Hiding in plain sight: Uncovering the hidden diversity of Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in the Republic of Korea using DNA barcoding data.

Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are vectors of livestock diseases, including bluetongue, Akabane, and African horse sickness. Accurate species identification is a crucial first step in effective vector management.

Seasonal variation of groundwater quality and potential risks in U-bearing formations revealed from hydrogeological-microbiological investigation.

This study investigates the influence of hydrological and microbial conditions on uranium (U) mobility, water quality, and associated health risks in U-bearing formations near a lake in South Korea. Since 2021, natural analogue studies have been conducted to ensure the safety of geological disposal of spent nuclear fuels. The study site experiences two distinct seasons: dry and wet.

Checklist for the insect fauna of two East Sea Islands (Ulleungdo Is. and Dokdo Is.) in the Republic of Korea.

Background: Ulleungdo and Dokdo, located in the East Sea, are volcanic islands with high ecological value due to their unique biodiversity. Although research on the insect fauna on these two Islands has been conducted from the early 19 century to recent times, limitations exist due to several issues, including misidentifications and historical errors. This study addresses these issues by conducting a comprehensive insect survey from 2020 to 2023, re-identifying misidentified specimens and compiling references to create an updated and accurate checklist of insect species for Ulleungdo and Dokdo.

Wing geometric morphometrics and COI barcoding of Culex pipiens subgroup in the Republic of Korea.

Two members of the Culex pipiens subgroup, Culex pallens and Culex pipiens f. molestus, are known to occur in the Republic of Korea (ROK). These species exhibit morphologically similar features and are challenging to distinguish below the species level.

Distribution and frequency of ace-1 and kdr mutations of Culex pipiens subgroup in the Republic of Korea.

Mosquitoes in the Culex pipiens subgroup are the primary vectors of the West Nile virus. Two members, Culex pallens and Culex pipiens f. molestus, are present in the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Identifying the origin and fate of dissolved U in the Boeun aquifer based on microbial signatures and C, O, Fe, S, and U isotopes.

The uranium inventory in the Boeun aquifer is situated near an artificial reservoir (40-70 m apart) intended to supply water to nearby cities. However, toxic radionuclides can enter the reservoir. To determine the U mobility in the system, we analyzed groundwater and fracture-filling materials (FFMs) for environmental tracers, including microbial signatures, redox-sensitive elements and isotopes.

Potential of indigenous bacteria driven U(VI) reduction under relevant deep geological repository (DGR) conditions.

Understanding the biogeochemical U redox processes is crucial for controlling U mobility and toxicity under conditions relevant to deep geological repositories (DGRs). In this study, we examined the microbial reduction of aqueous hexavalent uranium U(VI) [U(VI)] by indigenous bacteria in U-contaminated groundwater. Three indigenous bacteria obtained from granitic groundwater at depths of 44-60 m (S1), 92-116 m (S2), and 234-244 m (S3) were used in U(VI) bioreduction experiments.

Larvicidal Activity of Methyl Benzoate, a Volatile Organic Compound, Against the Mosquitoes Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae).

Methyl benzoate (MBe) is a volatile organic molecule found in various plants; it is used as an insect semiochemical. MBe also has a biorational insecticidal effect against various agricultural and urban arthropod pests. The present study was the first to assess the larvicidal potential of MBe against fourth-instar larvae of the mosquitoes Aedes albopictus (Skuse) and Culex pipiens (L.

A multiplex PCR assay for six Aedini species, including Aedes albopictus.

Background: Mosquitoes, as vectors of various human pathogens, are significant drivers of serious human illness. In particular, those species in the Aedini tribe, which typically transmit dengue virus, Chikungunya fever virus, and Zika virus, are increasing their range because of climate change and international commerce. In order to evaluate the risk of disease transmission, accurate mosquito species identification and monitoring are needed.

Multiplex PCR assay for the identification of eight Anopheles species belonging to the Hyrcanus, Barbirostris and Lindesayi groups.

Background: Genus Anopheles mosquitoes are the primary vectors of human malaria, which is a serious threat to public health worldwide. To reduce the spread of malaria and identify the malaria infection rates in mosquitoes, accurate species identification is needed. Malaria re-emerged in 1993 in the Republic of Korea (ROK), with numbers peaking in 2004 before decreasing to current levels.

The Insect database in Dokdo, Korea: An updated version in 2020.

Background: Dokdo, a group of islands near the East Coast of South Korea, comprises 89 small islands. These volcanic islands were created by an eruption that also led to the formation of the Ulleungdo Islands (located in the East Sea), which are approximately 87.525 km away from Dokdo.

Uranium sequestration in fracture filling materials from fractured granite aquifers.

The migration of the uranium (U) in high-level radioactive waste that is held in deep geological repositories via fractures in deep granite aquifers is a serious safety concern, thus, this study investigates the effect of fracture filling materials designed to mitigate these concerns. Geochemical analysis was conducted on granite rock core and groundwater samples collected from boreholes located in granite areas. Sequential extraction tests on fracture filling material (FFM) samples were also conducted.

Chlorite alteration in aqueous solutions and uranium removal by altered chlorite.

Chlorite alteration and the U removal capacity of altered chlorite were investigated. Batch kinetic dissolution tests using clinochlore CCa-2 were conducted for 60days in aqueous solutions of various pHs and ionic strengths. Batch sorption tests using these altered chlorite samples were conducted for 48h with natural groundwater containing 3.

A microfluidic approach to water-rock interactions using thin rock sections: Pb and U sorption onto thin shale and granite sections.

The feasibility of using microfluidic tests to investigate water-rock (mineral) interactions in fractures regarding sorption onto thin rock sections (i.e., shale and granite) of lead (Pb) and uranium (U) was evaluated using a synthetic PbCl solution and uranium-containing natural groundwater as fluids.

Effect of Cr(VI) concentration on gas and particle production during iron oxidation in aqueous solutions containing Cl ions.

Zero-valent iron (ZVI) is commonly used as a medium in permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) because of its high reducing ability. The generation of H gas in PRBs, however, can decrease the permeability of PRBs and reduce the contact area between the PRB and contaminated groundwater. This study investigated the effect of the initial Cr(VI) concentration ([Cr(VI)]) in aqueous solutions containing Cl ions on the generation of H gas.

Characterization of redox processes in shallow groundwater of Owens Dry Lake, California.

Redox status of shallow groundwaters (1-3 m depths) at Owens Dry Lake was studied to help guide mitigation efforts for attenuating dust generation from the dry lakebed. Redox conditions were characterized by Eh, oxidative capacity (OXC), and terminal electron accepting processes (TEAPs) as well as examining the energetics of TEAPs. Groundwater chemistry related to redox status was determined by major solute concentrations, dissolved gases (O2, H2, CH4), aqueous redox species (NO3, Mn2+, Fe2+/ Fe3+, SO4(2-)/HS-, DOC), and major redox sensitive components in the solid phase (extractable Fe/Mn).