• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.167-176
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• 2015

The water quality of the Gulpo Stream flowing through Incheon, Bucheon, Seoul, and Kimpo is getting worse due to a slow flow rate and bank constructions by stream channelization as well as an inflow of pollutants from living-sewages and factory-sewages. Besides, a dry stream phenomenon caused by a lack of maintenance water upstream makes a self-purification system worse, and the water quality of the Gulpo Stream is currently at its lowest level. The accumulated sludge of the streambed is mostly formed by the deposition of particle pollutants due to the slow flow rate and an artificially straightened stream channel. This accumulated sludge adsorbs a great quantity of organic materials and heavy metals. Because of the internal contamination possibility by a re-gushing, even after the pollution source is removed, it can cause future water pollution. Without a total examination as previously recommended, it is considered difficult to accomplish practical efficiency. In conclusion, the management of periodic sediment management such as dredging would be necessary in the Gulpo Stream because sediment could be an internal pollution source of stream water under anaerobic conditions.