하동 주교천 하구역의 지형과 물리･화학적 환경

초록

This study aims to analyze the geomorphological and physicochemical environments of the Jugyo estuarine zone, where previous geomorphic and ecological assessments have been insufficient, and to examine its functions and values as a habitat. Following the 2024 Survey on Estuarine Ecosystem guidelines, two field surveys were conducted in spring and fall seasons. Sediment samples were collected from 16 sites and analyzed for physical and chemical properties including soil texture, grain size, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), available phosphate (P2O5), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and heavy metals. Water quality was measured in real time at eight sites, assessing water temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), EC, total dissolved solids (TDS), and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). The results of sediment analysis were spatially interpolated using the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) method to visualize and interpret spatial distribution characteristics. Our main findings are as follows: i) various depositional landforms such as river island, sand-gravel bars, and point bars were distributed around meander bends and channel confluences, exhibiting high geomorphic diversity relative to the estuarine scale; ii) sediment characteristics showed no consistent upstream-downstream gradient but exhibited significant variation across zones (sections I to III) and sampling sites; iii) heavy metals were detected at many sites, but concentrations did not exceed regulatory thresholds; iv) water quality was generally poor in terms of DO and ORP, and the area exhibited characteristics of a brackishwater environment. Based on the spatial distribution of sediment contaminants, the need for pollutant source management and conservation of core habitat areas was highlighted, along with the potential for community-based environmental stewardship and ecotourism. This study is significant in providing geomorphological data for the identification and management planning of estuarine zones with high conservation value.

키워드