On the Distribution of Organic Matter in the Nearshore Surface Sediment of Korea

Abstract

For the purpose of examining the distribution of organic matter in the nearshore surface sediments of Korea, organic carbon, nitrogen, ignition loss, chemical oxygen demand, phaeopigment and total sulphide for 117 surface sediments were measured and analyzed in February, 1993. Organic carbon and nitrogen contents ranged from (average ) and from (average ), respectively. The highest contents with the average organic carbon and nitrogen were found in the eastern part of the southern coast, while the lowest contents with the average organic carbon and nitrogen in Kunsan coastal area covering from Kum river to Dongjin river. The principal component analysis using all measured data distinguished the western coast from the eastern part of the southern coast clearly according to organic matter contents, that is, the degree of eutrophication in the sediments. Pusan harbor and the mouth of Masan Bay had high C/N ratio that might be resulted from the input of terrestrial sewage and industrial wastewater. A high concentration of total sulphide distinguished the surface sediment of Masan Bay from that of other areas.