This study evaluated the management priority of small catchments in the Nam River basin, comprehensively considering the impact of non-point pollution sources for water quality improvement. Water quality data from the Water Environment Measurement Network and additional field survey data were collected to understand the water quality status at the small catchment level. The management priority was calculated by integrating data on pollution sources, land cover, and runoff using a weighted method. As a result, the E08-2 small catchment, located downstream of the Nam River, showed the highest priority, followed by A18, B09, E04, and A19. The main factor influencing the water quality improvement priority was the pollution source characteristics within the small catchment, especially the influence factor and land use condition. This study contributes to the efficient water quality management of the Nam River basin by identifying the priority by small catchment through analysis that simultaneously considers point and non-point pollution sources.

This study investigated the wetland plant community in Mije Reservoir, Gunsan City, during September and October 2024, emphasizing its ecological significance as a primary producer and habitat provider within agricultural reservoir ecosystems. The reservoir was divided into 14 distinct sectors to comprehensively assess spatial plant distribution patterns. Aquatic plants were sampled using collection anchors deployed at the water’s edge, while hygrophytes and emergent macrophytes were surveyed along transects extending from the water’s edge to the embankment. A total of 192 vascular plant species were identified, of which 73 were classified as wetland plant species, encompassing diverse life forms: 36 hygrophytes, 17 emergent macrophytes, 6 floating-leaf species, 3 free-floating species, and 11 submerged species. Notably, the survey documented the presence of two endangered species, Euryale ferox and Cicuta virosa, alongside eight invasive alien plant species. A comparative analysis with a prior survey conducted in 2008 revealed a substantial increase of 54 wetland plant species. Currently, Mije Reservoir is subject to intensive aquatic plant removal management due to observed excessive proliferation and cyanobacterial bloom. However, the presence of endangered species underscores the critical need for a more nuanced reservoir vegetation management strategy that integrates the spatial distribution and conservation status of these ecologically important wetland plants.

This study analyzed the spatiotemporal changes of wetlands in the Saemangeum watershed by comparing topographic maps from the 1918 and 2015, and analyzed the changes in connectivity among wetland habitats through wetland network analysis. The results showed that wetlands that were widely distributed around rivers and estuaries in the past have been largely lost, while artificial reservoirs around agricultural lands have increased in the upper reaches. Although the wetland area including artificial reservoirs increased slightly, most of the natural wetlands around the river channel were lost, and the dominant wetland type and distribution in the watershed changed significantly. In particular, the connectivity between coastal wetlands and inland wetlands decreased and the connectivity around small reservoirs increased, resulting in a disconnection of the wetland network structure. These changes may have a negative impact on the movement of wetland organisms and the circulation of materials, and further affecting the stability of the Saemangeum watershed ecosystem. In order to restore wetland biodiversity in the Saemangeum watershed, it is necessary to restore the past wetland areas and monitor the remaining wetlands. It is urgent to establish resilient governance and develop a restoration plan to maintain connectivity among marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems.

This study investigated benthic macroinvertebrates and fish in the Yeongsangang River weir and analyzed stomach contents of Squalidus chankaensis tsuchigae. Length distribution of individuals varied by site, with 91.3% and 72.7% falling within the 70-90 mm range in SC-U (upstream location of Seungchon weir) and SJ (location between Seungchon and Juksan weirs), respectively, and 77.5% within 70-80 mm and 100 mm range in JS-D (downstream location of Juksan weir). Chironomidae spp. (nonred type) were the most abundant food sources, comprising 46.3%, 76.9%, and 88.3% of the diet at SC-U, SJ, and JS-D, respectively. The Electivity Index (EI) indicated a strong preference for Chironomidae spp. (non-red type) (0.927) and avoidance for the red type (-0.929) and Limnodrilus gotoi (-0.995). The proportion of burrowers (BU) increased downstream, while swimmers (SW) decreased. The condition factor (K) varied by site, decreasing in SC-U and increasing in SJ and JS-D, showing a significant positive influence on the number of food sources (p<0.05). Among food sources, Chironomidae spp. and Baetidae sp. were predicted to be utilized across a broad range of lengths and weights, with strong connectivity observed among Tanypodinae sp., Hymenoptera sp., and Baetiella tuberculata.

This study investigated the distribution and growth performance of Bolboschoenus planiculmis under varying estuarine environmental conditions. We aimed to determine the optimal planting methods and environmental conditions with respect to salinity, soil texture, and tidal regimes on its growth performance. Our findings revealed a significant reduction in B. planiculmis coverage, shrinking to 955,393 m2 in 2024, representing only 38.59% of that compared to 2004. The plant’s survival rate exhibited a clear salinity gradient: 0 ppt (89±8.01%)>5 ppt (64±4.56%)>15 ppt (37±4.25%)>30 ppt (0±0.00%). Planting density significantly influenced growth, with 24 tubers m-2 yielding the highest number of plants per tuber (14.67±0.33). A planting depth of 5 cm proved optimal for tuber germination and growth. Soil texture analysis demonstrated that a lower sand content promoted growth, with the highest density observed in soil containing 10% sand (435±6.96 plants m-2). Tidal influence also played an important role, with areas experiencing regular tidal fluctuations fostering the most successful growth. Planting tubers or young plants with attached tubers in these tidal zones led to the highest survival rates and biomass.

This study investigated the annual change and distribution of flora, including endangered species, Korean Red List species, and invasive plants, in the Nakdong River Estuary Ecological Park over a 10-year period (2013~2023). The park was established in 2009 as part of the Four Major Rivers Restoration Project. The investigation identified a total of 704 taxa, comprising 137 families, 401 genera, 631 species, 18 subspecies, 38 varieties, 11 forms, and 6 hybrids. Eulsukdo Ecological Park exhibited the highest plant diversity with 531 taxa, followed by Hwamyeong (404 taxa), Samnak (387 taxa), Daejeo (369 taxa), and Maekdo (356 taxa). The endangered wildlife survey identified three endangered plant species (Class II): Euryale ferox, Brasenia schreberi, and Saururus chinensis. Following the endangered species restoration project, E. ferox has been consistently observed both within the restoration area and the riparian of main channel. The Urbanization Index (UI) was highest in Eulsukdo Ecological Park (24.1%), followed by Hwamyeong (20.0%), Samnak (18.1%), Maekdo (17.8%), and Daejeo Ecological Parks (16.7%). Twelve invasive plants were identified: Sicyos angulatus, Lactuca scariola, Ambrosia trifida, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Solanum carolinense, Aster pilosus, Hypochaeris radicata, Rumex acetosella, S. altissima, Paspalum disticum, Paspalum distichum var. indutum, and Humulus japonicus. Notably, S. altissima showed a significant decrease in its total distribution area, shrinking from 741,092 m2 in 2021 to 241,396 m2 in 2024. Continuous monitoring and management are necessary to prevent invasive plants, including ecosystem-disturbing species, from forming large colonies and hindering the growth of native plants.

This study employed text mining techniques to analyze the major topics and research trends in plant ecological studies conducted in the Nakdong River basin. A total of 131 research articles published between 1977 and 2023 were collected from domestic and international academic databases. Our analysis revealed that the primary research themes include: wetland plant management and restoration, regional flora investigation, the relationship between aquatic plant communities and water quality, wetland plant community structure and distribution, riparian vegetation, and Phragmites australis (common reed). The majority of these studies were based on short-term field surveys (less than one year in duration; 79.7%), with a focus on regional flora investigation (30.5%), vegetation mapping (21.4%), and plant growth characteristics (17.6%). To ensure the longterm sustainability of the Nakdong River ecosystem, we suggest prioritizing long-term ecological research (LTER) initiatives and incorporating diverse research approaches, such as mesocosm experiments that manipulate key environmental factors. This comprehensive approach to plant ecological research will be crucial for evaluating the stability and resilience of the Nakdong River ecosystem and will ultimately contribute to the development of robust, scientifically informed decision-making processes and management strategies.

This study used text mining to analyze public interest and research trends related to the Nakdong River. We examined news articles (1990~2024) and academic publications (1960~2024) to understand the evolving relationship between societal concerns and scientific research. Main findings reveal growing public interest towards the Nakdong River, with initial focus on pollution related to the industrial development shifting to large-scale river modification projects and water quality issues. This increased awareness mirrored trends in research, where early emphasis on classic ecology and water quality expanded to include sociocultural, educational aspects and advanced methodologies. The study highlights a dynamic interplay between public discourse and scientific inquiry, with research priorities aligning with societal concerns like water pollution, algal blooms, and biodiversity loss, underscoring the need for integrated, multidisciplinary research that addresses emerging environmental challenges and promotes sustainable management of the Nakdong River ecosystem under climate change and other societal shifts.

This study aimed to estimate the rumen fermentation characteristics and greenhouse gas emissions of major domestic feed sources for Hanwoo. Five feed sources mainly used in South Korea were selected: corn meal (CM), soybean meal (SM), wheat flour (WF), palm kernel cake (PKC), and corn distiller’s dried grains with soluble (DDGS). These feed sources were purchased from a commercial feed company. For 24 h rumen incubation, each feed source (0.3 g) was placed into the incubation bottle with the rumen mixture (30 mL) in quadruplicates. After incubation, total gas production was measured and sub-sampled for CO2 and CH4 analyses, and the bottle content was centrifuged for rumen fermentation characteristics and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). Crude protein content was highest in SM and lowest in CM. Ether extract content was highest in DDGS and lowest in SM, while neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents were highest in PKC and lowest in CM. Propionate content was highest in DDGS, and butyrate and A:P ratio contents were highest in PKC (p<0.05). Total gas emission (mL/g DMD) was lowest in SM and DDGS, while CH4 emission (mL/g DMD) was lowest in DDGS (p<0.05). Therefore, this study concluded that DDGS could be an alternative feed source to reduce methane emissions.

This study conducted field surveys targeting benthic macroinvertebrates and fish in Andong Dam and Yeongsan River, with the specific aim of analyzing bluegill stomach contents. Bluegills in Andong Dam ranged from 40-220 mm, with 93.0% between 80-220 mm, while those in Yeongsan River ranged from 50-210 mm, with 71.4% between 120-210 mm. The highest feeding rates in both sites were for Chironomidae spp., with findings of 72.6% in Andong Dam and 80.4% in Yeongsan River. In Andong Dam, H. nipponensis and Baetidae sp. were also significant at 17.5% and 6.5%, respectively, while in Yeongsan River, Baetidae sp. (7.5%) and Hymenoptera sp. were the next most common at 3.8%. The EI index showed that bluegills generally avoided H. nipponensis and S. tsuchigae (-0.373 and -0.975) whereas they preferred Chironomidae spp. (0.759, 0.892) and Baetidae sp. (0.723). The parameter b values of the total length-weight relationship of bluegill were calculated as 3.452 in Andong Dam and 3.449 in the Yeongsan River, respectively. The slope values of the condition factor were 0.0067 in Andong Dam and 0.0065 in the Yeongsan River. Both values were positive, indicating that the nutritional status of bluegill was good. Aquatic insects constituted the primary food source, particularly in Yeongsan River. Feeding patterns did not significantly differ by habitat orientation groups, but Yeongsan River bluegills consumed more diverse food sources. In Andong Dam, larger bluegills likely consume food sources with larger biomass, while Yeongsan River’s diverse and abundant food sources support opportunistic feeding tailored to the water ecological environment.

This study was conducted to estimate the effects of the forage process on rumen fermentation characteristics and greenhouse gas emissions of rye. Rye was grown at the Taeyoung Livestock farm and harvested at the heading stage. The harvested rye (5 kg) was sub-sampled for fresh forage, hay, and silage in triplicates. The sub-sampled rye was freeze-dried or air-dried for fresh forage or rye hay, respectively. For rye silage, the sub-sampled rye forage was ensiled into a 10 L mini bucket silo and stored for 90 days. For 72 h rumen incubation, each forage (0.3 g) was placed into the incubation bottle with the rumen mixture (30 mL) in quadruplicates. After the incubation, total gas was measured and sub-sampled for CO2 and CH4 analyses, and the bottle content was centrifuged for in vitro digestibilities of dry matter (IVDMD) and neutral detergent fiber (IVNDFD), and rumen fermentation characteristics. Silage had higher crude protein, crude ash, and acid detergent fiber concentrations than fresh forage and hay but lower non-fiber carbohydrates and relative feed value (p<0.05). And, silage had higher lactic acid bacteria than the other forages but lower pH (p<0.05). After 72 h incubation in the rumen, fresh forage had higher IVDMD and butyrate content than the other forages (p<0.05). However, silage had higher rumen pH and propionate content than the other forages but lower A:P ratio (p<0.05). Regarding greenhouse gases, silage had lowest total gas (mL/g DMD and NDFD) and CH4 (mL/g DMD and NDFD) emissions, while fresh forage had lowest CO2 (mL/g DMD) emission (p<0.05). Therefore, this study concluded that the ensiling process of rye can effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions of Hanwoo.

출혈성 담낭염은 담낭염의 형태 중 드문 것으로, 특히 그동안 출혈성 무결석 담낭염에 대한 보고는 제한적으로 이루어져 왔다. 본 증례보고에서는 척추추간판염으로 입원 중인 환자에게서 간기능 검사의 이상 소견이 발생하여 시행한 현장초음파상에서 보인 이상 소견을 기반으로 출혈성 담낭염을 의심하였다. 환자는 문헌상 초음파상에서 출혈성 담낭염의 특징으로 제시된 담낭벽의 불규칙한 비후, 후방 음영이나 층적을 동반하지 않는 내강 안 에코의 소견 등을 만족하였으며, 이어서 촬영한 CT에서도 조영제 누출의 소견이 보여 혈역학적으로 안정된 상태에서 조기에 경피적 배액술과 후속 담낭절제술을 시행하였다. 절제된 검체에서는 혈괴와 함께 화농성 담낭염 소견이 확인되었다. 기존에 항혈소판제, 항응고제 등의 약제 복용이나 알려진 출혈 경향이 없었던 화농성 척추추간판염 환자에게서 출혈성 무결석 담낭염을 현장초음파로 합병증 발생 전에 진단하여 치료한 증례로서 보고하는 바이다.

The present study estimated rumen fermentation characteristics and greenhouse gas emissions of different forages. Alfalfa, timothy, tall fescue, Italian ryegrass, and rice straw as the main forage sources for Hanwoo were used in the present study. Crude protein was highest in alfalfa but lowest in rice straw (p<0.05). Ether extract was higher in alfalfa and Italian ryegrass than in the other forages (p<0.05). Crude ash was highest in rice straw but lowest in tall fescue (p<0.05). Neutral detergent fiber was highest in tall fescue but lowest in alfalfa (p<0.05). Acid detergent fiber was highest in Italian ryegrass and rice straw but lowest in alfalfa (p<0.05). In vitro digestibilities of dry matter (DMD) and neutral detergent fiber (NDFD) were highest in timothy but lowest in rice straw (p<0.05). Rumen pH was highest (p<0.05) in alfalfa, while ammonia-N was higher (p<0.05) in alfalfa and Italian ryegrass than in the other forages. Total volatile fatty acid was highest (p<0.05) in timothy, while acetate and propionate were highest (p<0.05) in alfalfa and rice straw, respectively. Acetate to propionate ratio was higher (p<0.05) in alfalfa, timothy, and Italian ryegrass than in rice straw. Rice straw had lowest total gas (mL) (p<0.05) but highest its per DMD and NDFD. Rice straw had higher (p<0.05) CO2 (per DMD and NDFD) compared to alfalfa (per DMD and NDFD), timothy (per DMD and NDFD), tall fescue (per NDFD), and Italian ryegrass (per DMD). Again, rice straw had higher (p<0.05) CH4 (per DMD and NDFD) compared to timothy (per DMD and NDFD) and tall fescue (per NDFD). Therefore, this study indicates that timothy has a higher nutrient digestibility and volatile fatty acid in the rumen leading to a reduction of greenhouse gas emission.

최근 노인 인구가 증가함에 따라, 이들의 삶의 질에 대한 사회적 관심도가 높아지고 있으며, 노인들의 건강하고 활기찬 노후를 고려하는 활동적 노후 및 고령친화도시의 개념이 주목받고 있다. 이러한 상황에서 많은 지자체는 노인들이 지역 사회에서 여생을 의미 있게 보낼 수 있도록 다양한 노인여가복지 서비스를 제공하기 위해 노력하고 있다. 그러나 실질적인 노인 수요에 부합하는 서비스 공급이 이루어지지 못하고 있으며, 지역별로 노인여가복지 서비스의 공간적 격차가 발생하고 있는 실정이다. 이는 노인여가복지 입지와 관련하여 체계적인 법적 기준이 부재하기 때문이다. 이에 본 연구는 서울시의 노인여가복지 시설에 대한 수요와 공급의 공간적 불일치성을 탐색하고, 공간 효율성과 형평성을 고려한 노인복지센터의 최적 입지 대안을 제시하고 있다. 연구 결과, 여러 입지 시나리오에 따라 서울시 노인복지센터의 공간적 접근성을 향상시킬 수 있는 다양한 최적 입지 대안들을 제시할 수 있었으며, 향후 노인복지 서비스 공급과 관련한 계획 및 정책에 있어 중요한 기초 자료로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다

This study analyzed the relationship between distribution of Bolboschoenus planiculmis which is main food source of swans (national monument species) with environmental factors, discharge, rainfall, and salinity in Eulsuk-do from 2020 to 2023. The distribution area of B. planiculmis in Eulsuk tidal flat was 103,672 m2 in 2020, 95,240 m2 in 2021, 88,163 m2 in 2022, and 110,879 m2 in 2023, and represents a sharp decrease compared to the 400,925 m2 area recorded in 2004. From 2020 to 2023, the growth densities of B. planiculmis were 243.6±12.5 m-2, 135.45±7.38 m-2, 51.10±2.54 m-2, and 238.20±16.36 m-2, respectively, and the biomass was 199.89±28.01 gDW m-2, 18.57±5.12 gDW m-2, 6.55±1.12 gDW m-2, and 153.53±25.43 gDW m-2 in 2020, 2023, 2021, and 2022, respectively. Based on discharge during May~July, which affects plant growth, the left gate discharge of the estuary barrage from 2020 to 2023 was 62,322 m3 sec-1, 33,329 m3 sec-1, 6,810 m3 sec-1, and 93,641 m3 sec-1, respectively; rainfall was 1,136 mm, 799 mm, 297 mm, and 993 mm, respectively; and average salinity was 14.7±9.4 psu, 21.1±4.7 psu, 26.1±2.7 psu, and 14.5± 11.1 psu, respectively. In 2022, cumulative rainfall (978 mm, about 70% of the 30-year average) and discharge (43,226 m3 sec-1) decreased sharply, resulting in the highest mean salinity (25.46 psu), and the distribution area, density, and biomass of the B. planiculmis decreased sharply. In 2023, there was a rise in discharge with an increase in rainfall, leading to a decrease in salinity. Consequently, this environmental change facilitated the recovery of B. planiculmis growth.

진해만은 태풍 내습 시 피항 선박이 폭주하고 강한 바람 등의 영향으로 주묘가 자주 발생하며 이에 따른 선박 간 충돌 및 좌초 등 해양사고 발생 개연성이 매우 높다. 본 연구에서는 우리나라 해역 특성에 맞는 진해만 정박지의 선박 간 안전이격거리 설정을 위한 연 구를 수행하였다. 진해만 태풍 피항지에는 태풍 내습 시 평균 100 ~ 200여척의 선박이 정박을 하고 있으며 풍속이 25m/s 이상되는 강한 외력에서 전체 선박의 약 70%에 주묘가 발생하는 상황인 것으로 분석되었다. 본 연구에서는 국내외 설계기준 상 제시된 황천 시 정박 선 박간 이격거리, 실제 피항지로서 사용된 진해만 피항선박 간 이격거리, 강한 외력에 따른 선박 표류 시 적정 안전거리 등을 분석하여 제 시하였다. 그 결과 설계기준 상의 최소 기준과 비상조치 시간을 고려하여 약 400 ~ 900m의 안전이격거리가 필요하며, 공간상의 여유가 있 는 경우에는 700 ~ 900m 이격거리 설정이 필요한 것으로 도출하였다. 본 연구의 결과는 향후 진해만 피항지를 이용하는 선박에 대해 선박 간 안전 이격거리를 위한 지침 수립 시 활용이 가능할 것으로 기대된다.

This study was conducted to select target fish species as baseline research for accumulation analysis of major hazardous chemicals entering the aquatic ecosystem in Korea and to analyze the impact on fish community. The test bed was selected from a sewage treatment plant, which could directly confirm the impact of the inflow of harmful chemicals, and the Geum River estuary where harmful chemicals introduced into the water system were concentrated. A multivariable metric model was developed to select target candidate fish species for hazardous chemical analysis. Details consisted of seven metrics: (1) commercially useful metric, (2) top-carnivorous species metric, (3) pollution fish indicator metric, (4) tolerance fish metric, (5) common abundant metric, (6) sampling availability (collectability) metric, and (7) widely distributed fish metric. Based on seven metric models for candidate fish species, eight species were selected as target candidates. The co-occurring dominant fish with target candidates was tolerant (50%), indicating that the highest abundance of tolerant species could be used as a water pollution indicator. A multi-metric fish-based model analysis for aquatic ecosystem health evaluation showed that the ecosystem health was diagnosed as “bad conditions”. Physicochemical water quality variables also influenced fish feeding and tolerance guild in the testbed. Eight water quality parameters appeared high at the T1 site, indicating a large impact of discharging water from the sewage treatment plant. T2 site showed massive algal bloom, with chlorophyll concentration about 15 times higher compared to the reference site.

The Ti-6Al-4V lattice structure is widely used in the aerospace industry owing to its high specific strength, specific stiffness, and energy absorption. The quality, performance, and surface roughness of the additively manufactured parts are significantly dependent on various process parameters. Therefore, it is important to study process parameter optimization for relative density and surface roughness control. Here, the part density and surface roughness are examined according to the hatching space, laser power, and scan rotation during laser-powder bed fusion (LPBF), and the optimal process parameters for LPBF are investigated. It has high density and low surface roughness in the specific process parameter ranges of hatching space (0.06–0.12 mm), laser power (225–325 W), and scan rotation (15°). In addition, to investigate the compressive behavior of the lattice structure, a finite element analysis is performed based on the homogenization method. Finite element analysis using the homogenization method indicates that the number of elements decreases from 437,710 to 27 and the analysis time decreases from 3,360 to 9 s. In addition, to verify the reliability of this method, stress–strain data from the compression test and analysis are compared.