Pil-Yong Lee

Congener‐specific characterization and sources of polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins, dibenzofurans and dioxin‐like polychlorinated biphenyls in marine sediments from industrialized bays of Korea

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DLPCBs) were determined in 122 coastal sediments from heavily industrialized areas in Korea. Toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentrations of PCDD and PCDF (PCDD/F) and DLPCB ranged from 0.44 to 38.5 pg/g dry weight and from 0.01 to 38.4 pg/ g dry weight, respectively. Overall PCDD/F and DLPCB concentrations were elevated in estuarine and inner bay locations close to industrial complexes, indicating that these contaminants derived from local discharges. Concentrations of PCDD/F measured in the present study were comparable to those in industrialized areas of other countries. Nonparametric multidimensional scaling ordination and congener-specific characterization showed that combustion processes occurring in industrial complexes, including the steel industry, are the major source of PCDD/Fs in Korean coastal waters. There were no significant correlations among PCDD/ Fs, DLPCBs, and total organic carbon; however, there was moderate correlation between PCDD/Fs and DLPCBs in some coastal bays, suggesting that these chemicals have similar sources and movements in these locations.

CONDITION, REPRODUCTIVE ACTIVITY, AND GROSS BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE MANILA CLAM, TAPES PHILIPPINARUM IN NATURAL AND NEWLY CREATED SANDY HABITATS OF THE SOUTHERN COAST OF KOREA

Abstract Sand was added to the mudflat in a small bay on the southern coast of Korea in an attempt to create a new habitat for the Manila clam (Tapes philippinarum) in the muddy intertidal zone. To evaluate whether the newly created sandy habitat was functionally similar to natural ones, seasonal variations in condition, reproductive activity, and biochemical composition of clams in created and natural conditions were compared from May 2000 to October 2001. Clams reared in the newly created and natural habitats had similar patterns and levels with respect to condition and tissue dry weight. Standardized animal condition and tissue dry weight of clams peaked in spring, when protein and carbohydrate reserves were at maximum levels, and declined progressively throughout the summer-autumn period to October, as a result of continuous spawning. Condition and tissue weight were quickly restored during the winter-spring period, concurrently with accumulation of protein and carbohydrate reserves. Similar biochemical compositions and reproductive cycles for the clam stocks in the two habitats are likely to be related to their similar environmental conditions, in particular food availability. Comparison of the isotopic signatures of T. philippinarum tissues and potential food resources suggested that food availability in the study area was mostly dependent on resuspension of microphytobenthos, along with seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton. These observations clearly show that newly created sandy habitats may provide habitat functions that enable Manila clams to have similar biological cycles to those in natural habitats.

Selection of the Optimal Transplanting Method and Time for Restoration of Zostera marina Habitats

【Seagrass bed is an important component in coastal and estuarine ecosystems, providing food and shelter to a wide variety of fauna. Recently, seagrass coverage has declined significantly due to anthropogenic influences such as reclamation, dredging, and eutrophication and consequently, necessity of seagrass habitat restoration is rising. Transplantation experiments with Zostera marina using TERFS, staple method, and shell method have been conducted at Dadae Bay, Kosung Bay and Jindong Bay on the south coast of Korea to select an optimal transplanting method for restoration of Z. marina habitat. Three experimental sites located at the vicinity of natural Z. marina beds with an average water depth of about 4m. Z. marina plants, which were collected from donor bed in Koje Bay were also transplanted at 7 different time from October 2003 to July 2004 to find appropriate transplanting time. Density of Z. marina was monitored monthly at both transplanted areas and natural beds. Transplantation using the staple method showed the highest survival rate of transplant. Shell method was also an effective transplanting method at muddy areas in Kosung Bay and Jindong Bay, but not suitable at sandy areas in Dadae Bay. These results suggest that sediment composition of transplanting areas should be considered for the selection of the optimal transplanting method. Z. marina transplanted during fall usually showed the highest survival rate, while most Z. marina plants transplanted in summer died due to high lethal temperature during this period.】