Distribution of Meiobenthic Arthropod Communities in the Hyporheic Zone of Nakdonggang

Abstract

The hyporheic zone refers to a region along the stream­ bed where there is an interaction between the surface stream water and ground water (Kim and Kang 2009). The hyporheic zone was initially defined as a discrete region by Orghidan (1959), and its ecological signifi­ cance was recognized by Schwoerbel (1961a). Since there is continuous interaction between surface water and ground water in a hyporheic zone, contamination or development of any one water body can affect the other, which, in turn, influences the ecosystem. Studies of the hyporheic zone are critical for the management of water resources, and it cannot be considered as an independent water source (Kim et al. 2008). Various biogeochemi­ cal processes occur in the hyporheic zone because of its unique spatial characteristics (Brunke and Gonser 1997; Storey et al. 1999; Chapelle 2001; Hancock 2002; Ap­ pelo and Postma 2005; Hyun et al. 2011). The hyporheic zone is a habitat of various living organisms and is con­ sidered to be an ecologically important zone (Kim et al. 2012). It causes substantial changes to biodiversity and population dynamics and becomes a shelter for organ­ isms during floods (NWMC 2004). Furthermore, since fluctuations in temperature occur less frequently in the hyporheic zone than in the surface water, it provides an optimal environment for organisms that are sensitive to temperature changes (Schwoerbel 1961b; Evans and Petts 1997). Further, the hyporheic zone has unique eco­ logical and environmental characteristics (Hyun and Kim 2013). The concept of sustainable development that can sat­ isfy the needs of both present and future generations has been widely used in various fields since “our common future” was published by the World Commission for Environment and Development (WCED) of the UN in 1987. Since then, interest in improving the sustainability of water resources and environment has increased world­ wide (Ewen and Parkin 1996; Bronstert et al. 2002; As­ selman et al. 2003; Chang 2003; Legesse et al. 2003; Lee and Chung 2007) and efforts are being made to maintain better quality of life (Kim 2013). Sustainable use of water requires the regulation of the interface of surface and Journal of Species Research 5(1):157­165, 2016