utilized with three pigs slaughtered at day zero (weaning day) and three at each one of the experimental days (1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 13, 20, 27, and 49 post-weaning), in order to collect organ samples, which were analyzed for the ${\delta}^{13}C$ isotopic composition and compared by means of time. No differences were found (p>0.05) among treatments for the turnover of the $^{13}C$ in the pancreas ($T_{50%}$ = 13.91, 14.37, 11.07, and 9.34 days; $T_{95%}$ = 46.22, 47.73, 36.79, and 31.04 days for CD, GD, GAD, and ND, respectively). In the liver, the ND presented accelerated values of carbon turnover ($T_{50%}=7.36$ and $T_{95%}=24.47days$) in relation to the values obtained for the GD ($T_{50%}=10.15$ and $T_{95%}=33.74days$). However, the values obtained for the CD ($T_{50%}=9.12$ and $T_{95%}=30.31days$) and GAD ($T_{50%}=7.83$ and $T_{95%}=26.03days$) had no differences (p>0.05) among other diets. The technique of $^{13}C$ isotopic dilution demonstrated trophic action of nucleotides in the liver.