In ecosystems within limited resources, interspecific competition is inevitable, often leading to the competitive exclusion of inferior species. This study aims to provide foundational information for the conservation and restoration management of Microphysogobio rapidus by evaluating species’ ecological response to biological factors within its habitat. To understand this relationship, we collected food web organisms from site where M. rapidus coexist with Microphysogobio yaluensis, a specie ecologically similar to M. rapidus, and evaluated the trophic levels (TL), isotopic niche space (INS), and the overlap of INS among fishes within the habitat using stable isotope analysis. Our analysis revealed that the M. rapidus exhibited a higher TL than M. yaluensis, with TL of 2.6 and 2.4, respectively. M. yaluensis exhibited a broad INS, significantly influencing the feeding characteristics of most fish. Conversely, M. rapidus showed a narrow INS and asymmetric feeding relationships with other species, in habitats with high competition levels. This feeding characteristics of M. rapidus indicate that the increase in competitors sharing the similar resources lead to a decrease in available resources and, consequently, is expected to result in a decrease in their density.

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a key component in the biogeochemical cycling in freshwater ecosystem. However, it has been rarely explored, particularly complex river watershed dominated by natural and anthropogenic sources, such as various effluent facility and livestock. The current research developed a new analytical method for TOC/TN (Total Organic Carbon/Total Nitrogen) stable isotope ratio, and distinguish DOM source using stable isotope value (δ13C-DOC) and spectroscopic indices (fluorescence index [FI] and biological index [BIX]). The TOC/TN-IR/MS analytical system was optimized and precision and accuracy were secured using two international standards (IAEA-600 Caffein, IAEA-CH-6 Sucrose). As a result of controlling the instrumental conditions to enable TOC stable isotope analysis even in low-concentration environmental samples (<1 mgC L-1), the minimum detection limit was improved. The 12 potential DOM source were collected from watershed, which includes top-soils, groundwater, plant group (fallen leaves, riparian plants, suspended algae) and effluent group (pig and cow livestock, agricultural land, urban, industry facility, swine facility and wastewater treatment facilities). As a result of comparing characteristics between 12 sources using spectroscopic indices and δ13C-DOC values, it were divided into four groups according to their characteristics as a respective DOM sources. The current study established the TOC/TN stable isotope analyses system for the first time in Korea, and found that spectroscopic indices and δ13C-DOC are very useful tool to trace the origin of organic matter in the aquatic environments through library database.

Carbon is not only an essential element for life but also a key player in climate change. The radiocarbon (14C) analysis using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is a powerful tool not only to understand the carbon cycle but also to track pollutants derived from fossil carbon, which have a distinct radiocarbon isotope ratio (Δ14C). Many studies have reported Δ14C of carbon compounds in streams, rivers, rain, snow, throughfall, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and wastewater treatment plant effluents in South Korea, which are reviewed in this manuscript. In summary, (1) stream and river carbon in South Korea are largely derived from the chemical weathering of soils and rocks, and organic compounds in plants and soils, strongly influenced by precipitation, wastewater treatment effluents, agricultural land use, soil water, and groundwater. (2) Unprecedentedly high Δ14C of precipitation during winter has been reported, which can directly and indirectly influence stream and river carbon. Although we cannot exclude the possibility of local contamination sources of high Δ14C, the results suggest that stream dissolved organic carbon could be older than previously thought, warranting future studies. (3) The 14C analysis has also been applied to quantify the sources of forest throughfall and PM2.5, providing new insights. The 14C data on a variety of ecosystems will be valuable not only to track the pollutants derived from fossil carbon but also to improve our understanding of climate change and provide solutions.

Invasive predators are one of the most damaging species groups to biodiversity. In the Nakdong River, the lake skygazer Chanodichthys erythropterus is a dominant species that is fiercely carnivorous and a concern for commercial fish. Although it is important to understand the ecological characteristics related to the feeding habit, studies on the diets of lake skygazer in Nakdong River have been limited to studies of gut contents. In this study, the trophic position (TP) and feeding habits of C. erythropterus were studied by calculating TPs using samples collected from 13 sites throughout the Nakdong River. Compound-specific isotopic analysis of amino acids provided reliable TPs from the muscle of Lake skygazer C. erythropterus without any isotope baseline. The results were approximately 3 to 3.6 and suggesting a carnivorous but size-dependent prey variation. In particular, the TP variability of C. erythropterus observed in the Nakdong River showed that it had a selective feeding habit compared to carnivorous fish species of relatively similar trophic levels.

안정동위원소 분석 기법(Stable isotope analysis, SIA)은 환경과학, 생태학, 지구생물화학, 법의학, 고고학 등 다양한 연구 분야에 활용되고 있다. 본 총설에서는 수산 및 양식 연구에 안정동위원 소 비 분석 기법을 활용하기 위해 필요한 배경 지식을 소개하고자 한다. 특히, 자연 값(natural abundance)을 이용하는 연구에 초점을 두었고 원소가 생물의 조직으로 통합되는 과정에서 발 생하는 분별작용(동위원소 비의 변화)에 대한 원리와 안정동위원소 비가 유용한 도구로서 어 떤 목적으로 생태, 환경학 분야에 이용되는지, 나아가 수산 및 양식 분야에 활용 가능한 예들 을 제시하고자 한다. 본 논문을 통한 안정동위원소 분야의 이해로 향후 수산학 및 양식 연구 에서 안정 동위원소 비의 다양한 활용이 기대된다.

The Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1-x)4 (CZTSSe) absorbers are promising thin film solar cells (TFSCs) materials, to replace existing Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) and CdTe photovoltaic technology. However, the best reported efficiency for a CZTSSe device, of 13.6 %, is still too low for commercial use. Recently, partially replacing the Zn2+ element with a Cd2+element has attracting attention as one of the promising strategies for improving the photovoltaic characteristics of the CZTSSe TFSCs. Cd2+ elements are known to improve the grain size of the CZTSSe absorber thin films and improve optoelectronic properties by suppressing potential defects, causing short-circuit current (Jsc) loss. In this study, the structural, compositional, and morphological characteristics of CZTSSe and CZCTSSe thin films were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF), and Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), respectively. The FE-SEM images revealed that the grain size improved with increasing Cd2+ alloying in the CZTSSe thin films. Moreover, there was a slight decrease in small grain distribution as well as voids near the CZTSSe/Mo interface after Cd2+ alloying. The solar cells prepared using the most promising CZTSSe absorber thin films with Cd2+ alloying (8 min. 30 sec.) exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.33 %, Jsc of 34.0 mA/cm2, and fill factor (FF) of 62.7 %, respectively.

유통 당류(n=124)에서 C4슈가 혼입여부를 확인하기 위하여 탄소동위원소비율(δC), 당조성, 인공감미료를 분석하였다. 탄소동위원소비율 분석 결과, 유통벌꿀(n=23) 중 3 건(13.6%)에서 C4슈가가 혼입된 것으로 판정되었고 도시 영농으로 제조된 벌꿀(n=23)은 모두 식품공전의 기준에 적합하였다(-26.09– -22.99‰). 사양벌꿀(n=11)의 탄소동위원 소비율 범위는 -14.58에서 -11.52‰로 C4당의 특성을 보였다. 코코넛슈가(n=20)의 δC값은 -25.72에서 15.87‰로 3건에서 C4당류가 혼입된 것으로 판단되었다. 단백질침전 법으로 C4당의 함량을 확인한 결과, 모든 코코넛슈가에서 C4당이 최저 9.5%에서 최고 63.4% 검출되었다. 메이플시럽 (n=12) 중 1건이 AOAC의 메이플 시럽 기준에 부합되지 않았다. CAM 당류인 아가베시럽(n=12)은 -11.42에서 - 10.92‰ 범위로 C4당류와 범위가 겹쳐서 추가 연구가 필요하다. C4당인 사탕수수당(n=10)의 탄소동위원소비율은 -12.60에서 -11.40‰이었고, 옥수수물엿(n=5)은 -11.70에서 -10.93‰이었다. Fructose/glucose 비율 측정 결과, 일부 아가베시럽에서 혼입이 의심되었다(3.2-49.7). 모든 시료에서 인공감미료는 검출되지 않았다.

규소(Si)는 지각의 구성 원소 중 두 번째로 흔히 존재하는 원소로, 3개의 안정동위원소, 28 Si (92.23%), 29 Si (4.67%), 30Si (3.10%)를 가진다. 규소 동위원소는 규소의 생지화학적 순환에 대한 지시자로 고환경 및 고기후 복원을 위해 전 세계에서 널리 연구되고 있다. 그러나 국내에서는 아직까지 생물 기원 규소에 대한 규소 동위원소 연구가 전 무한 실정이다. 본 연구에서는 대형 규조류 시료에 대한 규소 동위원소 분석을 위해 기존 보고된 알칼리 용융법을 정리하고 생물 기원 규소 분석에 가장 적합한 규소 분리법을 구축하고자 하였다. 해당 시료를 고온 알칼리 용융을 통해 완전 용해시킨 후 시료 내 규소를 AG® 50W-X8 양이온 교환수지를 이용하여 효과적으로 분리하였다. 분리된 시료에 대한 신뢰성 검증을 위하여 Si 동위원소 표준물질(NBS-28) 및 USGS 암석 표준시료(AGV-2, GSP-2, BHVO-2)에 대한 분석을 함께 실시하였으며, 분석된 시료 모두 기존 연구결과와 오차범위 내에서 일치하는 값을 나타내었다. 본 연구에서 개발한 규소 동위원소 분석법은 향후 국내의 지구과학 및 관련 연구 발전에 많은 도움을 줄 것으로 기대된다.

The prediction of Jominy hardness curves and the effect of alloying elements on the hardenability of boron steels (19 different steels) are investigated using multiple regression analysis. To evaluate the hardenability of boron steels, Jominy end quenching tests are performed. Regardless of the alloy type, lath martensite structure is observed at the quenching end, and ferrite and pearlite structures are detected in the core. Some bainite microstructure also appears in areas where hardness is sharply reduced. Through multiple regression analysis method, the average multiplying factor (regression coefficient) for each alloying element is derived. As a result, B is found to be 6308.6, C is 71.5, Si is 59.4, Mn is 25.5, Ti is 13.8, and Cr is 24.5. The valid concentration ranges of the main alloying elements are 19 ppm < B < 28 ppm, 0.17 < C < 0.27 wt%, 0.19 < Si < 0.30 wt%, 0.75 < Mn < 1.15 wt%, 0.15 < Cr < 0.82 wt%, and 3 < N < 7 ppm. It is possible to predict changes of hardenability and hardness curves based on the above method. In the validation results of the multiple regression analysis, it is confirmed that the measured hardness values are within the error range of the predicted curves, regardless of alloy type.

본 연구는 Laser ablation ICP/MS (이하 LA-ICP/MS)를 이용한 환경오염 추적연구를 위하여 어류 내 이석을 분석 하였다. 어류의 이석은 어류가 서식하는 환경에 영향을 받는 것으로 알려져 있어 국외에서는 이를 활용한 연구가 활발하나 국내에서는 이에 대한 연구가 미비한 실정이다. 그래서 본 연구에서는 환경오염의 지표로 사용되는 금속 원소의 성분 분석을 통하여 어류 이석을 이용한 환경오염 추적 가능성을 파악하고자 하였다. 또한 금속 원소의 성분 분석을 위해서는 전처리 과정을 줄여 분석 시간을 단축시킬 수 있는 것으로 알려진 LA-ICP/MS를 이용하였다. 시료채취는 연구지역과 배경지역으로 나누어 실험을 진행하였고, 실험 어종은 담수종인 잉어를 선정하였다. LA-ICP 의 분석 최적 조건을 정립하기 위하여 이석 표준물질인 FEBS-1을 이용하여 9개 금속 원소 (Li, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, Sr, Ba, Pb, U)의 정확도와 정밀도를 확인하였다. 정립한 조건을 이용하여 실제시료를 분석한 결과, 연구지역에서 채집한 어류 이석 내 금속 원소 성분의 총 농도가 2202.9 mg kg-1으로 배경 지역의 1086.3 mg kg-1보다 2.03배 높게 측정되었다. 원소별로는 Li과 U을 제외한 모든 원소가 연구 지역이 배경지역보다 높게 나타났다. 그리고 퇴적물 측정 망 분석 자료와 비교한 결과, Zn, Pb, Cu가 두 지역의 퇴적물 금속 원소 농도 분포와 어류 이석 내 금속 원소 농도 분포 경향이 유사하게 나타났다. 이러한 결과로 보아 어류 내 이석은 퇴적물과 같이 환경오염원을 추적하는 데 활용 할 수 있다는 것을 확인하였다.

Recently, quantitative analyses of food web structure based on carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes are widely applied to environmental assessments as well as ecological researches of various ecosystems, particularly rivers and streams. In the present study, we analyzed carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of POM (both planktonic and attached forms), zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates and fish collected from 6 sites located at Nakdong River. Samples were collected from upstream areas of 5 weirs (Sangju, Gangjeong- Goryeong, Dalseong, Hapcheon-Changnyeong, and Changnyeong-Haman Weirs) and one downstream area of Hapcheon-Changnyeong Weir in dry season (June) and after rainy season (September). We suggested ranges of their carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios and calculated their trophic levels in the food web to compare their temporal and spatial variations. Trophic levels of organisms were relatively higher in Sangju Weir located at upper part of Nakdong River, and decreased thereafter. However, the trophic levels were recovered at the Changnyeong-Haman Weir, the lowest weir in the river. The trophic level calculated by nitrogen stable isotope ratios showed more reliable ranges when they were calculated based on zooplankton than POM used as baseline. The suggested quantitative ecological information of the majority of biological communities in Nakdong River would be helpful to understand the response of river food web to environmental disturbances and can be applied to various further researches regarding the quantitative approaches for the understanding food web structure and function of river ecosystems as well as restoration.

Nitrogen (N) loading from domestic, agricultural and industrial sources can lead to excessive growth of macrophytes or phytoplankton in aquatic environment. Many studies have used stable isotope ratios to identify anthropogenic nitrogen in aquatic systems as a useful method for studying nitrogen cycle. In this study to evaluate the precision and accuracy of denitrification bacteria method (Pseudomonas chlororaphis ssp. Aureofaciens (ATCC® 13985)), three reference (IAEA-NO-3 (Potassium nitrate KNO3), USGS34 (Potassium nitrate KNO3), USGS35 (Sodium nitrate KNO3)) were analyzed 5 times repeatedly. Measured the δ15N-NO3 and δ18O-NO3 values of IAEA-NO-3, USGS 34 and USGS35 were δ15N: 4.7±0.1‰ δ18O: 25.6±0.5‰, δ15N: -1.8±0.1‰ δ18O: -27.8±0.4‰, and δ15N: 2.7±0.2‰ δ18O: 57.5±0.7‰, respectively, which are within recommended values of analytical uncertainties. Also, we investigated isotope values of potential nitrogen source (soil, synthetic fertilizer and organic-animal manures) and temporal patterns of δ15N-NO3 and δ18O-NO3 values in river samples during from May to December. δ15N-NO3 and δ18O-NO3 values are enriched in December suggesting that organic-animal manures should be one of the main N sources in those areas. The current study clarifies the reliability of denitrification bacteria method and the usefulness of stable isotopic techniques to trace the anthropogenic nitrogen source in freshwater ecosystem.

우리나라는 세계에서 5번째로 많은 댐 보유국으로. 전국 대부분의 강과 하천이 40년이상 다목적댐, 용수댐,발전용댐등으로 조절되고 있지만, 댐과 연계한 하천생태계의 이해와 평가 연구는 아직까지 부족한 실정이다. 일반적으로 댐 하류생태계는 홍수빈도와 크기의 변화, 하상재료의 조립화, 상류에서 공급되는 호소성 에너지원의 유입과같이 서식처와 먹이원에 지속적으로 교란을 받고 있지만, 상위단계인 저서무척추동물과 어류군집에 이르기까지하천생태계 먹이망에 미치는 전반적인 영향을 실증적으로 평가하기에는 방법론적인 한계가 있었다. 본 연구에서는탄소와 질소 안정동위원소 분석을 통하여 국내외 댐하류 하천을 대상으로 유기물의 질적변화를 추적하고 이에따른 저서무척추동물과 어류의 먹이사슬을 분석하는 등 댐하류 생태계 먹이망의 구조와 에너지 흐름을 분석하였다.검색어 : 대형댐, 안정동위원소, 먹이그물, 저서무척추동물

In order to reconstruct a benthic foodweb structure and assess the role of benthic microalgaes as a diet source for benthos, we analyzed the carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes of diverse benthos (bivalves, crustaceans, gastropods and fishes) and potential diets (particulate organic matter, sedimentary organic matter, benthic microalgae, seagrass, and macroalgaes) in the intertidal mudflat surrounding Yeongheung Island. The δ13C values of the diets indicated wide ranges (- 26.5‰ to - 8.4‰) while benthos showed a small range of δ13C values (-12.1‰ to - 17.8‰), although they were in the same range. Except for green algaes among the macroalgaes as well as sedimentary organic matter, δ15N values of the diet candidates (5.7±1.0‰) were lighter in comparison to those of the benthos (11.8±1.9‰). Based on the δ13C and δ15N data, the benthos were classified into 3 groups, indicating a different diet and trophic position. But benthic microalgae is the most important diet source for all three benthos groups based on their stable isotope ratios, suggesting benthic microalgae should be a main diet to the intertidal ecosystem. Hence this study highlights that the biomass of benthic microalgae as biological resource should be evaluated for the management of the intertidal ecosystem of Yeongheung Island.

Nitrogen (N) loading from domestic, agricultural and industrial sources can lead to excessive growth of macrophytes or phytoplankton in aquatic environment. Many studies have used nitrogen stable isotope ratios to identify anthropogenic nitrogen in aquatic systems as a useful method for studying nitrogen cycle. In this study to evaluate the precision and accuracy of Kjeldahl processes, two reference materials (IAEA-NO-3, N-1) were analyzed repeatedly. Measured the δ¹⁵N-NO₃and δ¹⁵N-NH₄values of IAEA-NO-3 and IAEA-N-1 were 4.7±0.2‰ and 0.4±0.3‰, respectively, which are within recommended values of analytical uncertainties. Also, we investigated spatial patterns of δ¹⁵N-NO₃and δ¹⁵N-NH₄in effluent plumes from a waste water treatment plant in Han River, Korea. δ¹⁵N-NO₃and δ¹⁵N-NH₄values are enriched at downstream areas of water treatment plant suggesting that dissolved nitrogen in effluent plumes should be one of the main N sources in those areas. The current study clarifies the reliability of Kjeldahl analytical method and the usefulness of stable isotopic techniques to trace the contamination source of dissolved nitrogen such as nitrate and ammonia.

본 연구에서는 금강의 먹이망 연구를 위한 기초작업으로 금강 하류에서 출현한 어류만을 대상으로 어류상, 담수역과 해수역에 출현하는 어류의 안정동위원소 차이, 담수어류의 섭식길드에 대한 분석을 실시하였다. 금강 하류지역을 대상으로 2011년 연구를 진행하였으며, 하구둑 기준 상류 20 km, 하류 10 km 구간에서 채집된 어류를 분석에 사용하였다. 섭식길드의 분석은 담수어류만을 대상으로 시행하였으며, 문헌연구를 통해 보고된 섭식길드의 적절성 여부를 판별분석을 통해 확인하였다. 연구결과 하구둑 상류와 하구둑 하류의 어류상은 완전한 차이가 있는 것으로 확인되었으며, 일부 회유성 어종 (웅어, 가숭어)들만 양측에서 모두 출현하는 것으로 나타났다. 안정동위원소 분석에서도 하구둑을 기준으로 상류와 하류에 서식하는 종들의 수치가 완전히 다르게 나타났다. 하구둑 하류에서 채집된 개체들의 경우 기수 및 해양 기원의 먹이를 선호하고 담수종의 경우 담수 기원의 먹이를 선호하기 때문으로 판단된다. 일부 회유성 종의경우 담수에서는 해수 신호가 해수에서는 담수신호가 감지되었는데 이는 생태적 특성에 의한 것으로 사료된다. 판별분석 결과 섭식길드는 문헌과 약간 차이가 나타나는 것으로 확인되었는데 이는 개체 발생 단계에 의한 결과일 것으로 판단되며, 관련된 추가적인 연구가 필요한 것으로 판단된다. 특히 안정동위원소의 경우 지역, 시기, 발생단계에 따라 동일 종이라 할지라도 차이가 존재하기 때문에 이러한 부분을 항상 고려하여야 하며, 가능하다면 지역별로 개체를 분석하여 섭식길드를 제시하는것이 지역의 어류와 관련된 연구에 있어서 효율적일 것으로 판단된다.

Flat panel display devices are mainly used as information display devices in the 21st century. The worldwide waste flat panel displays are expected at 2-3 million units but most of them are land-filled for want of a proper recycling technology More specifically, rare earth metals of La and Eu are used as fluorescent materials of Cold Cathode Flourscent Lamp(CCFL)s in the waste flat panel displays and they are critically vulnerable and irreplaceable strategic mineral resources. At present, most of the waste CCFLs are disposed of by land-filling and incineration and proper recovery of 80-plus tons per annum of the rare earth fluorescent materials will significantly contribute to steady supply of them. A dearth of Korean domestic research results on recovery and recycling of rare earth elements in the CCFLs prompts to initiate this status report on overseas research trends and noteworthy research results in related fields.