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.

Increasing numbers of Korean adults, especially women, are adopting vegetarian diets for various reasons. In this study, the characteristics of vegetarianism among females residing in Seoul were examined. In addition, the dietary habits and eating behaviors between vegetarians and non-vegetarians were investigated. A total of 148 females (73 vegetarians, 75 non-vegetarians) were recruited and questionnaires regarding their demographic characteristics and eating habits were completed. The eating behavior and daily intake of food groups was assessed using the three factor eating questionnaire-R18 (TFEQ-R18) and food frequency questionnaire, respectively. The ages, BMI, education, and religious affiliation were not significantly different between the two groups. More than 30% of vegetarians had followed a vegetarian diet for longer than 24 months. The most common motivations for vegetarianism in study participants were ‘health or weight control’ (46.6%) followed by ‘environmental concerns or animal welfare’ (24.7%). Vegetarians had a lower intake of cereals, Kimchi, and soda, but a higher intake of potatoes and sweet potatoes, vegetables, mushrooms, seaweed, and fruits compared to non-vegetarians. Significant differences in eating behavior scores were also found between the two groups; in particular, vegetarians reported higher levels of restrained eating and emotional eating than non-vegetarians. Scores of uncontrolled eating, however, were not significantly different between the two groups. In conclusion, these results suggest that while vegetarianism is associated with healthy dietary habits, it is associated with restrained eating behaviors which may increase the risk of eating disorders in women.