This study identifies the impact of river sediments on coastal ecosystems in the southwestern coastal region of Korea. Surface sediments were analyzed for their spatial distributions of organic matter, nutrients, and heavy metal concentrations. Furthermore, pollutants were identified according to the pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (RI). Concentrations did not show serious pollution levels compared to generalized guidelines; however, some sites exceeded the PLI pollution standard, and were also identified as potential ecological risks. Through cluster analyses the sediment sites were classified into three groups: rivers with relatively high concentrations of organic matter and nutrients, rivers affected largely by artificial heavy metal pollution, and rivers with low levels of pollution by organic matter, nutrients, and heavy metals. It is evident that continuous monitoring and management are required to prevent major pollution from industrial complexes, agriculture, and commercial activities in the regions near these rivers.

这项研究确定了河水沉积物对韩国西南沿海地区沿海生态系统的影响。分析了地表沉积物的有机物，养分和重金属浓度的空间分布。此外，根据污染负荷指数（PLI）和潜在生态风险指数（RI）识别污染物。与一般准则相比，浓度没有显示出严重的污染水平；但是，有些场地超过了PLI污染标准，也被确定为潜在的生态风险。通过聚类分析，将沉积物位点分为三类：有机质和养分含量相对较高的河流，受人工重金属污染影响较大的河流，有机质，养分，土壤污染程度较低的河流，和重金属。显然，需要持续的监测和管理，以防止这些河流附近地区的工业园区，农业和商业活动造成重大污染。