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Research Article

Marinification Progress and Phytoplankton Community Shifts in Yeongrang Lake: Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Ecological Transition Assessment
Jungwon Park1
,
Kangyeol Lee2
,
Jaeyong Lee2
,
Jaeseock Choi3*
1Researcher, Inc. lkwaterl, Chinhwankyeongro, Samjang-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, 52233, Korea
2Researcher, Nature & Human Co, Wonju, Gangwon-do, 26424, Korea
3Research Professor, Institute of Environmental Research, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Korea
*Corresponding Author
30 September 2025. pp. 176-191
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Abstract

This study investigated the ecological transition of Yeongrang Lake from a lagoon to a fully marine ecosystem by analyzing the spatiotemporal dynamics of phytoplankton communities and the associated environmental changes. Comparative analysis with historical data revealed a 3.9 to 5.1°C increase in water temperature and complete salinization of the lake, primarily due to sustained seawater inflow interventions. These changes contributed to improved water quality, as indicated by reductions in total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations. Phytoplankton assemblages responded markedly to these shifts; over 95% of the identified species were marine, with diatoms and dinoflagellates dominating the community structure, whereas previously abundant cyanobacteria were nearly absent. Seasonal analyses revealed dynamic changes in dominant species, including several brackish and marine taxa known to potentially cause harmful algal blooms, suggesting an elevated risk of future red tide events. Although localized thermal effects were observed near the pontoon bridge, the limited survey duration underscores the need for long-term monitoring to fully assess these impacts. Overall, the combined environmental and biological evidence confirmed that Yeongrang Lake has undergone substantial ecological transformation into a marine water body. Continued systematic monitoring and targeted research are essential for managing this transition, mitigating potential ecological risks, and supporting the sustainable management of the lake ecosystem.

Keywords
Dominant species
Lagoon
Phytoplankton
Yeongrang Lake
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Information
  • Publisher :Agriculture and Life Sciences Research Institute, Kangwon National University
  • Publisher(Ko) :None
  • Journal Title :Journal of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences
  • Volume : 37
  • No :3
  • Pages :176-191
  • Received Date : 2025-06-12
  • Revised Date : 2025-06-22
  • Accepted Date : 2025-06-23
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.22698/jales.20250015
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