Seasonal Distributions of Phytoplankton and Environmental Factors Generate Algal Blooms in the Taehwa River, South Korea

Abstract

Algal blooms have occurred in the Taehwa River estuary in South Korea despite the improvement of water quality since environmental renewal projects in the 1990s. In this study, we investigated the causes of algal blooms by measuring the water retention time using a floating buoy, water quality parameters, and phytoplankton distribution data from 2012. An algal bloom did not occur in February because of phosphate limitations in the Taehwa River estuary; however, the concentration of nutrients in the water inflow from the basin triggered a significant algal bloom in the upper estuary in the month of May. In this regard, the phytoplankton population was dominated by nano- and pico-sized flagellates. In August, the freshwater inflow into the estuary greatly increased due to heavy rainfall, resulting in a shorter retention time of the water bodies, which seemed to prevent an algal bloom. In November, a bloom of Cryptophyceae occurred at one of the sites (the U2 site) due to sufficient nutrients in the water and the long retention times of the water bodies. Our results indicate that a decrease in the nutrients (N and P) supplied from the basin is required for a reduction in algal blooms in the Taehwa River estuary. Additional studies are needed to further elucidate the effects of the land-based, nutrient-rich pollutants flowing into the Taehwa River estuary on algal bloom generation considering the fact that the streams have different environmental characteristics.

16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequencing of Contaminated Coastal Sediment Collected from the Taehwa River Estuary, South Korea

“…It has been reported that the water quality has improved since the water quality management measures were instituted ( 4 – 6 ). Nevertheless, problems such as eutrophication and algal bloom have persisted in the Taehwa River Estuary ( 7 ). In this study, the microbial diversity characteristics of sediments were investigated for efficient pollution control in the Taehwa River Estuary.…”

Multi-domain, Autonomous Measurement Buoy as an Element of the Water Quality Monitoring and Early Warning System in Rivers and Water Reservoirs

“…However, the accuracy of the sensors may be affected by fouling, drift, or calibration issues, which need to be addressed to ensure the reliability of the data. The data can also help identify patterns and correlations that can inform management decisions based on the location of threats (Rodero et al 2022, Sim et al 2020.…”

Seasonal Dynamics and Environmental Drivers of Phytoplankton Composition in a Tropical Dam Over 5 Years in Chiang Mai, Thailand

“…In Thailand, a hot and humid climate significantly influences phytoplankton growth [3]. Besides that, the country faces challenges due to water pollution from human activities and climate change impacts [4]. These issues have led to decreased phytoplankton diversity and an increase in toxin-producing plankton [5], adversely affecting aquatic ecosystems and posing health risks.…”