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Offshore CO2 Sequestration and the Protection of the Marine Environment: Opportunities and Challenges in South Korea
No full textThis article examines the legal framework for offshore CO2 sequestration in South Korea, paying particular attention to how to ensure the protection of the marine environment from CO2 sequestration in sub-seabed geological formations. It analyses the relevant international regulatory framework, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the 1972 London Convention and the 1996 London Protocol. It then examines the Korean national legal framework relating to offshore CO2 sequestration. In the absence of detailed regulations on the process of CO2 sequestration in sub-seabed geological formations in South Korea, the article suggests detailed regulations regarding site selection, assessment of potential risks, monitoring and long-term liability to ensure environmental safety and security from offshore CO2 sequestration, which should comply with the 1996 Protocol and relevant guidelines. The development of detailed Korean national regulations ensuring compliance with international rules and standards could serve as best practices driving offshore CCS in the Asia-Pacific region. © The Author(s), 2025.33Nscopu
Quantification of phytoplankton groups using in-situ multi-excitation chlorophyll fluorescence measurements and machine learning (mf-ML)
No full textThis study introduces a novel framework for the high-resolution quantification of phytoplankton communities using machine learning, integrating in situ multi-excitation chlorophyll fluorescence data with traditional high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. The framework overcomes limitations of conventional sampling techniques by providing continuous, high-resolution profiling of phytoplankton distributions, capturing diel vertical migration (DVM) patterns, and analyzing responses to environmental factors such as irradiance and nutrient concentrations. The results from an XGBoost (Extreme Gradient Boosting)-based model demonstrated strong predictive accuracy across eight phytoplankton groups, effectively identifying complex nonlinear interactions that traditional methods struggle to resolve. Specifically, the model successfully traced DVM in dinoflagellates, offering insights into harmful algal bloom (HAB) dynamics. This study highlights multi-wave length excited fluorescence spectrometry as a cost-effective, accurate, and robust tool for monitoring phytoplankton distributions in situ, offering a significant advancement over remote sensing and discrete sampling techniques. By providing continuous monitoring of phytoplankton behavior and community structure, this approach can enhance the management of marine ecosystems, particularly in the context of HABs. Future work could expand this framework's applicability to other marine regions and phytoplankton communities, with the potential for real-time monitoring systems.11Nsciescopu
A Study on the Derivation of the Requirements of Underwater Space Platform
No full textIn response to ongoing climate change and evolving environmental conditions, this study proposes a underwater space platform to expand habitable areas for humanity. Underwater spaces are classified into four types based on spatial and energy independence. This research focuses on Type 2, characterized by full spatial independence while maintaining power and communication connections to land. The proposed underwater habitat maintains an internal pressure of 1 atmosphere and is designed to support five occupants for over 28 days. Key systems include air management, seawater desalination for potable and domestic water, and access chambers. The required internal volume was calculated to ensure habitability, and a pressure-resistant steel structure was designed to withstand deep-sea conditions.2
Meta-omics Analysis to identify the Role of Vibrio species in Aiding Feeding of the jellyfish Sanderia malayensis.
No full textMembers of the genus Vibrio are found in diverse marine environments, and are one of the most common bacteria found in seawater. Some species are known to be pathogens that can cause infections in various marine organisms. Vibrio is commonly found in the jellyfish microbiome, especially during jellyfish blooms. In this study, we conducted analyses to understand why Vibrio are abundant in jellyfish blooms. The microbial DNA, RNA and host RNA at each growth stages of Sanderia malayensis, a scyphozoan species, were analyzed. Through microbial taxon analysis, it was confirmed that the genus Vibrio was highly dominant at the polyp and strobila stages more than 90%, and decreased to approximately 50% in the ephyra stage. In addition, the expression level of chitinase genes in symbionts was at least 4-fold higher in the polyp and strobila stage and more than 99% of the expressed chitinase was derived from Vibrio species. At the same time, the expression level of host’s chitin binding domain (SCRASP1) was expressed approximately three times more in late ephyra and ten times more in early ephyra than in polyp and strobila stages. Scyphozoan that undergoes asexual reproduction may have difficulties in feed intake during strobilation . Finally, We confirmed that Vibrio species dominantly present in jellyfish microbiome help in the decomposition of feed during the strobilation stage of the host [Supported by Marine Biotics project (2021046, MOF)].1
남극해에서 BBNJ 협정과 남극조약체제의 적용
No full textBBNJ협정은 협정 제2부를 통해 해양유전자원을 규범하고 있으면서도 해양유전자원의 법적 속성을 구체적으로 정하고 있지 않다. 해양유전자원을 협약 제136조가 규정하는 “인류공동유산”으로 규정하지도 않았고, 공해자유의 한 부분으로 기술되지도 않은 상태다. 비록 BBNJ 협정 제7조의 일반원칙이 “인류공동유산 원칙, 공해상 해양과학조사의 자유, 기타 공해의 자유”의 접근 원칙을 따라야 한다고 규정하나, 이를 해양유전자원의 법적 속성을 규정한 것으로 볼 수는 없다. 성안 과정에서 선진국과 개도국의 입장을 반영하여 회피 혹은 두 입장을 반영한 것으로 해석되기도 하며, 이는 후속되는 준비위원회와 당사국 총회를 통해 구체적 규범을 확정해 나가야 하는 과제이기도 하다.2
Seasonal Variation in the Nutritional Profile of Ulva sp. collected in Jeju
No full textUlva sp. is a well-known green seaweed containing bioactive metabolites such as polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and carotenoids, making it a potential bioresource for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Recently, algal blooms have increased due to various environmental changes. However, Ulva sp. remains underutilized as a beneficial ingredient. Thus, fundamental research and biological efficacy evaluations of Ulva sp. are essential. This study evaluated the chemical composition and biological activities of 70% ethanol, hot water, and water extracts of Ulva sp. collected from Seongsan, Jeju Island, over a one-year period. Carbohydrate content was the highest among the proximate components of Ulva sp., while protein content was notably high in December 2023, January 2023, and February 2023. The study also assessed the antioxidant activities of Ulva sp. extracts, revealing potent activity in ethanol extracts from March 2023 and October 2023. These findings suggest that Ulva sp. extracts possess bioactive potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.22Nkc
Financial Analysis of Rural Fence-Type Solar Power Generation Projects
No full textSolar power systems are being installed and operated in diverse spaces to achieve net-zero goals and advance energy transitions. In rural areas, agrivoltaics—which combine agriculture with energy production—have the potential to enhance land-use efficiency and generate financial benefits. This study aims to conduct a financial feasibility analysis by establishing and operating a pilot site for rural fence-type solar power systems. The target areas were classified into coastal salt flats and inland rice paddies. Solar panels were installed with two directional alignments—southwest-northeast and southeast-northwest—to compare the operational conditions within the same area. The study analyzed the Profitability Index (PI), Net Present Value (NPV), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) using empirical data for one year from the pilot site. The results revealed that the PI ranged from 1.21 to 1.27, with the NPV amounting to approximately 54.3 million KRW per 100 kW and the IRR ranging from 8.40% to 9.43%, demonstrating financial viability. The findings of this study are expected to serve as foundational policy data for enhancing the adoption of solar power systems in South Korea, where mountainous terrain, high population, and building density limit the availability of suitable installation sites.22Nkc
Site-specific Differences in the Microbiome of Neolepas marisindica from Adjacent Vents on the Central Indian Ridge
No full textThe stalked barnacle Neolepas marisindica, endemic to the Central Indian Ridge (CIR), hosts microbiomes that have yet to be fully explored. In this study, we compared the bacterial communities and predicted functional potentials of specimens collected from two neighboring hydrothermal vent fields, Solitaire (Site A) and Onnuri (Site D). While Proteobacteria dominated at both sites, notable taxonomic and functional divergences were observed. Site D samples were characterized by a higher abundance of methanotrophic bacteria such as Methylobacter and Methylomicrobium. In contrast, sulfur-oxidizing groups like Thiotrichaceae prevailed at Site A. Alpha diversity tended to be
higher at Site D, though not significantly. Beta diversity analysis distinguished clear microbial community separation by site. Functional inference with PICRUSt2 indicated an enrichment of pathways related to oxidative phosphorylation, lipid processing, and secondary metabolite production in Site D, reflecting potential adaptation to methane-rich environments. LEfSe analysis corroborated these site-specific functional signatures. Collectively, our findings highlight a conserved core microbiome across sites with distinct local adaptations shaped by geochemical conditions in the deep-sea hydrothermal system.1
Valproic Acid Enhances the Anticancer Effect of L-Ascorbic Acid by Upregulating Sodium-Dependent Vitamin C Transporter 2 in Colorectal Cancer
No full textVitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid (AA), functions as a pro-oxidant in cancer at high doses and exerts anticancer effects by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and selectively inducing damage to cancer cells. However, AA at low doses promotes cancer cell proliferation. The efficacy of high-dose AA therapy is frequently restricted by inadequate intracellular AA uptake, resulting from low expression of sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2). In this study, we investigated whether valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, could circumvent this constraint by increasing the expression of SVCT2 in colorectal cancer cells, including HCT-116 and DLD-1 with low SVCT2 levels. We found that VPA increased SVCT2 expression in both cell lines. Co-treatment with AA and VPA increased the number of apoptotic cells and enhanced intracellular AA uptake via VPA-upregulated SVCT2, followed by increased ROS production in both cell lines. Furthermore, the combination increased the synergistic anticancer effects and suppressed the hormetic dose response of AA in both cell lines. In a xenograft mouse model, co-treatment decreased tumor size and increased the tumor growth inhibition ratio compared to treatment with AA or VPA alone. Accordingly, VPA treatment enhanced SVCT2 expression in colorectal cancer cells, suppressed the hormetic dose-response effect of AA, and improved the potential of high-dose AA therapy as an anticancer agent.11Ysciescopu
Co-occurrence patterns between Chlorophyta and nucleocytoplasmic large DNA virus in coastal ecosystem, South Korea
No full textNucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs) are known to infect phytoplankton and play a significant role in regulating their population dynamics. In this study, we aimed to investigate the co-occurrence patterns between phytoplankton and NCLDVs in the southern coastal ecosystem of South Korea. We collected seawater every month from March 2018 to December 2020 and analyzed the samples using Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I metabarcoding and metagenomic analyses. Chlorophyta (36.08%) was the most abundant eukaryotic taxon, with Bathycoccaceae (58.25%) and Mamiellaceae (41.51%) being the most dominant families within Chlorophyta. Bathycoccaceae was dominant in winter, whereas Mamiellaceae was dominant in summer. In the NCLDV community, Phycodnaviridae (75.12%) was found to be the major family. The co-occurrence pattern of Phycodnaviridae showed a high correlation with Bathycoccaceae and Mamiellaceae, which is explained by the “boom-and-bust” concept. In particular, we predicted co-occurrence patterns between Bathycoccus prasinos and Prasnovirus, with known infectious relationships, and confirmed co-occurrence patterns between B. prasinos and Coccolithovirus and Micromonas pusilla and Prymnesiovirus, with unknown infectious relationships. These co-occurrence patterns between Chlorophyta and Phycodnaviridae provide valuable insights into the control of pico-sized primary production and the microbial loop of the coastal ecosystem.1