Coastal Eutrophication caused by Effluent from Aquaculture Ponds in Jeju

This study investigated the temporal-spatial distribution and variations in water quality parameters (temperature, salinity, pH, DO, COD, SPM, DIN, DIP, silicate, TN, TP, and chlorophyll-a) in the coastal area of Jeju, Korea, adjacent to aquaculture ponds (Aewol-ri, Haengwon-ri, Pyosun-ri, and Ilkwa-ri). Data were collected bimonthly from February 2010 to December 2011. A principal component analysis (PCA) identified three major factors controlling variations in water quality during the sampling period. Aquaculture effluent water led to large changes in nutrient levels. The highest nutrient values were observed during the investigation period. The relatively large increase in organic matter at the sampling stations coupled with sea area runoff events during the summer rainy period. Variation in chlorophyll-a concentration was mainly driven by meteorological factors such as air temperature and rainfall in the coastal areas of Aewol and Haengwon. In the coastal areas of Pyosun and Ilkwa, pollution was caused by anthropogenic factors such as discharge of aquaculture effluent water. High nutrient concentrations at the majority of the coastal stations indicate eutrophication of coastal waters, especially within a distance of 300 m and depth of 10m from drainage channels. Coastal eutrophication driven by aquaculture effluent may be harmful inshore. Events such as eutrophication may potentially influence water pollution in aquaculture ponds when seawater intake is detected because of aquaculture effluent water.