Assessing Salinity Reduction by Environmental Restoration in the Seomjin River Estuary (South Korea): A Numerical Model Approach for Corbicula Habitat Conservation

Gayeong Lee, Jongyoon Park, Chunggil Jung () and Yunkeun An
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Gayeong Lee: Research Center for Water, ECOLABS 50, Yeosu-si 59626, Republic of Korea
Jongyoon Park: Environmental Assessment Group, Korea Environment Institute, Sejong 30147, Republic of Korea
Chunggil Jung: Forecast and Control Division, Han River Flood Control Office, Seoul 06501, Republic of Korea
Yunkeun An: Department of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Chonnam National University, Yeosu-si 59626, Republic of Korea

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 13, 1-19

Abstract: This study modelled possible ways of reducing salinity in the Seomjin River estuary to improve habitats for corbicula, which are important components of the ecosystem (ecologically and commercially) in the Seomjin River. Additionally, we analyzed the salinity reduction effects of structural measures to sustain optimal salinity. To do this, salinity measurement facilities were installed at crucial habitat locations in the Seomjin River estuary. After ensuring the reliability of the model, numerical simulations were conducted. Salinity changes were analyzed for four major locations (Dugok, Shinbi, Mokdo, Hwamok) and simulated under various conditions, resulting in concentrations of 4.7 psu in Dugok, 16.0 psu in Shinbi, 19.2 psu in Mokdo, and 28.2 psu in Hwamok. Additionally, this study analyzed reduction effects by applying three reduction scenarios (riverbed restoration, submerged weir, and groyne) by simulating the numerical model. The reductions in salinity for the submerged weir (SWS-1 to 3) and groyne (GS-1 to 3) scenarios were minimal, below 1 psu, indicating a very limited reduction effect. In conclusion, the salinity concentration in the Seomjin River estuary is dominated by the neap tide, and the salinity intrusion distance is influenced more by the spring tide. The Songjeong discharge strongly impacts the spring tide, while the neap tide is less dominant due to salinity stratification. Among the salinity reduction scenarios, riverbed restoration has the most critical effect, but artificial reduction measures may pose challenges in terms of cost and practicality.

Keywords: Seomjin River; salinity intrusion; EFDC; saltwater stratification; salinity reduction scenarios; corbicula (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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