This study explores the introduction and applicability of the Species Protection Index (SPI) as a tool to evaluate the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation. Specifically, the SPI was recalculated for amphibians in Korea and compared with the internationally provided SPI results. The pilot evaluation of SPI for amphibians showed an increase from 41.52, based on international data, to 44.25, indicating that SPI calculations using domestic data can reflect conservation status more accurately than international SPI results. The findings suggest that SPI can serve as an important scientific basis for formulating national biodiversity conservation policies and managing protected areas, contributing to the development of more effective conservation strategies.
This study compared and analyzed fish communities and mortality rates based on different survey methods (mesh size and retrieval frequency) of stationary nets, which are actively used in freshwater fish surveys in Korea, and proposed an appropriate survey method. Field surveys were conducted on the mainstream of the Nakdong River from May to June 2022 through a total of 10 times of fyke net surveys. The number of species and individuals collected varied significantly depending on the mesh size of the net (5 mm vs. 15 mm) (P<0.001), and larger species with an average total length of over 9 cm were mainly collected in the 15 mm mesh. However, the number of species (P=0.684) and individuals (P=0.100) collected did not show statistically significant differences depending on retrieval frequency (once/24 hours vs. twice/24 hours). In contrast, the mortality rate of fish differed based on all survey methods (mesh size, P<0.001; retrieval frequency, P<0.05), with mortality decreasing as the mesh size increased and retrieval frequency increased. Fyke nets are one of the standard fishing gears used in freshwater fish research in Korea, and to ensure species diversity, it is recommended to maintain the current standard mesh size of 5 mm. However, reducing the current 48-hour deployment time or increasing the retrieval frequency could lower the mortality rate. Furthermore, future research should focus on the differences in fish communities based on the combination of fishing gears commonly used in Korea to improve fish survey methodologies suitable for domestic freshwater environments.
Biomimetic study is being conducted in various fields and applied to the development of technology for the realization of a sustainable society. In this study, we analyzed the cuticular surface structure and wax layer composition of the leaves of Myriophyllum verticillatum and Azolla imbricata to investigate the antifouling characteristics. Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis (FE-SEM) and contact angle measurement revealed that the surface of M. verticillatum had an irregular and curved layered structure with non-directional filament structures and showed high hydrophobicity. On the leaves of A. imbricata, amphiphilic structures with nano-sized hydrophobic plate-like filament structures and micro-sized irregular hydrophilic spikes were observed. The dorsal surface of the A. imbricata leaves had a denser distribution of hydrophobic nano-structures compared to the ventral surface. The dorsal surface of the leaf showed high hydrophobicity, while the ventral surface showed wettability. Due to the habitat characteristics of A. imbricata, which is a floating plant, the ventral surface is constantly in contact with water, while the front surface has a hydrophobic surface. Analysis of the wax composition of plants revealed that M. verticillatum and A. imbricata were mainly composed of saturated fatty acids, ketones (2-Nonadecanone and 2-Heptadecanon), and sugar alcohols such as 1,30-Triacontanediol. These substances have high antimicrobial activity, and saturated fatty acids form stable and rough anisotropic crystalline surfaces. The hierarchical amphiphilic structure and the non-toxic stable hydrophobic surface observed in the cuticle of aquatic plants are expected to be utilized as materials for the development of sustainable antifouling technologies.
Fish require movement for feeding, spawning, growth, and evading predators, making swimming ability a critical factor in their survival. Swimming speed in fish are generally classified into sustained, prolonged, and burst speed. This study assessed the swimming capabilities of native benthic freshwater fish and provided data to inform the design and construction of fishways. Three fish species were examined: Pseudobagrus fulvidraco (family Bagridae), Tridentiger brevispinis and Rhinogobius brunneus (family Gobiidae). Measurements of total length, standard length, body weight, and body height were collected for each species, and swimming ability was evaluated using a swimming tunnel apparatus. Swimming ability was determined by measuring burst speed to calculate the critical swimming speed (Ucrit) and the relative swimming speed (TL s-1). The mean critical swimming speeds were 0.73±0.15 m s-1 for P. fulvidraco, 0.75±0.1 m s-1 for T. brevispinis, and 1.34±0.12 m s-1 for R. brunneus. Additionally, a significant correlation was found between swimming ability and total length, indicating that swimming capabilities may vary based on body type and behavior. These findings contribute essential insights into the swimming abilities of native freshwater fish, offering valuable data for improving fishway design. Further research is suggested to evaluate the swimming capabilities of a broader range of freshwater fish species to enhance fishway efficiency.
The occurrence of cyanobacteria and the formation of cyanotoxins in lakes and reservoirs are influenced by many environmental factors. In this study, the harmful cyanobacteria occurrence and cyanotoxins concentrations was investigated in three agricultural reservoirs in the southern Gyeonggi-do in 2023. Although harmful cyanobacteria growth and cyanotoxins formation are influenced by various environmental factors in the actual ecosystem, the cell density of harmful cyanobacteria reached its maximum in September when the water temperature was relatively high, and the highest cyanotoxins (microcystin and anatoxin-a) concentrations were observed in October when the water temperature dropped to the range of 20~23℃. From this investigation, harmful cyanobacteria blooms and cyanotoxins residence in investigated three agricultural reservoirs was observed.
Climate change significantly impacts biodiversity, particularly for endemic species in restricted habitats. This study focuses on the Korean fir (Abies koreana), an alpine conifer species in South Korea, to evaluate potential habitat changes under SSP climate scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, SSP5- 8.5). Using high-resolution ensemble climate data from the KMA (Korea Meteorological Administration) and integrating 10 species distribution models (SDMs) into an ensemble model, we predicted habitat suitability for the period 2010~2090. The species data was refined and constructed with a focus on location data so that it could be used in this model, using the National Ecosystem Survey, Baekdudaegan Conservation Area Survey of the National Institute of Ecology, and the National Park Natural Resources DB of National Park Service. The results identified BIO1 (mean annual temperature) and BIO13 (Precipitation of Wettest Month) as the most influential bioclimatic variables for habitat suitability. SSP1-2.6 exhibited fluctuating habitat area with partial recovery by 2070s, while SSP5-8.5 projected a near-complete loss of suitable habitats by 2090s. The ensemble model demonstrated robust performance, providing reliable predictions across all scenarios. This study highlights the substantial impact of climate change on the habitat suitability of Abies koreana and underscores the importance of understanding these changes to preserve vulnerable alpine ecosystems.
This study examined the spatiotemporal changes in Jilnal Wetland using satellite image-based time series data and field surveys. The analysis focused on changes in open water surface area and vegetation using the JRC Surface Water Monthly Water History dataset and Landsat imagery from 1984 to 2020. The impact of hydrological changes on vegetation was assessed through surveys conducted before and after the 2023 monsoon season. Results indicated a continuous decrease in open water surface area since the 1980s, with a sharp decline post-2003. NDVI analysis showed an inverse relationship between water area reduction and increased vegetation vigor and coverage. Field surveys revealed that hydrological changes directly affected vegetation structure, leading to new herbaceous communities and greater diversity post-monsoon. These findings highlight significant ecosystem changes driven by anthropogenic factors and natural succession, necessitating a comprehensive conservation strategy, including development control, hydrological management, terrestrialization prevention, and long-term monitoring.
The Ansan Reclaimed Wetland, reclaimed in 1986 and maintained for 38 years, underwent two wetland function assessments to develop strategies for enhancing biodiversity and conservation. The biota of the reclaimed wetland showed an increase in the number of species observed across most taxa, while the number of amphibian and reptile species decreased. Among legally protected species and specific species, Aix galericulata and Lefua costata were not observed, whereas Libellula angelina were introduced. The results were categorized into “protection or improvement” and “enhancement.” Proposed conservation measures include removing planted shrubs, maintaining waterways, and installing gabion structures and wildlife corridors.
This study developed an unmanned autonomous moving algae collection device (HAMA-bot) to remove high-density algae concentrated in the waterfront of urban agricultural reservoirs, and analyzed the effect of algae removal after field application to medium-sized urban reservoir. The algae reduction effect (Chl-a) of the study site in the reservoir by the HAMA-bot operation showed an average 18.5% higher in the treatment area compared to the control area before operation, while the average reduction of 24% in the treatment area after operation. In addition, the Chl-a removal rate, which directly analyzed the influent and effluent of HAMA-bot, showed a very high level with an average of 96.9% (94.7~99.2%). Currently, it is optimized for urban reservoirs and manufactured on a small scale, but it is a useful tool that can be applied on a large scale to large dams and rivers, and it is considered that the field applicability would be improved with the optimized scale.
This study reassessed two KBA sites in the Republic of Korea following the KBA guidelines. Both sites met the sub-criteria A1a, A1b, and D1a, confirming their status as KBA. These assessments provide a scientific foundation for discussions on designating new protected areas or expanding existing ones. Through this study, we confirmed that continuous biodiversity conservation is essential for Geum-gang river and estuary and Yubu-do to maintain their KBA status. This KBA reassessment provides an important scientific foundation for discussions on the designation of new protected areas or the expansion of existing ones. Furthermore, this study was based on a previously evaluated taxonomic group, birds, highlighting the need for future assessments to include other biological taxa and evaluation criteria, such as Criteria B or E, for a more comprehensive analysis.
This study investigated the seasonal variations and environmental factors influencing soil respiration in Quercus mongolica forests at three distinct sites in South Korea: Mt. Jeombongsan, Mt. Namsan, and Mt. Jirisan. Monthly soil respiration rates were measured from 2009 to 2010 using a closed chamber method, alongside assessments of soil temperature, moisture, and organic matter. Results revealed significant seasonal and spatial variability, with the highest respiration rates recorded during summer months. Soil temperature was identified as the primary driver of respiration, showing strong positive correlations across all sites (R2=0.64 - 0.88). The temperature sensitivity (Q10) values ranged from 2.7 at Mt. Namsan to 5.7 at Mt. Jeombongsan, underscoring the heightened vulnerability of cooler, high-altitude forests to warming. Soil moisture had a dual role, promoting respiration at moderate levels but inhibiting it under saturated conditions, particularly at Mt. Jirisan. Soil organic matter content exhibited an inverse relationship with respiration rates, indicating that substrate quality, rather than quantity, predominantly governs microbial activity. Plant-soil interactions, including root respiration and litterfall decomposition, further modulated respiration patterns, with site-specific differences reflecting variations in vegetation density and ecosystem structure. These findings highlight the complexity of soil carbon dynamics in temperate forests and the critical influence of environmental factors and plant-soil processes. The study provides essential insights for improving carbon cycling models and informs climate-resilient forest management strategies. Future research should prioritize long-term monitoring and experimental manipulations to better predict soil respiration under changing climatic conditions.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the carbon storage capacity of broad-leaf forests in Republic of Korea through the analysis of studies related to carbon storage and carbon uptake, and to analyse the relationship between climatic factors affecting carbon storage capacity. We analysed the results of each previous study by summarising the research results of 55 previous studies collected through search, and organised the study area information and climate factors (elevation, average annual temperature, annual precipitation, etc.). And the carbon storage and net primary production of the above and below-ground and the whole plant were evaluated and the correlation with the climatic factors was statistically analysed. The analysis showed that the carbon storage of broad-leaved forests was positively correlated with altitude and negatively correlated with precipitation. These results mean that carbon accumulation in plants is more effective at higher altitudes with lower temperatures, and that broad-leaf forests are able to adapt and perform carbon storage functions in areas with low precipitation. Carbon uptake was negatively correlated with altitude and positively correlated with temperature. This means that the carbon absorption capacity of broad-leaved forests is greatly affected by temperature, and that the carbon absorption potential is greater in lowlands. Therefore, policies should be actively established to increase and preserve the carbon storage capacity of forests by considering the characteristics of the ecosystem functions of broadleaf forests and climate factors. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the understanding of the carbon cycle of broad-leaved forests and to the development of management measures, and to provide scientific data for carbon neutrality.
In this study, in order to develop an eco-friendly filtration method that considers the health and safety of the aquatic ecosystem by differentiating it from chemical methods (coagulants, oxidants, etc.), which are mainly used as methods for managing the removal of algae in the algal bloom stage, an effective separation membrane for algae removal was reviewed, an appropriate technology was proposed through field application, and the effect of algae removal was evaluated. The membrane used was applied in the field by constructing an optimal technology through auxiliary facilities with an immersion tubular membrane and a pressurized tubular membrane resistant to adhesive pollutants and algae. As a result, the strong characteristics of Fouling (blocking) by adhesive algae were confirmed, and the effect of removing algae and particulate matter in the immersion type tubular membrane was 99% chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), 99.2% suspended solid (SS), and 96.7% of pressurized tubular membranes, showing excellent effects in removing algae and particulate organic matter. In addition, as a result of field application to eutrophic reservoirs where high-density algae are distributed, it was confirmed that stable operation of algae was possible during the process of filtering, separation, and concentration.
Chironomid larvae in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) and tap water lead to highlights the urgent need for effective control measures. The use of combined disinfectant treatments is becoming increasingly common to achieve optimal disinfection efficiency while minimizing residual contamination. This study was conducted to study the effect of combined treatment of disinfectants used in DWTPs on the biological control potential of chironomid larvae. In the experiment, Glytotendipes tokunagai larvae reared according to OECD guidelines were exposed to NaOCl, UV, and O3 complex substances, and biological responses were analyzed using survival rate and body color change as key indicators for 24 hours. The survival rate of larvae exposed to combined disinfectants mostly decreased in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, and lightening of body color was observed. The most significant decrease (53%) of the survival rate was observed to a combination of UV and 4 ppm NaOCl disinfectants and body color change also showed a statistically significant difference compared to the control group (P<0.001). The change in body color is suggested to be a physiological change caused by oxidation of hemoglobin due to exposure to disinfectant complexes. The results of this study contribute to determining the biological impact of combined disinfectant treatment on chironomid larvae of DWTPs, and can be used as data to suggest the biological control potential of disinfectants. In addition, it will provide important information for setting standards for combined disinfectant treatment to improve water quality in the future.
This study conducted an acute toxicity assessment using Daphnia magna to evaluate the potential for increased toxicity when pharmaceuticals persist in aquatic environments not as single substances but in mixed forms. In single-substance toxicity tests, the antibiotics clarithromycin and sulfamethoxazole showed EC50 values of 22.3 mg L-1 and 61.05 mg L-1, respectively. However, the EC50 for the mixture of the two substances was determined to be 31.1 mg L-1. Based on these findings, applying the Similar Mode of Action (MOA) equation from the QSAR Toolbox, as recommended by OECD non-testing methods, produced an estimated EC50 of 33.7 mg L-1 for the mixture, showing a difference of 8.5% compared to the experimental value. This study confirms that combined exposure to pharmaceuticals can increase toxicity due to synergistic effects, indicating a significant potential risk to aquatic ecosystems. According to the UN-GHS classification criteria, clarithromycin, sulfamethoxazole, and their mixture were all classified as Category 3, indicating potential toxicity to aquatic organisms. These results emphasize the importance of toxicity assessments that consider interactions between multiple contaminants in real environmental settings, contributing to the development of effective toxicity evaluation and management strategies for the protection of aquatic ecosystems.
This study analyzed the epilithic diatom community and ecological health of freshwater streams using environmental DNA (eDNA)-based metabarcoding technology. eDNA metabarcoding is a method that analyzes biological communities by performing PCR amplification followed by next-generation sequencing (NGS), offering higher sensitivity and faster results compared to traditional microscopic analyses. The study compared the eDNA metabarcoding results of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase large chain gene (rbcL) targeting epilithic diatoms according to Taq polymerases (SuperFi II, GainBlue, EzPCR, and AccuPower). SuperFi II and GainBlue yielded the highest number of reads and zOTUs, with GainBlue showing particularly uniform read distribution, allowing for more accurate analysis for community diversity of epilithic diatoms. On the other hand, EzPCR and AccuPower exhibited lower number of reads and zOTUs, making them less suitable for the community diversity. In terms of community similarity analysis, SuperFi II and GainBlue produced highly similar results, while EzPCR and AccuPower showed significant differences. This study demonstrates that PCR Taq polymerases significantly influence community diversity and similarity analyses of epilithic diatoms, with GainBlue providing the most stable and accurate results. Our findings serve as a valuable foundation for improving the accuracy of eDNA-based metabarcoding analyses of diatoms.