Sediment Management Plan to Control Algal Blooms in the Yeongsan and Seomjin River Basin Reservoirs

Yejin Choi; Hyuk-Jin Cho; Ju-Tae Song; Jong-Un Lee; Dae-Sung Song

doi:10.22698/jales.20260001

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2026 Vol.38, Issue 1 Next Page

Review Article

Sediment Management Plan to Control Algal Blooms in the Yeongsan and Seomjin River Basin Reservoirs

31 March 2026. pp. 1-20

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Abstract

Small-scale agricultural reservoirs are essential infrastructure for local communities, especially under intensifying water scarcity. In this study, we classified contaminated sediments derived from algal blooms that deteriorate water quality based on samples from 39 reservoirs of the Yeongsan and Seomjin River basins, and proposed management strategies. Two years of water quality and sediment monitoring data were analyzed, and sediments were categorized into four types using the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio and Korean-type trophic state index (TSI_ko). Reservoirs were grouped as Types I (endogenous production, 11 sites), II (external inflow, one site), III (potential eutrophication, 23 sites), and IV (continuous management, four sites). Specific management measures were suggested: dredging, capping, and oxidation for Type I; identification of the pollution source, watershed governance, and upstream algae control for Type II; sediment management and expansion of bloom reduction facilities for Type III; and continuous monitoring for Type IV. To quantify the effects of sediments on water quality, a leaching test method simulating field conditions and material balance model were recommended. These findings provide a framework for targeted sediment management and are expected to support practical measures for improving reservoir water quality in the Yeongsan and Seomjin River basins.

Keywords

Algal bloom

Nutrient

Pollution management

Reservoir

Sediment

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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 : 38
No :1
Pages :1-20
Received Date : 2025-10-21
Revised Date : 2025-12-19
Accepted Date : 2026-01-05
DOI :https://doi.org/10.22698/jales.20260001

Journal of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences ISSN:2233-8322(Print) 2508-870X(Online)

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