Korea"s Lakes Are Being Strangled

A recent environmental survey painted a grim picture of the country's lakes and waterways. Numerous lakes, nationwide, were discovered to be suffering from eutrophication which occurs when abundant algae and other organisms decay causing a depletion of oxygen in shallow waters during the summer.
The lack of sufficient oxygen literally suffocates fish and other marine life.
The Korea Water Environment Scholar Society, on December 14, announced the results of a survey of 56 lakes.
The density of phosphorous in six lakes including Asan, Sapkyo, Kumgang Hagueun, Sihwa, Seo, and Shingalji exceeded 0.15 ppm: the high levels mean the water cannot be used for agricultural or industrial use. Additionally, the eutrophication criteria of 23 lakes went beyond 0.04 ppm which the OECD set as the limit for lakes.
An environment expert said, 'Eutrophic lakes stem from a build up of phosphorous and nitrogen. They can be harmful to the human body because they can contain poisonous material.' The Ministry of the Environment plans to investigate contamination levels of a further 90 lakes.