• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.35-43
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• 2010

Nutrient limitation and light limitation was examined for the Youngsan Lake by collecting chlorophyll $\alpha$ and other properties including light intensity, nutrient concentrations, pheopigment ratio monthly from March, 2003 to April, 2004 (except for November-January). Chlorophyll $\alpha$ was fractionated into net-(>$20\;{\mu}m$) and nano-size(<$20\;{\mu}$). Light and nutrient limitation index was calculated based on the equations incorporating the mechanisms of limitation of light and nutrients from the literature. Phytoplankton population (chlorophyll $\alpha$) was low during the wet season especially in August and increased in short-period during other seasons. Photoperiod was short during the wet season but long during the dry season. Nutrients such as phosphate and ammonium were rapidly increased in spring, 2004. Light limitation index was minimum (0.01) in August during the wet season and nutrient limitation index was relatively high (>0.4) except for May and September. Light limitation may affect phytoplankton growth rather than nutrient limitation considering that nutrient levels are high in the Youngsan Lake. Results of correlation analyses showed a negative correlation between light and nutrient limitation indices and net-pheopigment index, and a positive correlation between the indices and nano-pheopigment index. These results suggest that phytoplankton response to change of light and nutrient may be size-dependant.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.31-42
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• 2016

The object of this study was to determine long-term temporal and spatial patterns of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), suspended solids, and chlorophyll (Chl) in Chungju Reservoir, based on the dataset of 1992 - 2013, and then to develop the empirical models of nutrient-Chl for predicting the eutrophication of the reservoir. Concentrations of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) were largely affected by an intensity of Asian monsoon and the longitudinal structure of riverine (Rz), transition (Tz), and lacustrine zone (Lz). This system was nitrogen-rich system and phosphorus contents in the water were relatively low, implying a P-limiting system. Regression analysis for empirical model, however, showed that Chl had a weak linear relation with TP or TN, and this was mainly associated with turbid, and nutrient-rich inflows in the system. The weak relation was associated with non-algal light attenuation coefficients (Kna), which is inversely related water residence time. Thus, values of Chl had negative functional relation (R² = 0.25, p < 0.001) with nonalgal light attenuation. Thus, the low chlorophyll at a given TP indicated a light-limiting for phytoplankton growth and total suspended solids (TSS) was highly correlated (R² = 0.94, p < 0.001) with non-algal light attenuation. The relations of Trophic State Index (TSI) indicated that phosphorus limitation was weak [TSI (Chl) - TSI (TP) < 0; TSI (SD) - TSI (Chl) > 0] and the effects of zooplankton grazing were also minor [TSI (Chl) - TSI (TP) > 0; TSI (SD) - TSI (Chl) > 0].

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.24-33
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• 2016

Background: Previous numerous studies on watershed scale demonstrated that the constructions of upper dams may influence the below dams due to modifications of flow regime and nutrient inputs. Little is known about how the dam constructions influence the downstream lakes or reservoirs in the regional scale. This study demonstrates how the construction of upper dam (i.e., Yongdam Dam) influences nutrient regime, trophic relations, and empirical models in Daechung Reservoir (DR). Yongdam Dam was constructed at the upstream region of DR in year 2000. Results: The analysis of hydrological variables showed that inflow and discharge in the DR were largely reduced after the year 2000. The construction of upper dam construction also resulted in increases of water temperature, pH and conductivity (as an indicator of ionic content) in the DR. Empirical models of TP-CHL and N:P ratio-CHL suggested that stronger responses of CHL to the phosphorus were evident after the upper dam construction, indicating that algal production at a unit phosphorus increased after the upper dam construction. Mann-Kendall tests on the relations of N:P ratios to TN showed weak or no relations ($t_{au}=-0.143$, z = -0.371, p = 0.7105) before the dam construction, while the relation of N:P ratios to TP showed strong in the periods of before- ($t_{au}=-0714$, z = -2.351, p = 0.0187) and after the construction ($t_{au}=-0.868$, z = -4.270, p = 0.0000). This outcome indicates that TP is key determinant on N:P ratios in the reservoir. Scatter Plots on Trophic State Index Deviations (TSIDs) of "TSI(SD) - TSI(CHL)" against "TSI(TP) - TSI(CHL)" showed that the dominance of clay turbidity or light limitation was evident before the upper dam construction [TSI(TP) - TSI(CHL) > 0 and TSI(SD) - TSI(CHL) > 0] and phosphorus limitation became stronger after the dam construction [(TSI(TP) - TSI(CHL) < 0 and TSI(SD) - TSI(CHL) > 0]. Conclusions: Overall, our analysis suggests that the upper dam construction modified the response of trophic components (phytoplankton) to the nutrients or nutrient ratios through the alteration of flow regime, resulting in modifications of ecological functions and trophic relations in the low trophic levels.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.36 no.2 s.103
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• pp.161-171
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• 2003

The present study evaluated water quality variation, limiting nutrient, and sediment of a shallow eutrophic lake (Lake Ilgam) in the metropolitan area from 2000 to 2002. According to annual mean chl.a ($77.2{\pm}36.6\;{\mu}g/l) and TP ($66.6{\pm}20.5\;{\mu}g/l) concentration and trophic state index (>60), Lake llgam was in very eutrophic status. Both inorganic nitrogen ($NH_3-N$ and $NH_3-N$) and phosphorus (SRP) concentrations in the water column increased during winter and spring, but decreased during summer followed by the phytoplankton development. Evidence for phosphorus and nitrogen as being the potential limiting nutrients for phytoplankton growth was supported by the ratio of DIN/DIP (by mass) (${\sim}$835.8), TSI derivations analysis, and algal growth potential bioassay. Based on the results of TSI derivations, strong nutrient limitation by both N and P occurred from September to November when P content in sediment (114.6 mg P/kg) was relatively low compared with the summer. Sediment contained a large amount of nitrogen (TKN: 4,452${\pm}$283.0mg N/kg dry sediment). Phosphorus content in sediment (TP: 313${\pm}$155 mg P/kg) was relatively low with temporal change. P release rate (0.29${\pm}$0.02 mg $m^{-2}$ $day^{-1}$) was high under the aerobic condition at pH 9. These results indicate that the sediment could play an important role as a source of a limiting nutrient, and temporal change of P content in the sediment is closely related with water quality, especially algal biomass change in Lake llgam.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.9-18
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• 2009

The objectives of this study were to evaluate seasonal and interannual variations of water quality and nutrient input (N, P) in Junam Reservoir, a nesting waterbody of migratory birds, over 10 years during 1998$\sim$2007 along with dynamic relations of trophic parameters using empirical models. Concentrations of COD averaged 7.8 mg $L^{-1}$ during the study, while TN and TP were $1.4\;mg\;L^{-1}$ and $83{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$, respectively, indicating an eutrophic-hypereutrophic state. Values of monthly COD had strong positive relations (r=0.669, p<0.001) with conductivity, indicating that summer rainfall resulted in an ionic dilution of the reservoir water by rainwater and contributed better water quality. One-way ANOVA tests showed significant differences (F=$5.2{\sim}12.9$, p<0.05) in TN and TP between the before and after the bird migration. In other words, nutrient levels were greater in the absence of migratory birds than in the presence of the migratory birds, suggesting a no-effect on nutrient inputs by the birds. Also, one-way ANOVA indicated no significant differences (F=$0.37{\sim}0.48$, p>0.05) in $NO_{3^-}N$ and $NH_{3^-}N$ between the before and after the birds migration. Linear empirical models using trophic parameters showed that algal biomass as CHL, had significant low correlations with TN ($R^2$=0.143, p<0.001, n=119) and TP ($R^2$=0.192, p<0.001, n=119). These results suggest that influences of nutrients on the CHL were evident, but the effect was weak. This fact was supported by analysis of Trophic State Index Deviation (TSID). Over 70% in the observed values of "TSI (CHL)-TSI (SD)" and "TSI (CHL)-TSI (TP)" were less than zero, suggesting a light limitation on the CHL by inorganic suspended solids.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.1-16
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• 2018

Ground-level ozone ($O_3$) can be a menace for vegetation, especially in Asia where $O_3$ levels have been dramatically increased over the past decades. To ensure food security and maintain forest ecosystem services, such as nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration and functional diversity of soil biota, in the over-populated Asia, environmental standards are needed. To set proper standards, dose-response relationships should be established from which critical levels are derived. The predictor of the response in the dose-response relationship is an $O_3$ metric that indicates the dose level to which the plant has been exposed. This study aimed to review the relevant scientific literature and summarize the $O_3$ metrics used worldwide to provide insights for Asia. A variety of $O_3$ metrics have been used, for which we discuss their strengths and weaknesses. The most widely used metrics are based only on $O_3$ levels. Such metrics have been adopted by several regulatory agencies in the global. However, they are biologically irrelevant because they ignore the plant physiological capacity. Adopting AOT40 ($O_3$ mixing ratios Accumulated Over the Threshold of $40nmol\;mol^{-1}$) as the default index for setting critical levels in Asia would be a poor policy with severe consequences at national and Pan-Asian level. Asian studies should focus on flux-based $O_3$ metrics to provide relevant bases for developing proper standards. However, given the technical requirements in calculating flux-based $O_3$ metrics, which can be an important limitation in developing countries, no-threshold cumulative exposure indices like AOT0 should always accompany flux-based indices.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.285-293
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• 2007

The study was to determine zonal characteristics of nutrients and chlorophyll and evaluate their trophic relations in Daechung Reservoir. For this study, we compared longterm water quality data among three zones along with trophic state using 1993 to 2002 dataset, obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Korea. Total phosphorous (TP), Secchi depth (SD) and chlorophyll (CHL) showed typical longitudinal declines from the riverine to lacustrine zone, but total nitrogen (TN) was not evident. Largest seasonal variations in TP and CHL occurred during the summer monsoon from July to August. In the reservoir, ambient TN averaged 1.67 mg $L^{-1}$ and ratios of TN : TP averaged 88.04, indicating that nitrogen is not likely limited but phosphorus limitation was evident. Trophic State Index (TSI), based on CHL, TP, and SD, varied depending on the zones and seasons. Mean TSI (TP) in the riverine zone was 62 during the monsoon, indicating a hypertrophic condition, whereas the mean was 40 in the lacustrine, indicating a nearly oligotrophic. Values of TSI (CHL) showed maximum in the transition zone during the monsoon. The deviation analysis of TSI showed that about 65% of TSI (CHL)-TSI (TP) and TSI (CHL)-TSI (SD) values were less than zero and the lowest values were -42, indicating an effect of inorganic turbidity on algal growth in the reservoir. Correlation analysis of CHL vs. SD shewed greater correlation coefficient (p<0.001, r=-0.47) in the transition than other two zones (p<0.001, $r{\leq}-0.40$). Correlation analysis of TP vs. CHL was greatest in the lacustrine and TP was minimum in the lacustrine zone, indicating a lowest yield of algal biomass in the lacustrine. Overall data suggests that zonal response of chlorophyll yield at a given nutrient unit is clearly differed among the longitudinal gradients, so the management strategy such as cross sectional modelling should be provided in each zone.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.543-557
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• 2022

Purpose: Conditions that limit activity constitute one of the important factors that threaten the health of the elderly. This study sought to analyze the dietary habits and nutritional intake status of the Korean elderly who were faced with activity limitations. Methods: Utilizing data from the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we classified 1,383 elderly people aged 65 and over into 2 groups: those with activity limitations (n = 222, LG) and those without (n = 1,161, NG). We conducted a comparative analysis of the general characteristics, dietary habits, intake of major food groups, energy, and major nutrients. The nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), index of nutritional quality (INQ), and healthy eating practices were also analyzed. Complex sampling analysis was utilized for all the analyses with energy intake and socio-demographic variables adjusted. Results: The average age (73.8 years) of members of the LG was higher than those of the NG (72.6 years; p = 0.010). A higher percentage of participants in the LG lived alone (28.1%) compared to those in NG (17.2%; p = 0.004). The LG participants tended to regard their health status as "bad" or "very bad" (62.7%) more often than those in the NG (19.3%; p < 0.001). The LG subjects ate breakfast less frequently (p = 0.054) and ate out significantly less often than the NG subjects (p < 0.001). The LG subjects ate more grain (p = 0.001), fewer seeds (p = 0.014) and vegetables (p = 0.039). Carbohydrate made up a large percentage of their energy intake (p = 0.026). The LG subjects had significantly lower NARs of energy (p = 0.021), protein (p = 0.031), and riboflavin (p = 0.037). The LG participants also had a significantly lower rate of healthy eating practices (22.7%) compared to those in the NG (37.8%; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Activity-limited elderly, despite their need for appropriate dietary management, were poorly nourished. They were likely to live alone, thereby making it hard to provide them with social support. Hence, there is a need to provide nutrition education and policy support for the elderly bearing the burden of limited activity.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.382-393
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• 2009

The objectives of this study were to characterize long-term annual and seasonal trophic state of Topjeong Reservoir using conventional variables of Trophic State Index (TSI) and to determine the empirical relations between the trophic parameters. For the analysis, we used water quality dataset of 1995$\sim$2007, which is obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Korea and the number of parameters was 9. Annual ambient mean values of TN and TP were 1.78 mg $L^{-1}$ and 0.03 mg $L^{-1}$, respectively and TN : TP ratios averaged 76, indicating that this system was nitrogen-rich hypertrophic, and was probably phosphorus-limitation for algal growth. Therefore, nitrogen varied little with seasons and years, and total phosphorus (TP) varied depending on season and year. Monsoon dilutions of TP occurred in August and monthly fluctuations of suspended solid (SS) was similar to those of chlorophyll-$\alpha$ (CHL). Annual mean values of BOD and $COD_{Mn}$ were 1.61 mg $L^{-1}$ and 4.23 mg $L^{-1}$, respectively and the interannual values were directly influenced by the intensity of annual rainfall. There were no significant differences in the trophic variables between the two sampling sites. Mean values of Trophic State Index (TSI, Carlson, 1977), based on TN, TP, CHL, and SD (Secchi depth), turned out as eutrophic state, except for the TN (hypertrophic). Regression analyses of log-transformed seasonal CHL against TP and TN showed that variation of the CHL was explained 37% by the variation of TP ($R^2$=0.37, p<0.001, r=0.616), but not by TN ($R^2$=0.03, p>0.05). Regression coefficient of $Log_{10}$CHL vs $Log_{10}SD$ was 0.330 (p<0.003, r=0.580), indicating that transparency is regulated by the organic matter in the system. Results, data suggest that one of the ways controlling the eutrophication would be a reduction of phosphorus from the watershed.