Long-term trends and distribution patterns of water quality were investigated in the Cheonsu Bay of Korea from 1983 to 2004. Water samples were collected at 4 stations and physicochemical parameters were analyzed including water temperature, salinity, suspended solids (SS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved oxygen (DO) and nutrients. Spatial distribution patterns were not clear between stations but the seasonal variations were distinctive except COD, SS and nitrate. Twenty two year long-term trend analysis by PCA revealed the significant changes in water quality in the study area. Water quality during 1980's and early 1990's showed high SS, low nutrients and low COD which increased during the mid and late 1990's and early 2000's. Overall water quality in the Cheonsu Bay indicated the increase in nutrients and COD concentration.

• 박승윤(국립수산과학원 서해수산연구소) | Soung Yun Park Corresponding Author
• 박경수(국립수산과학원 서해수산연구소) | Gyung Soo Park
• 김형철(국립수산과학원 서해수산연구소) | Hyung ChuI Kim
• 김평중(국립수산과학원 서해수산연구소) | Pyoung Joong Kim
• 김전풍(국립수산과학원 서해수산연구소) | Jeon Poong Kim
• 박중현(국립수산과학원 서해수산연구소) | Jung Hyeon Park
• 김숙양(국립수산과학원 남해수산연구소) | Sug Yang Kim