• Journal of Environmental Analysis, Health and Toxicology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.229-236
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• 2018

In this study, inter-laboratory comparison was done using elemental analyzer-isotope ratio mass spectrometers (EA-IRMSs) to determine carbon and nitrogen contents as well as stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions (${\delta}^{13}C$ and ${\delta}^{15}N$) of five environmental samples containing lake and marine sediments, higher plant leaves, and fish muscle, and one organic analytical standard (Protein (Casein) Standard OAS). Five national laboratories participated in this comparison study, and each laboratory analyzed all five samples and the analytical standard. Results showed that variations in total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents as well as ${\delta}^{13}C_{TOC}$ and ${\delta}^{15}N_{TN}$ values among the laboratories were large compared to the analytical uncertainties. The results highlighted the inhomogeneity of the test samples and thus, the need to select suitable standard reference materials for future inter-laboratory studies. Further inter-laboratory comparison exercises could promote good measurement practices in the acquisition of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition data.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.29 no.11
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• pp.1089-1098
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• 2020

To assess the trophic function of an artificial macroalgal habitat, we compared the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of two amphipods (Caprella sp. and Ampithoe sp.) and their potential food sources in a transplanted macroalgal habitat (Grateloupia asiatica) with those in a natural habitat. There were no significant differences in the isotopic values of both consumers and their potential food sources between the transplanted and natural habitats. Such isotopic similarities between the two sites indicate a comparable resource consumer relationship. Additionally, our results showed similar isotopic niche areas and high dietary overlap (>65%) of the two amphipods between the transplanted and natural sites, suggesting that the transplanted habitat plays ecological roles similar to the natural habitat. Overall, isotopic assessment can provide information on the trophic function of diverse transplanted macroalgal habitats and improve post-monitoring efforts in the management of artificial ecosystems.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.300-306
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• 2012

This study reports the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope of mummy, the preserved human time capsule from Joseon Dynasty. The stable isotopic composition of biological tissue is expected to be a direct and constant function of diet because the stable isotope ratios do not decay or change in abundance through time. Over the past three decades, stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis has been extensively applied for archaeological topics. However, this is the first case in Korean mummy to extract palaeodietary information using stable isotope analysis. We extracted isotopic information from bone collagen and hair keratin, which reflects the lifetime average diet and short-term diet, respectively. The average values of ${\delta}^{13}C$ and ${\delta}^{15}N$ values are -19.0‰ and 11.4‰ (bone collagen), and -21.3‰ and 14.3‰ (hair keratin). Stable carbon isotope shows a mainly $C_3$-based diet from cradle to grave. On the other hand, there is significant difference in stable nitrogen isotope which implies a relatively enriched diet before death. We expect this study opens up a potential to understand the palaeodietary lifestyle in Joseon Dynasty.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.387-394
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• 2013

We aim to unveil dietary history recorded in Neolithic human bone from Janghang site at Gadeok Island, Busan. Excavation of Janghang site at Gadeok Island from 2010 to 2011 is an outstanding discovery in Korean Neolithic archaeology. A large number of human bones (48 individuals) were found at Janghang site, which is the largest-scale Neolithic cemetery in Korea. We extracted human bone collagen from 10 individuals and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis were carried out using carbon and nitrogen analyzer connected to a continuous-flow isotope-ratio-monitoring mass-spectrometer. Although bone histological analysis shows poor preservation state, stable isotope results correspond well with bone collagen quality indicator, which implies that bone collagen reflects lifetime signature. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope result indicates highly marinebased diet(${\delta}^{13}$C=$-14.5{\pm}1.3$‰, ${\delta}^{15}$N=$-17.4{\pm}1.7$‰, n=10), however the possible input of terrestrial animal and wild plant cannot be excluded. Our isotopic findings provide an invaluable information on Neolithic subsistence economy in this coastal area. In addition, Janghang site shows specific features in burial methods and burial goods. Two different burial methods of arranging bodies are found with extended burial type and particularly high ratio of flexed burial type. There are also burial goods such as pottery. However, there are no significant isotopic differences according to burial methods and burial goods. Although this is a preliminary study on this site, our research will provide important clues in understanding isotopic dietary history of Korean Neolithic people.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.116-124
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• 2013

Differences in rates and patterns of nitrogen cycling have been correlated with nitrogen stable isotope measurements in forest ecosystems of tropical and temperate regions, but limited similar work has been conducted in sub-tropical forests. This study investigated patterns in stable N isotopic composition in a subtropical forest in Taiwan by sampling three soil profiles and overstory and understory foliage. Soil ${\delta}^{15}N$ in the forest floor ranged from -1.8 to -1.8‰. Mineral soils had higher ${\delta}^{15}N$ (4.1 to 6.0‰). Foliage ${\delta}^{15}N$ in overstory trees ranged from -6.6 to -2.0‰, and understory foliage ${\delta}^{15}N$ ranged from -5.0 to -1.2‰. There was a weak correlation between foliar % N and ${\delta}^{15}N$ ($r^2=0.214$). Compared to results from similar surveys in tropical and temperate forests, foliar ${\delta}^{15}N$ values were generally lower. These results help highlight the need for improved knowledge regarding the relationships between patterns in N stable isotopes and processes affecting rates of N cycling, especially as related to wider scale patterns in forest ecosystems within the east-Asia region.

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

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.38-51
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• 2016

This study reports on human dietary reconstruction of Joseon Dynasty using stable isotope analysis. The stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values were measured of bone collagen extracted from 25 human bones from archaeological site in Myeongam-ri, Asan. Average values of ${\delta}^{13}C$ and ${\delta}^{15}N$ are $-19.7{\pm}0.5$‰(n=23) and $9.6{\pm}1.1$‰(n=23), respectively. The isotopic data indicates that Myeongam-ri individuals consumed $C_3$ plants mainly and assumed of dietary resourced from a terrestrial animal protein. Previous isotopic studies of the Joseon era suggested that dietary composition of Joseon population was not influenced by region and burial type. Also comparison of the isotopic results of male and female from double burials showed sex-dependent dietary patterns among individuals living in the same circumstances.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Soil and Groundwater Environment Conference
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• 2003.04a
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• pp.63-66
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• 2003

This study applied a hydrogeological field survey and isotope investigation to identify source locations and delineate pathways of groundwater contamination by nitrogen compounds. The infiltration and recharge processes were analyzed with groundwater-level fluctuation data and oxygen-hydrogen stable isotope data. The groundwater flow pattern was investigated through groundwater flow modeling and spatial and temporal variation of oxygen isotope data. Based on the flow analysis and nitrogen isotope data, source types of nitrate contamination in groundwater are identified. Groundwater recharge largely occurs in spring and summer due to precipitation or irrigation water in rice fields. Based on oxygen isotope data and cross-correlation between precipitation and groundwater level changes, groundwater recharge was found to be mainly caused by irrigation in spring and by precipitation at other times. The groundwater flow velocity calculated by a time series of spatial correlations, 231 m/yr, is in good accordance with the linear velocity estimated from hydrogeologic data. Nitrate contamination sources are natural and fertilized soils as non-point sources, and septic and animal wastes as point sources. Seasonal loading and spatial distribution of nitrate sources are estimated by using oxygen and nitrogen isotopic data.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.195-200
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• 2017

Background: The natural ratios of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S) stable isotopes can be varied in some specific living organisms owing to various isotopic fractionation processes in nature. Therefore, the analysis of C, N, and S stable isotope ratios in ginseng can provide a feasible method for determining ginseng authenticity depending on the cultivation land and type of fertilizer. Methods: C, N, and S stable isotope composition in 6-yr-old ginseng roots (Jagyeongjong variety) was measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Results: The type of cultivation land and organic fertilizers affected the C, N, and S stable isotope ratio in ginseng (p < 0.05). The ${\delta}^{15}N_{AIR}$ and ${\delta}^{34}S_{VCDT}$ values in ginseng roots more significantly discriminated the cultivation land and type of organic fertilizers in ginseng cultivation than the ${\delta}^{13}C_{VPDB}$ value. The combination of ${\delta}^{13}C_{VPDB}$, ${\delta}^{15}N_{AIR}$, or ${\delta}^{34}S_{VCDT}$ in ginseng, except the combination ${\delta}^{13}C_{VPDB}-^{34}S_{VCDT}$, showed a better discrimination depending on soil type or fertilizer type. Conclusion: This case study provides preliminary results about the variation of C, N, and S isotope composition in ginseng according to the cultivation soil type and organic fertilizer type. Hence, our findings are potentially applicable to evaluate ginseng authenticity depending on cultivation conditions.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.242-251
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• 2012

To investigate foodweb of aquatic ecosystem in the Tamjin River, carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes ratios of aquatic organisms, as well as environmental indicators based on the water, were determined in this study. Various organisms such as fishes (Coreoperca kawamebari, Zacco platypus, Cobitis lutheri, and Pungtungia herzi) and periphyton (epilithon and epiphyte), and particulate- and coarse particulate organic matters (POM and CPOM) were collected in upper (Tamjin River, Yuchi Stream, and Omcheon Stream) and lower (TJ-1~TJ-5) reaches of Jangheung Dam. The nitrate concentration and ${\delta}^{15}N$ signature of POM and organisms (invertebrates and fish) were found to be more enriched toward the downstream section of the river. It was determined that allochthonous matter occurring from a tributary alters the chemical character of water, as well as the isotopic signature of organisms contained therein. Attached algae (ephilithon) were identified as a base component of the benthic foodchain further downstream.